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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  Best Bet for the Money - 1999 Infiniti I30
  By wsoxman - April 6 - 10:00 am

  Any cars made by Nissan are great for the money. Infiniti I30 compaired to a Lexis E 300 is more car for the money. Lexis...YOU PAY FOR THE NAME The engines have more power in Altma,Maxima, and Infiniti. This is my 2nd I30, I have a 1999 Limited. I also had a 95 Maxima and a 97 Altima. These cars will out last any USA car. ANd the look better too.

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  Everything I hoped for. - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By mbednorz - April 6 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. Researched every car for 8 months, and jumped all over this one. (Also-rans: G35 sedan, BMW 325i coupe, Lexus IS300, MB C320, and Acura CL-S) Its been everything Id hoped for. All the fun of a sports car, but I can pile my family of four into it. What a drivetrain! Fun to drive under any circumstances, including cruising down the boulevard. This car is never jarring, just firm. I could list a hundred things that Im impressed with. Absolutely no regrets on my choice. More in a few months!

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  Yes!! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By paulregan - April 6 - 10:00 am

  I have driven every luxury sports car you can name and this is by far the best buy for the dollar. It combines reasonable power,(not 911 power), luxury and handling unlike anything in this price range. The plastic trim interior is the only weak spot in this car.

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  Better than my 325i - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By speedymike - April 4 - 11:36 am

  I had once thought that my 325i coupe that I bought in Germany was the greatest car ever. 140 mph on the autobahn without the slightest groaning. My G35 coupe makes my beemer feel like a go kart. I love the german cars but Nissan has just surpassed the benchmark in the sport coupe market. The M3 is faster and handles better, but you can buy 2 G35s for the price of 1 M3. That makes the G35 the best value for the dollar.

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  Bye bye BMW - 2009 Infiniti G37
  By Agb - April 1 - 6:13 pm

  Ive owned BMW 5 series for 17 years. This year I decided to downsize so I looked at a 335. Great car. Then I drove a G37. To be honest I would have preferred to buy the BMW, but it would have cost about $10,000 more than a comparably equipped G37. BMW nickle and dimes you to death on options, and theres no way its $10,000 better than a G37. I perfectly satisfied with the G37, and $10,000 wealthier.

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  G35XS - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By Dan - March 29 - 5:36 pm

  I test drove a lot of cars when i was shopping and this was by far the best car for the price. The Lexus or BMW didnt even come close to this car. I recommend the premium and navigation package. I got the sport package because I liked the look better of the vehicle, but I dont like the sport seats theyre a little stiff and tight for me and Im an average size guy. Over all this is a great vehicle. The handling and speed is what makes this car fun to drive. Make sure you test drive this vehicle before you decide on a new car.

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  Worth the wait! - 2009 Infiniti G37
  By Jstep - March 27 - 5:36 pm

  Spent 17 months meticulously reading reviews and test driving every car in the entry level luxury class, plus many other categories, before selecting the G37X coupe. Although I bought the car this May, I test drove it during a Michigan snow storm, and have a strong impression of its road grip-handling during both good and very poor road conditions. This car is superb by all measures. Its exterior lines are eye catching and interior refinements are topnotch. Fuel economy is better than I had anticipated, as Im averaging 21 MPG of mostly city driving. Not too shabby! This car is awesome.

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  Minivan Convert - 2015 Infiniti QX60
  By Novanmom - March 26 - 3:44 am

  After almost 5 years of owning a minivan (which we loved), our family has happily returned to an SUV. I thought Id miss the creature comforts of a minivan, such as its sliding doors and the full 3 rows. But, Im enjoying the driving experience in our new 2015 QX60 far more. This crossover is functional, has a plethora of safety equipment and gives you at least a taste of the Infiniti driving experience (we have a 96 I 30 that still runs like very well).The interior is very functional, but practical and is pretty intuitive. Despite the clamping about the CVT transmission, ours has been pretty smooth so far. I LOVE all of the safety features and technology and I am already spoiled to the multi view cameras. All in all, I am pleased with the vehicle. It offers good quality for the cost and my minivan is slowly but surely becoming a find but distant memory. My line gripe is gas mileage. The QX69 is a bit thirstier than the Odyssey.

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  Great Car - 2003 Infiniti I35
  By kmntr6 - March 26 - 2:00 am

  Had a 1987 Maxima- thought it was wonderful. Wanted a dressed up version. Compared to Jaguar Xtype, Accura TL and Lincoln LS among others. The car has been extremely reliable. Would definately buy another Infiniti. The service at Infiniti Richmond has been wonderful!

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  2006 M45 Sport W/ Aero Kit - 2006 Infiniti M45
  By mario flores - March 25 - 11:06 am

  This newer M45 made a big impact on me after trading in my G35 coupe. The front fascia resembles the Infiniti family tree. The overall styling is modern with a touch of upper level class. The car itself looks great but with the optional aero-kit, it really makes a bold statement. The interior is good but could use better front seat with multi adjustment seat of other cars in the same class. It only offers your basic functions. Good take off from a stand still but runs out of steam after 75mph. Transmission shifts good but could use the 2009 7 speed transmission. Good pricing and good high quality building makes structure solid.