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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  Not reliable - 1998 Infiniti I30
  By llola - December 3 - 11:55 am

  I bought this car about 5 years ago and have had nothing but problems. I bought it with about 110,000 miles on it and thought it was a great car after doing some research. The stereo is broken and the volume nob is worthless. The starter was replaced after it wouldnt start. The battery was then replaced after it wouldnt start again. I had to replace the alternator. All within the course of five years. The ABS (airbag) light started to blink a couple years ago and I cant figure out what the problem is. Recently it wont start. I had it checked by a mechanic & he searched the whole car and cant find the problem. Unreliable car! Too expensive!

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  Infiniti G35 - great car! - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By richiesmata - December 3 - 10:56 am

  Great looking vehicle. Plenty of uumphh, got the 18" wheels for the look to be complete. Modified the interior with genuine wood kit. Wow what a difference that added value and class to interior! Love the "roar" that Infiniti has for the engine. Only 1800 miles on it and cant wait to open it up after 2500 mi or so. Infiniti did a good job with quality and craftsmanship. NIce solid "thud" when doors are closed just like German cars. BMW watch out. I am sure the later models will be even more retro to compete with BMWs new look. Happy with the G35 for less money.

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  Unbeatable - 2002 Infiniti Q45
  By AlexP - December 3 - 5:50 am

  Infiniti really pulled it off this time. The last Q kind of left me cold, boring "anycar" styling, perfect for the old Caddy set. This is another beast altogether. It is fast first of all. The ride and balance of the car rivals anything BMW has to offer (I just sold my 740) and there nothing in the Lexus stable that can even come close the the zest this car offers to the driver. It is unstated yet elegant and did I mention that it was fast. The car is deceptive and I was horsing around one time around a curve where I295 dumps into I95 and realized I was doing 135 when it felt more like 75. Be careful with this car, did I mention that it was fast?

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  This car really moves! - 2002 Infiniti I35
  By Pauld - December 2 - 10:00 am

  Excellent vehicle, lots of power, very very comfortable on long rides, Im 62" and have no problem finding that great driving position. Classy looking vehicle. Im averaging 24 mpg and always get 32+ mpg on the highway at 70+ mph. Try getting that out of a 4 banger! This is just a great cruiser. So good that I even bought a G35 for the ultimate fun!

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  Glorious G35 - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Jetlanta - December 2 - 10:00 am

  Great car overall. Fun to drive, comfortable on long trips and nice exhaust note. Very disappointing fuel economy (16.5 overall) and interior material and build quality sub-par and aging faster than its 18k miles suggest. Exterior holds up very well, even in Northeast, where traction control does a great job in most conditions.

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  Fuel Consumption Lie - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By l;arry - December 2 - 10:00 am

  Overall, this is a great little machine. It really cooks. Great Drivetrain This car uses up a lot of fuel for a six cylinder. Sticker says low of 18 (combinded city and highway). I barely got over 15 1/2 mph with alot of highway driving.

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  The Beemer Beater - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Pauld - December 2 - 10:00 am

  What can I say - This is one great machine. I test drove extensively the following cars to be sure I got the right one for me. BMW 325i, 330i, Acura TL Type S, Mazda 6s, Honda Accord exlV6, Lexus GS300, IS300, Volvo s40 and a bunch more. Bottom line came down to a 330i or a G35. and for 11K more the beemer wasnt even close. Ive checked out all the lelectronic control devices and they work as advertised. The beemer trac ctrl was too invasive and the Acuras was absolutely horrible. For me the G35 is an experience that I havent had since my 75 Saab 99LE. What a blast it is to drive again after 20+ years of family mobiles.

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  Better Engineering than Comfort - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By bbqbrisket - December 2 - 10:00 am

  I hope they implement this AWD in the larger vehicles in the future. Tranny slips a little in auto-mode on low gears. Engine is a little on the noisy side. No power outlet in back seat area for kids to plugs games into. Power seats need to have a designated switch for "up" & "down" only. Ergonomically and awakard difficulty in closing trunk. Handle on the inside right. Most people have their keys in their right hand and would be pulling down with their left, if they could. But one still needs two hands to close it. Too much feel of road bumps.

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  Reliable AWD performance - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By carwhitton - December 2 - 10:00 am

  Great car. Very powerful but not as fast as the 2WD. Great exterior and great list of features. Interior is OK, could be improved with a little better quality of plastic/surface. Seats are really comfortable. NAV system is definitely a plus but hard to get, no idea why.

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  Love this car more than anything I have ever driven - 2009 Infiniti G37
  By 96lxi130k - December 1 - 6:33 pm

  Bought mine new in October 09 (with all packages) and absolutely love driving it. I bought the X thinking Id drive it in the winter and I have the last couple with no issues whatsoever. I love it so much Im buying a crossover SUV so I can keep it in the garage this winter. Braking is great, the ride is extremely comfortable and it looks amazing. I get comments on it everywhere I go. I would buy this car again and then some.