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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  New gearing makes all the difference - 2003 Infiniti Q45
  By GregT - January 9 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned three Infiniti Q45s, and have loved every one of them. The folks at Infiniti have really outdone themselves this time. I drove the 2002 model when it first came out, and really loved it... but I must admit the acceleration didnt impress like I thought it would. I read that the gearing would be improved for 2003, so I waited. Another test drive and I was sold. You can really feel the difference. The feeling of your internal organs being compressed against your spine is like none other. Infiniti makes the best cars, hands down, and this one is the creme de la creme.

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  great car,great price - 2002 Infiniti I35
  By jat - January 9 - 2:00 am

  This car is great fun to drive, and is loaded with many options standard. The acceleration is class leading, and I would reccomend this car to anyone.

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  You arent getting my G from Me! - 2001 Infiniti G20
  By stinkypete - January 6 - 3:33 am

  Infiniti only made this car for a few years, so finding one in good shape was hard. I purchased mine in 6/06 with 54K. Ive since logged 16K on the car and the only maintenance was new brakes, oil changes and a power window switch. The car is plush, comfortable, handles well, sips gas and is great to drive. The engine is peppy, but could be more powerful. The Bose stereo is great, but whats up with the cup holder?

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  160,000 miles and still going strong - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By californiapete - January 5 - 5:22 pm

  My two cents worth since I drive 100 miles a day. Gas mileage around 22-23 mph. Easily rides well at 80 mph. My wife got ticket cause she didnt realize she was going 90 mph while listening to AC-DC on excellent sound system. Fun sports car overall. I plan to drive it another 100,000 miles, which I believe is possible. Brakes have given me most problems, requiring more replacement then other vehicles. Passenger window doesnt roll down, which is aggravating. Ill get it fixed one of these days (cost about $400).

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  Look out BMW - 2006 Infiniti M45
  By David L - January 5 - 7:00 am

  This car is a blast to drive. Its a four door sedan that reminds me a whole lot of my 350Z; only it rides a whole lot more smoothly.

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  Awesome SUV - 2004 Infiniti QX56
  By 2004 QX 56 - January 4 - 12:06 am

  My wife purchased new after test driving escalade,denali,LX470 and Navigator. We did have brake problems at 15K but dealer replaced all rotors and pads and extended warranty from that time. This is an all around great SUV with every feature but most of all very comfortable and lots of space. Lots of power and for a 7600lb truck 16MPG is good, we now have 80K and were going to trade but it runs so good the wife wont let it go. I cant wait to see new model and we would trade for another.

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  Awesome sedan - 2009 Infiniti G37
  By atlGdriver - January 3 - 6:56 pm

  Overall, I am extremely satisfied with my 2009 Journey sedan. This thing is fast and handles really well. The dials and controls are mostly intuitive. I like that you dont have to use the scroll wheel to control the stereo and climate controls. The voice commands for the Bluetooth integration work pretty well, but some of the prompts are a little long to get through.

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  Manual Sedan (Loaded) - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Beebhenry - January 3 - 10:00 am

  Just got my G-35 6M Sedan with NAV in March. My first new car in 12 years. It is an incredible car - great performance, great finishes and looks good too. I read all the complaints about the fake titanium. I think the black leather and titanium combination looks and feels terrific - a whole lot better than the cheesy fake wood in the Acura 3.2TL.

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  Early thrills to report - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By mmcma - January 3 - 10:00 am

  I just purchased the automatic G35 coupe w/premium and navigation (my second infinity, so Ill admit to bias). Wow what a fun car. Instant acceleration, road hugging performance, luxury comfort and 20 miles to the gallon (even with the boy racer way I drive). The rear seat is usable, just as the magazine reviews state, but there is a shortage of head room. The cars too new to report anything short of excitement. Ill check back in in 6 months to update.

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  G35 Very Good Value for the Dollar - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Nohemi Vargas - January 3 - 10:00 am

  Very good value for the dollar.