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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  G35 "best in class" - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By lon Stewart - July 6 - 2:00 am

  I started with the Nissan line in the 70s when they were spartin gas mizers called Datsuns and my last was the Nissan 300Z before I stopped in a Infiniti Dealership about 7 months ago. What a difference a decade makes! The articles you have read dont do this sport sedan any injustice, it is the BMW Beater they say it is.

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  I love my G35 - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Great Car!! - July 5 - 1:00 am

  I own an 03 G35 since Nov. 06. No problems here! I really enjoying driving it, so much power! Lightening fast. Fuel is not that bad. 15 gal. tank though. Gas is $3 now so I just paid $45 to fill it up. It lasts me about 1 1/2 weeks to drive to and from work. Its my daily car. Ive put about 6000 miles since I owned it with no problems. I just replaced the tires for $600 Dunlops Direzza, not bad considering more expensive ones that came on it. My only complaint is the seatbelt. Its a minor problem but its very hard to reach when you get in. Stereo sounds great! I no longer have to put in a subwoofer cause of the Bose system. I wished it had MP3 option.

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  Based on specs, this is a great car, but... - 2017 Infiniti Q50
  By BobL - July 3 - 8:25 pm

  It looks impressive in specs. Engine is excellent, it makes me doubt that it only has 300HP, feels more potent, perhaps the high torque at low RPMs is a big help. The major issue with this car is that Infiniti completely screwed up steering and to add insult to injury installed awful run flat tires (2.5 starts on TireRack). I changed the tires at 6K miles, first time in my life before tires wore out. The steering does not seem to have a center, the car goes left and right whenever it feels like on the highway, even if the steering wheel is not moving. In-spite of the engine and good interior, not a bad looking exterior, Im not enjoying driving this car. Will be trading it in when Genesis G70 becomes available. No more Infinities for me.

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  G35 Coupe - In a class by itself! - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By bossfan7 - July 2 - 9:25 pm

  Fantastic car! Impeccable style, power, performance and value. These cars hold their own mixing with the exotics prowling South Florida. At $10-$12K current prices its a steal to get so much car for the money!

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  My New Q50 - 2016 Infiniti Q50
  By Raymond Gross - July 1 - 9:55 pm

  I leased a new Q50 when they first came out three years ago. That car had some issues (most notably the computer), but when my lease was up I decided to give the Q50 another try. I absolutely love my new Q50. The computer issues have all been resolved and I dont notice any of the issues I had with my last one. Even though the engine is a bit smaller, the turbo gives the car plenty of power. It also handles like a dream. The sports seats provide great support. And I love all the technology. After having two Q50s, I cant imagine owning a car without the surround view cameras. But best of all, the dealers were bending over backwards to move the cars over Labor Day weekend. The final cap cost on my new lease was over $10k below sticker (with the only upfront payment on my part being the customary drive offs). I would highly recommend this car.

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  2-yr summary - 2002 Infiniti I35
  By Retiree - July 1 - 10:00 am

  I love the way it looks but dont like taking it on long road trips. Too noisy and uncomfortable seats.

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  One Smokin G35 - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By LQrLvR - July 1 - 10:00 am

  The G35 Coupe has a unique, and sexy styling with a lot of muscle and a lot of finesse. It handles great, and it gets a lot attention. Truly an awesome balance between luxury and performance. It easily knocks out BMW 3series, and Lexus IS.

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  valedictorian - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By t_godard - July 1 - 10:00 am

  the best car ive ever owned, buy one now!

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  Balance empitomized - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By dustinson - June 29 - 2:31 am

  Balance. This car has it in almost every aspect. I love how it balances power, control, reliability, comfort, usability and value. It isnt the same as a coupe 6MT on a summers day, but makes up for overall enjoyment, year-round. I wasnt able to find more bang for my buck. I previously had a 2007 G35 Coupe 6MT. It was Wonderful, but I needed a second AWD car for winter. Decided on the G35x for AWD, Power and 4drs (got kids!). Wife now drives it and loves it. I spend an hour in it every day and am thankful for every minute. I am a big fan of Infinitis now. They do such an excellent job with their cars. They dont make them feel overly mechanical or disconnected.

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  Disappointed - 2006 Infiniti M45
  By Lee - June 25 - 10:16 pm

  Purchased the M45 after owning a BMW 525, then a 2000 740IL. The Tech package of the M is awesome. Love the 3D GPS, voice activated controls, rear backup camera, A/C control seats (could be better), and overall looks. But from the very first oil change, have noticed using oil; not leaking, not smoking, but I have added from 1 to 2 quarts between changes. Also, moonroof leaks in any car wash, have had to have the AC serviced each year. Heated and cooled seats do not compare to the BMW. Ride is noisy, low-profile tires look great, but makes bumpy ride. If battery dies, no way to open the trunk (for jumper cables).