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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  A nice alternative to SUVs - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By St. Louis - April 13 - 2:00 am

  We bought our G35 with AWD in December, 03. Winter has brought our area a fair amount of ice and snow. In addition, we have quite a steep driveway. This G35 AWD sedan has exceeded my expectations in the handling with the winter snow/ice conditions of this area. I drove a Lexus LX470 prior to this sedan and I can say that this little sedan holds its own against our SUV. Besides the winter handling, it is a fun car to drive and very attractive. We love this car. I also like the radio controls that are on the steering wheel also, this is a great safety feature.

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  One more thing to make this car solid - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By earny - April 12 - 11:00 pm

  I had the tough decision to choose between a TL and G35 sedan. Hands down the G35 is a performance oriented car and is much more fun to drive than the TL. The sport shift in the G35 is more quick to respond while the TL is basically an automatic even with the sport shift. Sound system is great when listening to CDs. Only thing I ask is better gas mileage and maybe a 6th gear to achieve the better gas mileage.

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  Awesome Car - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By Chris from Toronto - April 12 - 10:10 pm

  This is a comfortable, powerful sedan. It is great in all driving conditions. Unbelievable Bose stereo system with super base response. Great exhaust note. Super fun to drive. Great air conditioning system with dual zone. Great heated seats. Nice layout, comfortable seats. The entire control panel moves with the steering wheel adjustment - cool! Two negatives would be the poor mpg as already mentioned and less than stellar brake and tire life. Also the rubberized paint on the interior arm rests tends to scratch a bit. Could also use a bit more interior storage cubbyholes. Exterior paint is a bit soft. Car also requires Premium Gas so get ready to pay up for the privilege of driving this car.

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  Buyers Remorse.... - 2014 Infiniti Q50
  By andrew714 - April 12 - 4:18 pm

  This is one of the biggest mistake ever. Not only did OC Infiniti ripped me off, they sold me a lemon. First and foremost, this car stinks. From the AC to the dead body order coming from the sunroof. Apparently there is a TSB for the smell. Havent taken the car in yet. This will be the 3rd time Ive taken the car to the Dealership for the smell. The first 2 times was a waste of time. 2nd, the car gets horrible MPGs. Im avg 15mpg city driving. The steering wheel uses "remote control steering" technology. And it feels exactly like it sounds. Ever played with a remove control car from the 99 cent store? The steering wheel control in this 50k car has the same feel. CRAP!

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  OK for a second car - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Don Paluh - April 12 - 2:20 pm

  I got played by the dealer, so I started with a negative attitude. I had several intermittent electrical problems which were never fixed despite several trips to the dealer. For the exceptionally stiff ride and cramped quarters, it doesnt handle any better than my VW Passat. Roll down the window in the rain and get soaked, and the wipers seem to leave a constant puddle on the windshield right in front of my field of view. Fuel economy is well below claims, even if you dont get into it. Cow-catcher front end scrapes most speed bumps and driveway aprons. The rating number is actually going to come out high because of the actual rating questions do not cover any of the problem areas.

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  An Oldie but Goodie - 2013 Infiniti G Sedan
  By Mike H. - April 12 - 6:14 am

  I purchased this 2013 Infinity G37x used with 29,000 miles. It is one of the best cars Ive ever owned. This car is everything the other reviewers have positively stated. This vehicle is classified as "near-luxury" and lives up to this. Nice power from the 3.7L engine, smooth transmission, great ride, exceptional interior materials, very logical controls and nice interior displays. Handling and braking are exceptional also. This vehicle does use premium gas, but with everything said, I found this not to be a negative. This is one great car!

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  Great car - 2008 Infiniti G37
  By joedac - April 10 - 10:53 pm

  Nothing bad to say about this car. Great looks, great inside and out. Would buy another in a heartbeat.

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  Shake, Rattle and Rattle - 2005 Infiniti QX56
  By Larry Foles - April 10 - 5:23 am

  This car has a great drive train but rides rough, rattles and the wheels vibrate like crazy. The dealership says it was design so tight that you will feel more of the road. If the road is not a good road then you will feel it in the steering wheel. Im trying to get them to satisfy me but not getting anywhere. This car needs work.

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  Not thrilling but nice - 2013 Infiniti JX
  By mike997 - April 9 - 3:55 pm

  We did a lot of research before deciding on the JX and we have been driving it for about 3 weeks. We are leasing it so this review is based upon a fully loaded model (every package, MSRP was $58k). I will say it is a perfect, flat-land cruiser for mom. I love the interior design and appointments. The exterior, i think, is the most flaterring - GMC, Acura, Honda & Toyota all just look the same; the JX has style. We live in moderate hills in the SF Bay Area and the JX really stinks on the gas milage - we avg 14 mpg. Also backing up the driveway is very sluggish, must be the CVT. My wife says "its just not peppy and seems sluggish" however once on the flats its fine.

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  Great car, will buy again! - 2002 Infiniti I35
  By rreid2774 - April 9 - 10:00 am

  We have owned this car for 2 years now and have had absoloutely no problems. It is a fun car to drive and a great family car with a sporty feel. Would highly recommend! Just a note: Recommends midgrade fuel and while this costs more, we have noticed about 2-5 mpg difference vs. regular fuel.