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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  G37X - 2009 Infiniti G37
  By jb - June 25 - 7:53 pm

  I just turned in a 2006 FX. I loved that car because it had versatility and handled like a sports sedan. When I went back to the Infiniti dealership to check out an 09 FX, the new version just didnt whet my appetite. Too exotic maybe. I test drove a G37X and wow! Now thats a sports sedan! I gave up some storage and SUV driving height, but came away with a rocket ship on wheels, that is as tight as a drum. I had test driven a BMW 328X also and this car is as tight as that but with ample more power. The 328 is not even in the same class power wise.

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  the unexpected - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By lesliep - June 25 - 10:00 am

  I was sort of looking for a new car to replace a 93 Miata. I also have a 86 Porche for weekend driving. When I visited the some Infiniti dealers I was shocked by the jackup in prices (Jan 03). The Glendale Infiniti dealer was a welcome change from that. Since I was not pressed to get the car I made a statement; "If you can find a G35 coupe, with an exact list of extras, but NO gps Ill buy it for MSRP". At this point 5K$ premium was usual. In two (!) days I got a call that they had the car. Was I suprized, the reason for the title. An hour or so later I was at Glendale Infiniti and buying it. There was at least two other people ready to buy it.

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  Too stiff to ride - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By chris19890101 - June 23 - 3:46 pm

  Have owned this car for almost 5 years now. Cant wait to get rid of it. Ride is too stiff to get comfortable. Driving on a bad road is a nightmare. The interior seems to fall apart every time car goes over a bump. Not to mention rattle sound made by interior plastic. Performance is ok. Other than that, this car stinks. Wouldnt buy this car ever again.

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  Performance/Luxury Sedan - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Ken Harris - June 22 - 10:40 pm

  I have owned and test driven a number vehicles. I grew up driving a 1986 Ford Mustang GT and a 1978 Pontiac Trans Am. The G35 is a extremely solid in performance and handling. There is a tremendous amount of low end torque under 3,000 rpms. I was searching for a performance oriented vehicle without paying an exorbitant amount of money. The G35 design is quite unique and appealing to the eye. I was able to purchase the G35 with just 42k miles fully loaded except for navigation for just under 16k. I am extremely happy with the purchase and enjoy driving the vehicle. For the money, Infinti is superior to the BMW3 Series. I plan to keep the G35 for at least 5 years or more. Kudos to Infiniti!

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  Infiniti m45 sport - 2006 Infiniti M45
  By vINCE - June 22 - 12:26 pm

  A great drivers car...Quick, responsive,extremely comfortable. Traded in a lexus ls 430 (2002)and have not looked back. I lost a minimal amout of interior space, which is more than compensated by a superior drive train (featuring a great v8),more and very intuitive technology and a great array of safety features

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  Ultimate Driving Experience - 2009 Infiniti G37
  By msshahied - June 20 - 11:06 am

  Doesnt get any better than this. Coming from a Ford Explorer to an Infiniti is like eating spam for 4 years and then moving up to caviar! I checked out the Mercedes C Class, the Acura TL, Lexus IS and BMW 3 Series and none of them comparable to what my Infiniti is. The handling is great, its F-A-S-T for a sedan and has everything I need. Other people complained that the doors not locking automatically but mine do so maybe its just the Journey model that does so. If I could change anything, I would have gotten the model with all the bells and whistles (Nav, Bluetooth, etc.) but again, I was coming from an Explorer lol.

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  Best hidden secret - 1998 Infiniti Q45
  By Ben D Itto - June 17 - 10:00 am

  My car just had its 60,000 mile checkup and no repair so far what so ever. Considering the reliability and the low cost of operation, it is amazing to me how inexpensivily this can be obtained in the used market.

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  Second Infiniti I30/35 - 2002 Infiniti I35
  By pmclane - June 17 - 10:00 am

  A reliable, upscale, sporty car with enough luxury to satisfy most enthusiasts.

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  Sporty and Fun - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By tonyg35 - June 17 - 10:00 am

  I thought my 2000 Maxima was fun to drive, however the G35 brings many smiles to face. I love the power and handling of this car. I was going to buy a bmw 330i this year, however I had to give the infiniti g35 a chance because of all the excitement surrounding the G. I love this car. Its fast, good handling, drop dead gorgeous and enough room to haul my kids around.

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  Real winner! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By blinker - June 17 - 2:00 am

  Traded my 98 A4 on the G35 last week. This is one great car. Solid direct handling with stock suspension. Stunning perfomance even with the automatic. Wont believe it until you drive it. Soft leather but very supportive seats. Terrific brakes. Quiet cabin. Havent had this much fun driving in years.