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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  Infiniti, Underrated Luxury Car - 1998 Infiniti Q45
  By Rod J - November 17 - 2:00 am

  This is what a luxury car should be. It is very well laid out in the interior, exterior is superb, and its just plain fun to drive. This car is perfect for the highway, it accellerates very well and you can barely feel the transmission shift. Feels comfortable at all speeds... Doesnt get as much respect as others in its class, but it should!!!!

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  Incredible Car - 2003 Infiniti M45
  By gregor500 - November 17 - 2:00 am

  The drive is incredible and the price in the relation to the power gives it gives you makes you look silly to buy and e class or 5 series.

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  Exceeding Expectations - 2003 Infiniti I35
  By dtrees - November 17 - 2:00 am

  A real value compared to the ACURA TL - this has more standard features. Braking and acceleration are excellent. Dashboard was well thought out. Comfort all around.

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  Value in class - 2002 Infiniti I35
  By nowino - November 17 - 2:00 am

  Second "I" car. Still have 96 I-30 w/76,000 mi and minimal repairs, but lots of fun and good mileage (29-30 mpg on hwy.) New I-35 bought over Lexus ES 300 because of power. Traded 93 Lexus ES 300. Both dealers excellent. This car has everything I want and need. Two relatively minor complaints. Wide turning circle, 2.5 ft wider than Lexus LS 430. And less than supple ride, harsh at times even with standard 17 inch wheels??? Can live with these and probably will for 75-100,000 miles.

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  luv my G - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Wrongway - November 17 - 2:00 am

  I have driven my G-35 for 3 months and am really pleased the my purchase. Only complaint is the seat controls. great idea but it is in the way for me!!!!

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  Beautiful, reliable, sports GT... - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Joseph - November 14 - 10:50 am

  I purchased this car in July of 2010 and have not regretted it for a single moment. I chose a diamond graphite coupe, 6MT revup, with black leather interior. I wanted a sports coupe that provided a sense of luxury and performance without breaking the bank. When I purchased this car I was considering one of my long time favorites; the BMW E46 M3, along with the G37 coupe, and BMW 335i coupe. Though I knew both BMWs were better performers, I decided against them after extensive research that showed I would likely experience expensive regular maintenance and frequent, costly repairs. The G37 was also faster and had an upgraded, nicer interior, but the exterior left something to be desired for my taste. This car is extremely reliable, low cost maintenance, and loads of fun. I literally look forward to driving it every day. The G35 coupe is truly a beautiful car with a timeless design and I get compliments on it all the time from tuners, luxury car owners, to casual, young and old. I would argue it is one of Infinitis best exterior designs. Concerning maintenance costs, this car has been great. I purchased it with 50k on the odometer and with it being a daily driver, it now has 166k on the odometer. My most expensive repairs have been replacing the clutch / flywheel at 150k and the power steering pump shortly after; both for under 2k... thats it! I had to replace the steering wheel clock spring and did it myself for around $50 dollars. (Used part) PROS... APPEARANCE - now this is of course completely based on ones preference, but I think this car is beautiful... and based on the feedback I get on almost a daily basis, the G35 is an aesthetically pleasing design, even by todays standards. It still holds its own next to the newest designs. It was truly innovative and groundbreaking at its debue and it still shows today with the timeless, classic lines, defining its motif. PERFORMANCE - fun, fun, fun... Strong, responsive engine. With 298hp it is not the fastest out there but still a competitive performer. This particular engine is shared with the 35th anniversary 350Z 300hp engine. The only difference in the intake assembly making a difference of about 2hp. With the 350Z Z tube you get to the even 300hp mark. SOUND - the exhuast note is glorious (almost exotic) and coveted by many car enthusiasts. One of the best 6 cylinder exhaust notes around, especially in this price range. Most are either too raspy, high pitched or simply unheard. I get thumbs up all the time for the Gs unique, tonal qualities. Pure bliss... RELIABILITY - The engine still runs like new and doesnt miss a beat. It does burn a little oil... about 1 quart every 3-5k between oil change intervals. PRACTICALITY - Great, especially considering it is a coupe. I have a 16 month old and a 3 month old and I can get them both in the back seat. (One forward facing and one rear facing child seat) with plenty of room for myslef at 6ft. Trunk space is actually decent and the rear seats let down for larger items. Headroom is good up front, but the back not so much for taller passengers. CONS... RIDE COMFORT - dont expect a Cadillac /Benz plush ride. With the low stanced Nismo-tuned sport suspension, this car has a firm ride no doubt. I dont mind it much, but my wife and other passengers have stated it is less than desireable. It is smooth on the open highway, but does not absorb bumps and potholes well as you would expect from a luxury car. It is slightly softer than the 350Z. NOISY Manual Transmission - On forums, the G35 and 350Z 6spd transmissions are often referred to as the rock crusher. The clutch is noisy and chattery. You really notice it when sitting at drive thrus. Mine is even more noisy since I replaced the flywheel with a single mass, opposed to the oem dual mass. QUALITY / Materials - Interior materials are not the best but have held up well. An average mix of leather, plastics, and real aluminum trim that were fair and comparable for the mid 2000s. AUDIO / Electronics... The stereo sounds good but the interface is old and dated. I have since replaced it with a modern double-din touch screen that resolves this and many other technology related desires. TIRE WEAR - in its stock configuration, this cars camber setup eats up tires (inner wear) and does not have the adjustability needed to align for long wear. However, I purchased SPCs front and rear camber kit and can get a flat alignment that wears even for 40k. Anyway, I could get a lot more granular with this review but all things considered, I absolutely love this car. The pros outweigh the bad by multitudes. It has been a great car and I plan on keeping it for years to come. I am a detail enthusiast and take immaculate care of all vehicles I own, so I expect it to continue running and looking great. I would definitely recommend it to someone who is looking for a classy, reliable, grand tourer...

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  Still does it for me......... - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Mike Gee - November 13 - 1:30 am

  okay, its been 3 yrs now and still, with a decent wash, "she" (my 4 dr G35) appeals to me. there are newer models and even slicker looking BMWs and Lexus models (sad- they stepped up their "GAME" due to the G35 !!!), but my girl holds her own.the ride has always been a little "rough" considering the poor condition of L.As streets, but on the highway, and smoother roads, Infiniti proves its worth. i made the mistake of buying without a GPS, but when Im lost , I still enjoy the drive. brakes are still an issue but survivable, and the local dealers always take of you like you wer a new customer. the engine (now complemented with borla exhaust and cold air intake) pushs about 15 more horse out 275 bhp

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  Great Car Except Brake Longevity - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By vitdoc - November 11 - 10:00 am

  I have had this car for over 1 year. At 15000 miles I need new front rotors and front and rear pads. According to the dealer this is not at all uncommon with the G35. Infiniti does not consider this premature wear a covered item so my 15000 mile bill went from an estimated $200 to nearly $900. Other than this issue the car is very nice. But not such a great deal with this premature break wear.

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  Gas mileage not as advertised - 2014 Infiniti QX60
  By mongolikecandy - November 10 - 2:44 pm

  I bought the hybrid after calculating that it would be a 3 year payback for us based on the improved mileage. lo and behold, i am actually getting WORSE MILEAGE than the gas version! my wife is getting 17 in the city and 19 on the highway. what a load of BS. Im having the dealer take a look at it and will update my review when i know more.

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  Infinity needs to catch up! - 2014 Infiniti QX60
  By Cardinalrain - November 10 - 2:07 pm

  This is a very comfortable SUV that offers very little for features and user friendly controls. The controls on the dash are far inferior to many lower priced vehicles and the capabilities are inferior to most SUVs on the road. The 2014 dash has since been replaced but Infinity continues to complicate controls, limit the range of controls and fails to connect the user the ways many other vehicles can. The ride is extremely noisy for a "Luxury" brand, the features are far less than other manufacturers and Im very disappointed with my purchase. Id suggest looking at other options unless a SUV is with limited features is what is needed. The cabin is roomy and comfortable but that is where my positive reviews will end.