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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  Not as nice as it should be - 2001 Infiniti I30
  By David - May 25 - 11:53 pm

  This is more of a tank than a sports car. Slow at the start, but has zip at 30+ mph. Interior quality is average. Well known radio/CD issues with this car that Infiniti never offered to fix for owners. Outside temp does not show unless asked for. Gas mileage for a car this size is poor and the amount of road noise is in unacceptable range. I cannot have a decent cell phone call while on the highway in the I30. New tires may help, but not that much.

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  Reliable Performance Car - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Jeff S. - May 25 - 5:43 pm

  I have to say overall this has been a very reliable car. After 182,000 miles, it still runs strong and has very little problems. However, over the life of my ownership, I have had to replace the wiper motor, rear axle bearings, radio/climate control electronics and driver seat slide mechanism. It also, as others have noted, has a weak design of the front wheel struts which continually creak when making hard turns. This is especially noticeable during cold winters. I have averaged 28 miles on the highway which is 90% of my yearly miles so it is respectable. All in all Im sold on Infiniti and have just purchased an 08 M35 as a replacement.

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  Great Car for the money - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Strongskills - May 25 - 3:40 pm

  This car is a blast to drive. When you push its limits, it doesnt fade like a regular stock vehicle. The brakes and engine dont overheat. This car likes to get it and go. I have no complaints except for the gas mileage which started out at about 16mpg in mixed driving, and 17 on pure hwy. I used a Slick 50 type lube at my first oil change, and within a 2000 miles was getting 18/22. I will try synthetic oil next, and see how that goes. Worth buying in case you are on the fence.

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  Fantastic Car, Buy it Now! - 2003 Infiniti M45
  By Up from Volvo S80/T6 - May 25 - 2:00 am

  Terrific package for a price thats many thousands less than "comparable" GS 430, E500, and 540i. Powerful, smooth, responsive, fun to drive. And NO turbo lag like the Volvo S80/T6. Used manual shift mode in MW snow today and had no problem moving this rear drive car in 8" unplowed shopping center lot. This is the car GM should go after with a GTO badge if they want to get back in the game. Get double take looks everywhere, which you see in the rear view mirror as you zoom past! This will be a hot model for Infiniti, on top of their award winning G35.

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  The Infinity Smile - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By alrose1 - May 25 - 2:00 am

  While styling initially drew me to this sport coupe, it was the performance that led me to buy it. With crisp handling, 280 horsepower, and a 6 pseed transmission, its the most fun car to drive since -- well since a 1969 Olds 442. Of course the Infinity has more luxury, features and superior handling. Driving this car brings a smile to my face.

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  Best sports coupe for the price - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By bdunfey - May 25 - 2:00 am

  I was on the verge to buy a BMW 330 coupe when I test drove the G35 sports coupe. The car impressed me so much that I dismissed my intent to buy the BMW and began to seek a dealer who could deliver a G35 consistent to my specs.

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  Unreliable - 2006 Infiniti QX56
  By Katie - May 24 - 9:36 pm

  I am very unhappy with this car. First the brakes are recalled and then the hatchback broke on the day we needed to pack for camping. The electrical goes out randomly. The car thinks the emergency brake is on when it isnt and it then skids when I come to a stop. I feel very unsafe driving it. I do love how big it is. I do love the DVD for the kids. I love the automatic lift for the hatchback. The navigation screen is totally useless. I love the back up camera. I will not be able to buy another car without it. We are breaking our lease early to get rid of this car.

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  A Fun Car with Luxury! - 2006 Infiniti M45
  By Walter Little - May 21 - 10:36 pm

  We love our new M45. It has all the luxury features we enjoyed in our 1999 Q45, plus the innovative features such as the GPS and top of the line DVD system. The car will absolutely fly! It has trememdous power, yet it is smooth as can be. It handles and corners quite well, in fact we drove the M45 sport version, and find little difference in how the regular version handles. Although the M45 appears to be smaller than a Q45 on the outside, inside it is just as large, with a much larger trunk. We cannot imagine a better luxury vehicle for the money!

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  One Month Review - G35x - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By gmk519 - May 20 - 2:20 pm

  Before buying my G35x, I looked at the A4, S60, 330, and Passat GLX. All of them were equipped with AWD and priced around $35k. With the exception of the BMW, none handled or responded like the G35. The BMW handled superbly, but was priced thousands more after similar options. In addition, Infiniti has made several improvements in the 05 G35. The steering wheel controls now illuminate, the wheel and telescope are now power with memory seat, hp was upped to 280. The interior was also improved in-terms of visual appeal and overall quality. This car is an excellent blend of both luxury and performance. You wont find a better sports sedan in this price range.

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  Best Car of the Century - 2003 Infiniti I35
  By jimorino - May 20 - 10:00 am

  This car is a joy to drive. You get luxury, style, comfort and sport all in one. The engine has great pick up and will give you the power that you need. Inside is comfortable and very roomy, especially the back seat. The Bose Radio also gives you the performance that you would expect.