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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  Whats not to like? - 2003 Infiniti M45
  By barcou - December 9 - 2:13 pm

  Bought a used, loaded, black 2003 M45 and it is as perfect as I think a car can get. Matter of taste of course, but I think it looks great (esp. from rear 3/4 angle). Drive is tight and sporty but not harsh. Feels a lot lighter on its feet than it should -- very planted though. Has that rare car appeal since you dont see very many on the road. The odd stare once in a while. Reliability not an issue, unlike my 325i. All in all, just about perfect. Only gripe is when radar lens cover gets gummed up (I live in Calgary, Alberta), it shuts down cruise control altogether.

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  Great car. Had a few warranty repairs - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By viper077 - December 8 - 2:11 pm

  2 major repairs that dealerships could never duplicate. Repaired by Infiniti of Marietta, Ga Repair @85k miles (Noticeable around 54k miles): Problem: Transmission jerked after shifting into 3rd gear [Between 25-30 mph]. Solution: Value body assembly inside transmission replaced. Failure in valve body pressures caused shutter. Parts: Value Assy Control (31705-jk60e); Gasket Oil Pan (31397-90X00); Matic S Auto Transmi (999MP-MTS00P) Repair @ 96k miles (Noticeable around 85k miles) Problem: While in drive & sitting @ a red light, the idle would drop & raise. Solution: Throttle body. Parts: Chamber Assy Throttl (16119-JK20C), Chamber Assy Throttl (16119-JK20D), Gasket Adapter (16175-jk21A)

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  3 years still like new - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By chebella82 - December 8 - 9:43 am

  Had my G35 for almost 3 years and its still the same as when I drove it home new - absolutely no problems of any kind, but then it only has 30k miles on it. Just got new tires after 27k miles. I have every available package and option except navigation. Love the 19 inch wheels and sunroof, and tiptronic transmission is fun, but glad to change back to regular automatic mode once I get in traffic. 22-23 mpg consistently, and I drive like a bat outta hell!

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  It spoils you. - 2001 Infiniti I30
  By WWMike - December 7 - 2:00 am

  This is my 3rd. Infiniti, and I must say Im spoiled. Quality and service far exceed my Acura and Oddessey during the same period, and I will stick with Infiniti for good. Resale is better than reported. My first 2 held their value remarkably. Niec to get another Infiniti to drive even when I go in for an oil change, its worth every penny if you value your time. Never get thos recalls that Honda issues weekly on the Oddessey.

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  Unimpressed - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By jcc2007 - December 5 - 11:23 pm

  My G35 RWD has auto tranny, premium pkg, but not the sport pkg. The car has been quite reliable. I like the supple ride, Bose stereo and Bluetooth feature. The keyless feature is a gimmick. If you drive it like a luxury car, it performs pretty well. However, if you want to drive it like the sports sedan as it claims to be, you may be disappointed like I am. The engine is loud and severely lacks low end torque, and the auto tranny is slow and jerky (among the worst Ive experienced). Combined with slow (yet heavy) steering, soft suspension and crappy tires, the car is very unsatisfying to drive. On top of that, the gas mileage has been consistently worse than that of our mid-size SUV.

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  Best Luxury Value - 1999 Infiniti I30
  By Fred Garvin - December 5 - 10:00 am

  If youve always loved the Maxima, but always thought something was missing...this is the car for you! Its got the power, the performance, and the reliability that makes the Max such a great car....but it looks more refined, its more comfortable, its got a bit more class, the warranty & dealer service is much better and its got a few nice "suprise" features that will make you smile everytime. I wouldnt buy it new, but its an absolute value used!

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  I am so happy with my G-35!!!! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By GolferNate72 - December 5 - 10:00 am

  After almost settling for a G-35 that didnt have my options on it, sticking with it and finally finding my Silver with prem, wood, sunroof, willow interior, winter, and xenon lights I am so happy with it! It is an awesome car and look forward to tuns of fun.

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  Undercover Power - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Vungee02 - December 5 - 10:00 am

  This car is worth 45,000 if it is worth a dime. I cannot believe that they are selling for 30,000. It is a monster on the road, but yet the styling is such that you would never know to look at it what it was capable of. It is understated yet crisp and strong looking. This is the funnest car to drive that I have ever been in, the power is incredible (especially when in manual mode), the handling superb. Buy this car now.

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  1 yr of owning - 2001 Infiniti I30
  By yjmontreal - December 5 - 1:53 am

  purchased 1 yr ago at 117,000km. now at 130,000km. had to replace alternator. CEL comes on and off telling O2 sensor is bad. car pulls good when you floor it but during normal throttle, car feels heavy and big. turning circle is very big. fuel economy isnt great. regular can be used but premium recommended. Very good on highway cruising. long list of options but the material quality isnt up to acura/lexus. doesnt have MIST wiper operation that sweeps only once (even civic has this feature). need to turn on the wiper and turn off for occational wiper sweep. Trunk space is HUGE. interior space is HUGE as well. Standard HID is good but need more brightness.

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  Love this car!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2000 Infiniti G20
  By klownn - December 3 - 3:59 pm

  I love this car. My husband bought if for me brand new in 2000. The g20 sedan is a great car. Needed a new alternator about 3 years ago and got new hoses about 2 years ago. but nothing major just regular wear and tear. Ive got over 160,000 miles and still going strong. I would never, never, never trade or sell my car. I am very happy and loves the way it drives. I also enjoy the compiments by the way the color is Autumn Bronze........ ps please be religious on the maintenance of your car... thank you Sewell Infiniti..........