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 Sedan 6sp - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Wesarran - May 7 - 2:00 am

  What a great car, fast, fun to drive and handles very well for a sedan. Almost bought a BMW 330ci thank god i didnt. Probably the best car ive ever driven. Seat could be a little wider and should have the same Horsepower and torque as the coupe, also the tires size is 215/55/17 should be a little wider on a car this size, looks a little of balance.

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  Good, but not a BMW Killer - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By agumabay - May 4 - 2:00 am

  I was excited about the Infiniti G35; the advertised empirical data trumped all comers including my BMW 3. The G35 did not disappoint on styling and features. I considered the BMW 5, surprisingly the G35 was larger in the back seating leg room, trunk, and front seat head room. The "Killer App" for all these near luxury sport sedans is the blend of sport, luxury, comfort, and convenience. BMW has found it, and no one knocked them off the podium. The G35s ride it tight, the acceleration is strong, the torque is tremendous, but the combination doesnt approach the BMW’s feel (it must be magic). Sorry Infinity, you still have some work to do - close but no cigar.

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  Look what theyve don to my Max(i)Ma... - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By diktrikl - May 4 - 2:00 am

  My 90 Maxima was the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned, hands down. A decade search for a "step up" from that vehicle is finally over. Peace, love, and rear wheel drive!

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  Slow decider bought w/1 test drive - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By gotigers1 - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Read the literature, researched others in the class. This car has everything a $40K+ car has for about $10K less. Handles curves, excellent braking, very classy. Wouldnt touch the 330i again after one drive.

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  Still Loving My G35 - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By ecollinsii - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Ive been living with my 2007 G35 Sport sedan for several years and never tire of it. Its built like a rock and its fast, capable, and just plain fun. The shift algorithm has figured out my driving style, and now does it all by itself in DS mode. Its the kind of car that you are happy to see every morning, and that you occasionally look back at just to enjoy how good it looks. Tires are always an issue with cars like this. I replaced the OEM Potenzas (which lasted 12000 miles) with Michelin Pilot Sport AS+ 235/45R18 fronts, 245/45R18 rears. Vastly improved ride, great handling, better wet performance and a 45000 mile tread wear warranty. I wouldnt give up this car for anything.

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  A very nice safe driving vechicle - 2006 Infiniti QX56
  By Allen Pearl - May 4 - 1:26 am

  My wife and I bought a 2004 QX56, s wheel drive 18 months ago. We have enjoyed the car, and the service offered to us. Unlike some owners of that year and model, we have had no trouble with the brakes, or the car. We were invited to look at the 2006, and because we were loyal owners of the 2004 QX56, and several other Infiniti products over the years, we were made a deal that we could not refuse. We feel safe in the car, and we feel that we owe this safety to our family. Fuel, the way it is, was a factor, but you cannot put a price on your life. It was a pleasure to deal with Schumacher again, even though our old standby salesman has left the deaalership. They treated us like kings.

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  The BMW 3 Series for sensible people - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Nate S - May 3 - 7:13 am

  Great car with a great value. A few minor issues as expected with a new model like rattles and stereo failing, but excellent warranty coverage made up for it. Great blend of performance and luxury at a good price without all the snob factor baggage.

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  Wants to be let loose - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By Jason - May 2 - 10:40 am

  Tons of research of the usual culprits, just couldnt justify the extra $15k for BMW cachet. I got the Premium package. Excellent value. Great torque and HP. Need to be light on the pedal because she really wants to run. Beautiful interior with loads of great features standard (bluetooth, sun roof, incredible sound system, etc.). I have long airport commutes on a two lane highway - the ability to blow around slower moving vehicles is incredibly refreshing. Love the power and handling.

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  Worth the $ - 2001 Infiniti QX4
  By DP - May 1 - 4:46 pm

  I bought this vehicle used with 60,000 miles on it about 5 years ago. It drove great at first (even though the check engine light mysteriously came on, then off). Now that its getting close to 100k mi, it needs some work (transmission solenoid kit & mass airlow meter). Also, the 6 disc cd changer has had problems since the day I bought it. Overall, it has been a very dependable SUV and handles great in bad weather.

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  Better SUV - 2006 Infiniti QX56
  By Kelley - May 1 - 3:56 pm

  My wife and I were about to purchase the Mercedes GL450 when she stopped in to drive the QX56. The truck is a great mix between comfort and braun. It sounds like a truck, rides like a car, and hauls everything. It also has all of the bells and whistles of the 21st century. Bluetooth, Navi, great seats, large buttons, and a jammin stereo! The style was a little different, but once you drive it you see the truck in a whole different light!