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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  one awesome car for the price - 2004 Infiniti Q45
  By zigman - August 30 - 2:00 am

  The dealership was exceptional, they didint play games and were very professional!

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  2005 Infiniti G35 6MT review - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By wink0101 - August 29 - 4:00 pm

  Had my G35 for 3 years - overall an awesome car. Very sporty, fun to drive, great power. Very reliable, never needed repairs - just usual maintenance stuff. I live in MN and got a set of winter tires and changed them out each season. It handled relatively well for RWD - never slid off the road or got stuck. Getting 20-21 mpg mixed city/hwy. Needs premium fuel, but have been using mid-grade stuff due to cost w/o problems. Will be gettting a different vehicle now that my lease is up only because I have 2 dogs that love to travel with me and need more room - otherwise would probably trade up to newer model if issues listed below have been improved.

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  Q45 Drive - 2002 Infiniti Q45
  By - August 28 - 10:00 am

  My Q45 is a blast to drive. I have a car with the premium package with the Intelligent Cruise Control. For a large car, it handles exceptionally well. its fast, quiet and solid. My Q has just about every option and is still a better value than a comparably equipped BMW 745i, Lexus LS 430 or Mercedes S 430. For value, reliability and overall driveability I will pick the Q every time. Terry Fobbs

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  Just one glitch - 2004 Infiniti I35
  By Paul - August 25 - 2:23 pm

  I purchased this car, my 3rd Infiniti, to get one of the last front drive models because I live in snow country. Compared to my 1997 I30, this car has better seats, more power and sharper handling with the 17 inch wheels. Theres only one glitch so far - an irritating rattle in the dash when going over expansion strips or sharp bumps. Other than that its clear that Infiniti seriously believes in the concept of continuous improvement. For the same money as my 97, I have a much more substantial car with more features, better quality, better safety and some serious grunt off the line. Plus you can count on it being reliable - and reliability is the truest luxury of all. This is a good car.

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  The Most Superior of all SUVs - 2004 Infiniti QX56
  By EriNor1 - August 25 - 10:00 am

  Weve had our QX56 since it hit the market in March and we wouldnt trade it in for the world. We previously owned the Chrysler Pacifica, but after seeing the QX56, there was no comparison. We immediately traded in our 10 month old Pacifica. Infiniti didn miss a beat in making this truck. By far, the QX56 is the most superior SUV around.

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  BMW to G37 Coupe, What a Great Decision! - 2008 Infiniti G37
  By Mark - August 24 - 6:00 pm

  I just recently purchased the G37 coupe and I am enjoying every minute I am in the car. Prior to the G37 coupe I was driving the BMW 525i and prior to that the BMW 325i and I can tell you that the G37 coupe is more fun to drive and has more options than the comparable BMW for considerably less money. The power and sound of the 330 horsepower engine is awsome. The interior is luxurious and sporty and all of the controls are easy to use and well placed. Any person looking for a new coupe needs to consider the G37 because I believe you will be pleasently surprised that you will get so much car in this market segment for the price.

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  Very satisfied - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Dave_PA - August 23 - 10:20 pm

  Great acceleration, excellent trans - best auto-manual Ive tried, sweet handling. It makes my long commute very comfortable. Ive read complaints about poor gas mileage, but Im getting 24 mpg in mixed city/hwy after only 2k miles (usually mpg goes up a bit after break in). Also seen complaints about touchy brakes, mine are sensitive but I quickly adjusted. Excellent value for the $!

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  Luxury AND Excellent Customer Service - 2005 Infiniti QX56
  By Amy - August 23 - 3:20 am

  This is a beautiful and luxurious SUV that fits the needs of a large family without compromising on style or luxury. Infinitis customer service is bar NONE. You will LOVE this car!

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  fast and luxurious - 2006 Infiniti M45
  By amy agnoli - August 22 - 10:03 pm

  This car is an absolute pleasure to drive. The interior is very luxurious and the navigation system is very easy to use. I have had the 5 series BMW and I prefer this car for reliability, and interior comfort, (and the cup holders dont break!!!) Additionally, it has a very sporty, responsive feel that equals the bmw. I love it.

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  Fantastic - 2011 Infiniti QX56
  By HighGear - August 20 - 6:36 am

  For the price, build quality, and performance, this vehicle blows away the competition. Interior in simply loaded with amenities, which are well positioned and easy to use. Drivetrain is equally impressive. I disagree with editors review-I think the ride quality is great My biggest complaint is the lack of a removable center console or sliding second row seats for easier entry into the 3rd row. 2nd row seats flip forward, but if you have car seats installed in both captains chairs, the 3rd row cannot be accessed without climbing through the back hatch or over the console. The console is held in place by 4 screws and metal tabs which can be removed, leaving 4 small slits in the carpet.