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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  Excellent Car - 2001 Infiniti I30
  By Excellent Car - March 11 - 2:50 pm

  I purchased this car about 3 1/2 years ago with 14k on it. I have only had to do routine maintenance on it. Great fuel economy because of regular maintenance. I currently have 94,000 miles on the car and it still runs like new. This car drives like sports car and still seats 4 adults comfortably.

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  Almost There - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By tcarroz - March 10 - 10:00 am

  Traded in a 330ci for this car because I was having mechanical problems with the BMW. I enjoy the car but have had a rattle coming from the dash and the passenger window that are really annoying and the dealer has not been able to fix. Worth the money and you do not see them everywhere.

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  Great for a while - 2000 Infiniti I30
  By Darrell - March 9 - 6:36 am

  I bought the car used with 30k miles and had no problems until I reached 55k and the drivers electric seat stopped working. At 70k the ignition coils went out and at 90k the starter had to be replaced. I looked on some blogs and found all of these to be common problems. I see that at 100K I should expect all my instrumentation lights to go out and the check engine light to keep coming on. I have spent over $3500 in repairs so Im now looking to buy a new car that will be under a warranty. I cant afford to keep paying for costly repairs on a once great car.

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  Always liked the style and power. - 2003 Infiniti M45
  By realdeal305 - March 6 - 5:14 pm

  I just purchased a 2003 M45 with 70,000 miles on it. Ive always liked the style and the power is great. Its a great used car bargain Im just glad I never bought it new. The quality is below luxury in my book. I also have a Lexus the quality of the material and finish is top notch. The Infiniti not so much trunk struts dont work, center arm rest is cheap and feels loose, sunroof liner coming apart, fuel guage not reading correctly (recalled ), engine doesnt start up on first try sometimes, and airbag light is on. Alot of issues for a car with 70k, but Ive always wanted one and I dont regret buying it for $7500. Especially since its not a daily driver. I have a Gs300 and Yaris for that.

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  Good solid sedan w/ good power - 2002 Infiniti I35
  By pbowles - March 3 - 10:00 am

  Great car at a fair value. It is what it is... a luxurious Nissan Maxima. Comfortable inside, with many luxuries coming standard. Options are minimalized (but they didnt skimp either), which makes for an easy buying decision. Car is very peppy, & quick, but feels luxurious at the same time.

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  Gimme the driving life back - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Sonny Boy - March 3 - 10:00 am

  Excellent & affordable performance sedan that goes wherever you desire leads. A bit "plain" in the interior material used but looks fine if youre more into performance than luxury. With the interior room and price, Ill pick it over a bimmer 3-series any day.

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  You should know what you really want - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Shree - March 3 - 10:00 am

  I have been driving this for about 8 months or so. It drives good, atrracts good attention from public. Nice car to impress women. My feeling on this car is they should have well tested the car and few things are missing. Like no memory seats, no mute button. Some squeeky noices from the dash. The plastic is cheap

• 

  Japanese for BMW - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By TomSF - February 19 - 3:33 pm

  Very happy so far with my new G35. Decided on a Journey model with Premium package and Performance wheel upgrades - concerned about the "firm ride" reviews from Sport model drivers. I traded in my Lexus coupe for a more practical sedan that could fit more than two passengers and was still fun to drive. I previously drove a BMW coupe and was unimpressed by multiple minor problems though thought it was fun to drive. I basically limited my choices to the Lexus IS 350 and the Infiniti G35, and it was a close call. Lexus is more refined and reliable (based on experience), but the Infiniti was more fun to drive and thousands less, so I figured Id give it chance. Happy so far!

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  Best bang for my buck - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By PQGary - February 16 - 8:20 am

  I really enjoy this vehicle. Ive owned it for just a week now and have not gotten tired of driving it yet. This car is strong, reliable and comfortable. I look forward to seeing how it will evolve over the years. Great powertrain used in many vehicles that provides options for those of you who like to customize.

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  Love it except Brakes and Vibration! - 2004 Infiniti QX56
  By Graces Mom - February 16 - 2:50 am

  My family loves this SUV. It is VERY comfortable and it is VERY fun to drive. However, I just wanted to add to every person that has already said something about the brakes. We have also had the brakes serviced several times for rotor problems (shaking). Its VERY ANNOYING because our dealership is one hour away and they wont pick up the vehicle to service it. Its hard to love a car so much and have such a terrible time with the brakes. We are considering exercising the Lemon Law because brakes are a safety issue. Maybe Infiniti will perk up then? The vibration in the roof is awful too. I noticed several people are experiencing that as well.