Overview & Reviews

Infiniti is an upscale automaker from Japan. Though most of its products are related to those sold by parent company Nissan, Infiniti looks to achieve a premium status by infusing its cars and SUVs with spirited performance and additional luxury content.

The brand was launched for the 1990 model year. Its purpose back then, as it is now, was to create premium vehicles for America that wouldn't have otherwise fit in with Nissan's more mainstream image. This was the same tactic Honda used for the creation of Acura, and Toyota for Lexus. In its first full year, Infiniti started out with two vehicles, the Q45 sedan and the M30 coupe and convertible. The compact, entry-level G20 was introduced soon after.

As the 1990s moved along, Infiniti slowly added more vehicles to its lineup. The Q45 luxury sport sedan found its market. The car's 278-horsepower V8 was class-leading in its day. On top of that, the Q45 offered cutting-edge technology such as an active suspension system. By the late '90s Infiniti had rolled out the QX4, an SUV based on the Pathfinder. The sport-ute's truck platform gave it a leg up in off-road performance relative to competing car-based SUVs.

Although Infiniti's sales grew steadily, the marque still fell short of both Lexus and Acura in terms of popularity. The early 2000s saw Infiniti making a determined effort to sharpen its focus and upgrade its products. But it was the introduction of the entry-level, midsize G35 in 2003 that finally gave Infiniti the boost and identity direction it sorely needed. Based on the same platform underpinning the Nissan 350Z, the G35 coupe and sedan met with immediate sales success. The FX35/FX45 soon followed -- a crossover SUV that provided spirited acceleration and sports-car handling with the utility of a wagon.

Today, Infiniti's lineup has expanded to include the G (now a sedan, coupe and convertible) and FX as well as the midsize M sedan, the EX small crossover SUV, the JX midsize crossover SUV and the QX large SUV. Infiniti has also introduced the M Hybrid sedan, its first hybrid vehicle. No matter the model, shoppers will find Infiniti's latest vehicles to be focused on luxury, sport, quality and value.

User Reviews:

• 

  Great Combination of Fun and Comfort - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By jt4404 - May 20 - 3:56 am

  I have just finished my first 1000 miles with the G35-S, and I have nothing but positive things to say about the car. I was looking for something a little sportier than my Lexus E330, but, since I drive a lot, I also wanted a more comfortable ride than what a typical sports coupe had to offer. This car delivers the best of both worlds, delivering a quiet, comfortable ride even with the "sports" suspension, while being responsive and powerful enough to provide the fun and excitement of a sports car. And, by the way, very reasonably priced when compared to BMW, the Lexus G series, and other competitors in this class. Highly recommended.

• 

  My first real investment pays off... - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By ebbandblow - May 19 - 9:09 pm

  First of all, WOW. This car captured my eye from the moment I spotted it during my search for the best car in my price range. At first what really got me into it was its stock 306hp V-6! And good thing because if it were not for it having a more powerful engine than the Acura TL Type S, I would have never even considered this car as an option. Now moving onto the inside (where I really fell in love with the car) you see a gorgeous speed/tach gauge setup with a barrage of buttons all with the perfect touch of accent lighting. Not to mention just about any tech feature you can fit into a sport sedan (even if you dont opt for the tech. package.) Continued below

• 

  QX4 not perfect either (with Jeep notes) - 2002 Infiniti QX4
  By DanQX4 - May 19 - 10:00 am

  Also looked at Jeep, Yukon, Envoy. All were nice. Picked the QX4 over new Jeep/others due to expected durability. QX4 had problems I didnt expect. The day of delivery I noticed ALL MODE 4x4 got a faint vibration and hum above 30mph noticable only on smooth asphalt highways. Front drive shaft U-joint was bad. The roof rack makes a loud whistle. Feels more cramped than Jeep. I would NOT pay retail for a QX4. I got $6000 off sticker and 3-yr, 1% financing. Take a long drive before signing on the dotted line. Try everything. There should be no change in ride when switching to All Mode from 2WD mode. Gas consumption worse than Jeeps 5.2LV8.

• 

  Very Sweet - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By aero2law - May 18 - 7:26 am

  I bought my coupe last month with all the bells and whistles. The cars a dream to drive, and it turns heads. As an engineer myself, I have a special appreciation for the challenges associated with successfully blending form and substance. Infinitis designers have achieved a wonderful balance between the cars appearance and performance. I was originally considering the BMW330i; but a test drive of both cars, along with the G35s appearance won me over to the G35. The slight difference in price of the two cars was not a factor in my decision.

• 

  Love My M45 - 2004 Infiniti M45
  By JoeK - May 15 - 10:00 am

  Whats not to like - 120 more hp than the BMW 530 and 40 more hp than the Lexus GS 430. Plus the car has a longer wheel base giving it a smother ride. Last but not least, the stereo system is about 100+/- watts more than the cars the M45s class and is equipped with Bose speakers. There just too many details to go into - 18 inch wheels, nav system, price, Infinity customer service....

• 

  IN LOVE WITH THE G35 - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Tamer - May 15 - 10:00 am

  Love everythig about it

• 

  Infiniti 01 - 2001 Infiniti Q45
  By J. D. Standeffer - May 12 - 2:20 am

  This car has tremendous power and handling. I did find the navigation system did not have newer roads on it, but it is generally accurate within 100 feet and many times within 10 feet. I have a bad back, and yet I find the seats to be comfortable. There are more features than most newer luxury vehicles. Fun to drive.

• 

  Brake Eater - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By BayouDriver - May 11 - 11:36 pm

  This car is fun to drive, great on long trips as well as short. It also looks great and Ive run across several Mercedes owners who looked at both and wished they had bought the G35 Sedan instead. You certainly dont have to worry about having enough power and acceleration for two- lane driving or Interstate maneuvering. But, it does have some maintenance issues that need to be addressed by Infiniti/Nissan relative to their brake wear. I had a Nissan Pathfinder that has brake issues, particularly front and this car eats brakes as well.

• 

  Time to let go - 2000 Infiniti I30
  By AMH - May 8 - 9:16 am

  Bought new and, even though I am not a "car" person, thought it was the best looking car I had ever seen. It has not cost me anything more than batteries or tires in all of its years. Under warranty the moon roof needed repair and one of the catalytic converters (SES) needed replacement. However, the car now has 97K and has needed a new radiator and another catalytic converter (there are 4), has developed a transmission leak, needs a new starter and the AC has stopped working (all in 2 months!!!). I really like this car but it is time to move on...

• 

  I shouldve kept my Bimmer...bummer... - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By David Durham - May 7 - 8:10 am

  I was so excited when I got this car and I loved it for about the first 7000 miles. Then the tires were shot due to Infiniti/Nissans issues with the front end of the G35/350Z. I was assured it was an alignment problem and had that reset and 4 new tires put on to the tune of about $1600. Well, I made it about 12000 miles on these until the inside of the front tires were nearly shot again. They had now been swapped to opposite rims in the hopes they will make it until I can trade this thing in. Oh and I just found out I need new brakes and two new rotors and I just hit 30000 miles. What!?! I am not a "spirited" driver in this thing at all. It is fun to drive the G, but it will cost you!