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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  Small rocket! - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By Marcelo in Miami - April 14 - 3:46 am

  Bought my 07 G35 w/17,000 miles in June 2010 and after MONTHS of researching, reading and test-driving other vehicles. Simply put: Im putting miles on the car JUST BECAUSE I CANT STOP DRIVING IT! Ill find any excuse to jump on and drive it. Superior handling, A MONSTER torque, quality and clean interior, nice leather, excellent dashboard displays, classy style, great exterior, upscale front face, fun, fun, fun to drive! The engine needs a soft right foot or youll spin the rear wheels. AC is gelid cold, xenon headlights gives you clean vision, power seat and driving wheel gives you endless positions, max support from driver seat. Great, great car.

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  I30t - 2000 Infiniti I30
  By CurtisJ - April 12 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive, but questionable build quality. Stereo causes vibration noise. Road noise is high.

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  Too good... - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By pufti - April 12 - 2:00 am

  I just bought this car a few weeks ago... The stick shift ie.. Its probably the best car Ive ever driven.. With a Power to weight ratio of 174 horses per metric tonne and a stick shift, this is one blast... the car doesnt seem to have limits when it comes to cornering... Ive reached 70mph and itll easily take more. Hugs the road like you wouldnt believe. Now about the interiors and quality. Infiniti made everything fantastic.. Love the music system, the driver seats and plush comfort

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  Infinity G35 Sedan with Prem Package - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Jay W. Klug - April 12 - 2:00 am

  We love it. It is a great all around vehicle. Good value for the money.

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  Great - 2011 Infiniti QX56
  By JW - April 11 - 2:20 pm

  Considered the Lexus, Range Rover, MB GL and there was not even a comparison in my mind.

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  Best full size luxury SUV out there! - 2005 Infiniti QX56
  By Paul - April 10 - 12:20 pm

  I did extensive research before this purchase and Im very pleased with the results. The fit, finish, and comfort features are second to none. Many of the luxury options on this vehicle are standard compared to others (Cadillac, Lincoln, Land Rover, Lexus, Denali), and you wont find as many on the road which makes it unique! Although Nissan makes the similar Armada for about $7K less, this one has all of the bells and whistles, the engine is smooth, quiet and more powerful. Before you go and buy an escalade or Navigator, stop by your Infiniti dealer...youll end up with one in your garage (if it will acutally fit in it!!)

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  Theres not a better car Ive owned... - 1998 Infiniti Q45
  By hypocorism - April 9 - 12:50 pm

  Bought a 98 for cheap at 72K. Needed a bit, but after valve cover gaskets, belts, battery, oil, air filter, it was ready to go. It sat for years under previous ownership. When I purchased, it had the original belts on it still. A testament to Nissan/Infiniti build quality. It doesnt do bad MPG-wise either. It goes when you need it to. Despite the size, it goes around corners, and stops quickly if need be. And it is comfortable! Expect 19 for city driving. A mix, youll get 22 if you drive easily. Highway, right around 24 for me; way higher than the EPA estimate. For the money, you could get a Lexus LS400, but it looks worse, and it just isnt as nice. (I have a buddy who has one.)

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  Drive Drive Drive me please! - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By eddie - April 9 - 3:43 am

  This car is just begging for more action everytime I drive it. For the money best value out there, I find reasons to have to drive this thing. Test drove everything in the class... BMW325xi, A4quattro, 9-3, TL... nothing came close to this one... so much fun to drive... handles curves like a champ... many car magazine reviews say its a bit off from the BMW when it comes to handling... but a BMW does not give you thrills like this machine does when you enter a curve at a high speed... love it so far!

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  A Wolf in Sheeps Clothing - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Doctor C - April 8 - 11:36 pm

  This 2005 G35 is absolutely beautiful and fast. I use it daily to commute and I also drive it every chance I get. I got the sport and the aero package with ivory white (ext) and wheat (int). The car is extremely classy and an ultimate threat to anything in its class. The thing I like the best is that every Tom, Dick, and Harry doesnt have this car, unlike the BMW 3 series. A woman pulled up to me in a C-Class and told me that she was on her way to Infiniti to trade it in for a G after driving behind me for about 5 miles. If you like your own identity Get A G35, you will not regret it.

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  Unibody Rust - 2001 Infiniti QX4
  By darwinpost - April 8 - 5:18 am

  Right side unibody rusted out - the engine and front differential are connected to the frame which cannot effectively be repaired. Extreme safety hazard. If the unibody could be repaired, it would be temporary and pose a safety hazard for the next buyer and potential liability for the seller. Infiniti refuses to assume responsibility. Infiniti has repaired the drivers side strut tower housing, but does not acknowledge sever unibody rust. Dealer indicates other owners have same problem.