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:

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  Great Car - 2004 Infiniti I35
  By LouInSacra - March 26 - 10:00 am

  Bought 2003 I35 from dealer with 4k miles for 25k. I have only had a month but love the car. My only complaint is that I wish it were a little smoother on bumpy or uneven roads. I seem to have read that the OEM Bridgestone Turanza tires make the ride rougher than other tires. Otherwise, its a fun car to drive, plenty of power, relatively good mileage. I question whether I should have bought a G35 instead, for smoothness, but the consumer ratings seem to be better for the I35. No major complaints so far. Minor one, the sunroof seems noisey, especially on the freeway. Maybe a wind deflector would help?

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  Wow! Performance and Luxury all in one - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By John6373 - March 26 - 6:00 am

  This car really is an "underdog" when people first compare it to BMW, Lexus and other well known cars. But this car is fantastic! The Premium and Navigation Packages are a must when getting this car. The performace of this car is awesome. Its very fast and smooth at accelerating. I can get in and out of traffic when I need to. My favorite part of this car is the interior. Its very Modern but also has a luxury feel to it as well. The controls are very well laid out and look fantastic. I get so many looks in this car. I think its much more sporty looking than the Lexus and also the BMW. All I can sy is make sure you test drive one when comparing to BMW? Lexus and you will see what I mean.

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  Wonderful vehicle! - 2013 Infiniti JX
  By maxine13 - March 25 - 11:03 pm

  My husband was gracious enough to surprise me with the JX a month ago. The JX is amazing! The safety and technology features cannot be beat. I have been researching a new car for a year, from highest end to mediocre and truly feel the JX is the best value for your money. No, it is not the fastest at accelerating...but take it for what it is. It is a crossover/suv, not a sports car. Gas mileage has been about 19mpg. My husband has a supercharged Range Rover and wants to trade cars with me frequently!?

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  Great car for the money - 2002 Infiniti I35
  By npn888 - March 25 - 1:39 pm

  I bought a 2002 I35 with 157k miles. I have been driving it for a few months now. Im happy with car except for minor issues. The one I got is the sports base model and its kind low for me and turning raduis is worst than my G500 SUV. Im surprised with the acceleration and steering is very tight. Braking is also very good. For a 11 year old car with 157k thats awesome. Mileage is around 24 to 28 mpg. Bose system is the best part of the car. Its like listening to a high end system at home. Like any other car just make sure you get one that is well taken care of with no accidents etc.

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  Lexus Killer - 2002 Infiniti Q45
  By gman1 - March 25 - 3:26 am

  The 2002 Q45 is a great value for the money. It is several thousand dollars less than the lexus(dealers will give large cuts off sticker). You get lots of toys which include a central panel with a womens voice that talks to you. I have the base model. You can get a tighter suspension with the sport for a BMW feel. The 340hp engine has wonderful pick-up.

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  Car of the Future - 2006 Infiniti M45
  By Infiniti - March 24 - 2:50 pm

  Most comfortable and stylish car I ever owned. Performance is there every time you hit the accelerator. No need to take your eyes off the road because everything is voice activated, including blue tooth celluar phone service. Plush leather interior and 19" low profile tires. 14 speaker Bose sound system. Ive owned Buick, Pontaic, Chevrolet, Volkswagen, Oldsmobile, Plymouth, Caddilac, but this is the only car that Im still excited every day I get behind the wheel. The only thing that makes having this car more pleasurable is taking it back to Ray Catena for scheduled maintenance. They give you 5 star service and treatment.

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  A Thing of Beauty is a Joy Forever! - 2002 Infiniti QX4
  By dancindukes - March 23 - 2:00 am

  Traded an I-30 for this SUV. Absolutely the most luxurious vehicle I have ever owned. Test drove every possible alternative over a 2 month period. I guess I am just an Infiniti lover at heart. It handles like a car. I find no faults at all. MPG running about 18. Killer sound system. Great mirrors for clear view of the entire road. I know it will last for many years to come.

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  nicest car for the money - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By joedaddy - March 23 - 2:00 am

  this car is the best bang for the buck, i had a corvette before this and this is just as fun to drive!

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  Sedan from heaven - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By denzel - March 23 - 2:00 am

  Luxury and genuine performance keeps me from being at home. The power and style is awe inspiring.

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  Catch me if you can! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Catch Me - March 23 - 2:00 am

  Wow! This car is so great! As soon as I saw pictures I loved it! I drove it and it stole my heart! Ordered it for one month to be there and I couldnt wait. I checked every dealer searching for the car. Now that I have it I cannot stop driving it! I cannot believe you can get it loaded for under 40k. I would think maybe 45 or 50! Love this car to death!