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 - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By MyLaura426 - September 1 - 10:00 am

  I do not recommend this car. The brakes and rotors wear out every 7,000-10,000 miles. Infiniti is well aware of the issue but says that you need to "sacrifice wear for performance". Considering I am very knowledgeable about cars I find that insulting. Infiniti gives us free brakes and rotors until 36,000 miles which will stop doing me any good by next year. I have repeatedly been treated rudely and disrespectfully by Infiniti and as much as I love my car otherwise it is not possible to afford. I would never purchase an Infiniti ever again.

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  Had mine for 1 month and love It! - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Biagio - August 31 - 9:10 am

  We just got our 2004 G35 a month ago and so far love it. We are averaging 25 mpg highway and city combo. It handles great! The interior is flashy and very comfortable. There are way more storage areas then one needs, which is a good thing. The pick up is perfect and I can easily pass people on the hwy when needed. The rear seats recline a little and 2 cup holders in the rear center console allow the rear passengers to ride in comfort. I know it has only been a month and I will continue to update as time goes by.

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  Long term love affair - 2006 Infiniti M45
  By cammer - August 30 - 7:11 pm

  Wanted to give a long term persepctive on the M45 (Sport) I have put over trouble free 60k miles on the car. I must say it has surpassed the high expectations I had when I bought it 5 years ago. I had purchased the car after Car & Driver rating it higher than the 5 series. I drove several of the competitors and was sold due to the handling, power, technology, build quality (only Nissan built in Japan in 06) and vale. It price out 15k less than comparable BMW, lexus & Mercedes. The car continues to deliver all the positive traits to this day!

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  How cool is this? - 2009 Infiniti G37
  By Dave - August 30 - 6:23 pm

  A perfect mix of fun, luxury and practicality. BMW 5 features, size and performance for a tad over 40K. Most car for the money on the road.

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  2004 G35 Experience - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By SCOTTIEDOGS - August 29 - 11:36 pm

  This car has been exceptional in almost all respects. I have had no problems with the mechanical or integrity aspects of this car.It stops "on a dime" in emergency stops (car in front stopped dead at a green light while going 40 mph.) The power is extraordinary when needed, but dont try "jack rabbit" starts on wet roads, it fishtails a bit. The seats adjust to the perfect position for me (a short female);handling is great and very responsive. This car is a true bargain for the price. Everyone who drives it says "Wow! This car is awesome", including diehard BMW, Lexus,and other car owners.It is the best car I have ever owned (280-300Zs, Supra, BMW etc.) No, I dont work for Infinity or Nissan.

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  G35 coupe - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Andre Giddarie - August 28 - 1:56 pm

  The G35 coupe can be fast or luxurious depending on your preference or driving style. The powerful V6 and sporty exhaust burble are a constant reminder that this car has high performance levels on par with that of purpose built sports cars like the 350Z, or Mazda Rx8. Midrange power is outstanding and the long wheel base and stiff chassis gives confidence during hard cornering. The car also has an elegant and ssophisticated feel or demeanor. The slow rifle bolt 6 speed shifter, weighty steering feel and slightly soft brake pedal leans more towards luxury than sport. However, this allows the powerful car to be driven very smoothly and adds grace to its movements.

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  QX-56 Fun - 2004 Infiniti QX56
  By BC - August 28 - 5:26 am

  Great quality. Unique vehicle that gets great looks on the street and around the block. Great to drive, and great features explained in the next segment.

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  Best In Class - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By Tom - August 27 - 11:20 pm

  I purchased the an 08xS in January of 08 and have since driven it back and forth to California. It is truly a great car. We also own a 2008 BMW 328xi and I prefer the Infiniti in daily driving, and even enthusiastic driving. Better overall performance, more comfortable, better and easier to control. The bang for the buck factor is a no brainer. Got every single option on the car for 39,500, and this is sport and AWD, with every package. Handled a snow storm in the Rocky Mountains outside Salt Lake City in January better than my old Jeep GC would have. Also is electronically limited to 130 mph (salt lake flats). Cannot recommend this vehicle more strongly.

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  Last sports car for a 67 year old. - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By Hank Henry - August 27 - 5:13 pm

  Dollar for dollar, best buy out there. A real pleasure to drive if you enjoy a vehicle that will perform like a true sports car while providing the space for up to five occupants.

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  BEST HANDLING CAR YOU CAN BUY - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By InfinitiG35Owner - August 27 - 10:00 am

  Faster than 90% of the cars on the road. Dont expect great off the line acceleration with the 6 speed. A WRX Subaru blows it away. Mid range speeds however, prepare to eat BMW M3s for lunch.