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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  Very Good Car - 2002 Infiniti Q45
  By Erik - November 17 - 10:30 pm

  Excellent, quiet ride with lots of technology (backup camera, sport setting, etc.). You can buy these used for very cheap now, and the quality is excellent. The only issue Ive had is oil burnoff (no leaks, etc. - oil consumption is high for some reason). But I havent had any breakdowns and the car has been bullet-proof. I get 21 MPG (70% highway), which isnt bad for a car this big with so much power.

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  Simply admirable. - 2001 Infiniti QX4
  By jubal82 - November 17 - 2:07 am

  Pros: The reliability of Infiniti. (engine/transmission never let you down) The classic design. (never get tired of the look) The quiet city cruiser. (car-like luxury-smoothness) The able muscle on demand. (whenever necessary @240hp) The attractive interior. (quality leather all around) The choice engineering. (switchable Auto-2wd-4H-4L system) The convenient features. (4 seat heaters/2 auto seat adjustment) Cons: The gas guzzler. (15-17mpg) The tiny legroom in the back. (not easy to get in/out as well) The rust issues underneath/fender areas. (questionable building quality?) I live in a rural area where its 60%highway and 40% off-road driving.

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  Hot Rod - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Thunder cloud - November 2 - 2:00 am

  I knew from the minute I saw and read about the car with my automotive background their was no car that is close to the G35 before the critics had got their hands on it. Ive had mine for 8 months already and get compliment after compliment from my clients and friends. The car really is a joy to drive. I would recommend the car to anybody. The service is lacking. But I do love my G35.

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  Seems to be better with age - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By paulo6 - October 30 - 12:50 am

  Just hit 4K miles and got the 1st oil change. I got the Sport package. The car seems to now loosen up a bit, giving it a higher FUN-TO-DRIVE. My 2006 6MT was more fun to drive, but this 09 xS edition is slowly catching up

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  Walts Words - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By walternaut - October 25 - 5:20 am

  Test drove the BMW 325, Mercedes 230K, VW Passat,and an Acura TSX. All were too small for a person 6 feet tall who occassionally carry other passengers. The VWs performance was not on par with the other tested cars. Overall performance was above the others. Handling is "right now" with very accurate steering response, directional control and acceleration. The rearview mirror tends to block my center visions somewhat, but other than that this is a well balanced car. The dynamics of the vehicle impart the feeling of you being a better driver, able to respond and avoid obstacles dropped by careless movers--sofas, mattresses, etc.

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  Powerful Confort - 2003 Infiniti Q45
  By cbox - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Nice powerful convertable automable. Not many around

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  Infiniti G35 - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By mjf - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Very nice car. Handles well.

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  N/A - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By robustco77 - October 16 - 10:00 am

  This car give you a feeling of being in control.Feels like you can go after anyone or thing on the streets.It stands out from any other car out they.

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  Boomers muscle car - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By GIBBY - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Ive had five Nissans over 13 years. Still have 2. Checked out new Max but 6" longer and 6" narrower than G35. Styling and handling of G35 won hands down..price not that much difference. Once speeding off highway exit I hit a quick turn and had to apply brakes with more pressure than normal the VDC kicked in and controlled the turn without any trouble. AWESOME. I was ready for a skid and a quick correction, but just glided where I wanted to go.

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  nice overall - 2004 Infiniti I35
  By i35driver - October 4 - 2:00 am

  Just got the car. Great price for what you get. Nice smooth engine, although it has some torque steer it is manageable. One drawback, it uses Premium fuel and the mileage is decent for the power it produces. Handling is a lot tighter then I expected. I was expecting a boaty ride, but it is quite tight.