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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  Should have bought the BMW - 2009 Infiniti G37
  By Unhappy G Owner - January 1 - 9:13 am

  Ive had my G37x coupe for about 8 months and I cant believe Im writing a negative review. The car was awesome for the first 10k miles. However, lately its just been one issue after another. I went out to my car this morning and saw rust on the trunk right below the rear spoiler. Yes rust after < 1 year on a car that costs $45k. I couldnt believe it. Well see how the dealer handles it. In additions to the rust, the car has developed multiple squeaks from the center console and right dash area. The ipod connector has begun to randomly show my iphone as disconnected even though its plugged in. The drivers seat is also starting to bubble (common issue)

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  I Got Sea Sick Driving -Radio for Deaf - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Snowwhere - December 28 - 10:00 am

  I live in snow country and I wanted an upscale car with 4 wheel drive that had enough power to pass with authority on 2 lane roads. This car fits that description very well. Despite this I owned this car for only 427 miles and 4 days before I bailed! Im now very happy with my Subaru Legacy GT Ltd with a much better balance of comfort and power.

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  Great Car - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By GVTrai58 - December 27 - 2:53 am

  I bought this car for my wife and it is a kick to drive. Very powerful and precise. The car handles like it is on rails. The only thing I would warn anyone about is this car is a luxury sport sedan with an emphasis on sport. The car is stiff and unforgiving on bad roads. But this is the price you pay for superb handling on good roads. So, if you want a true sport sedan, this is your car. If you want to quietly float over bumps on the road this car is not for you.

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  Good car for the $$$ - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By weezy2482 - December 22 - 10:20 pm

  This car is worth the money just in the horsepower alone. The gas mileage is not as bad as most say. I have been averaging over 20 mpg (approx 22 mpg) switching between premium and regular unleaded gas every other tank (keeps costs down). Great car!!

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  You will spend, oh yes. - 2000 Infiniti I30
  By j - December 22 - 8:43 pm

  Traded in an older Camry for the Infiniti because my wife thought it was "ugly." However in 4 years I spent less on that car then Ive spent in the past 9 months on the I30. Had it checked out before we bought it, all systems were a go. However within 2 months the alternator went out. Shortly after that the car started misfiring, and it started running poorly and jerking when at a stop light. Had the engine coils replaced along with the spark plugs and a full maintenance check + fluids flush. Also have had to replace both rear and front brakes. So 9 months and at least $3,000 later, hopefully we are done for awhile with spending money on it.

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  Very Poor Brake Quality - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Tim Jones - December 5 - 10:03 am

  I have owned a 2005 G35X for only 21 months and it has cost me over $2,300 (no tires yet!) in maintenance expenses. Front brakes have been completely replaced and rear pads and rotors need replacing very soon. This is a very nice car to drive, but be prepared to spend big bucks in maintenance if you lease!

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  Wow!! What a Ride - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By DrewI - November 29 - 9:13 pm

  Finally pulled the plug on buying a new 2008 Journey with the Sport package, nav, premium. What a blast to drive and what a beauty to look at. Better yet, this probably is the most intuitively designed drivers cockpit that Ive seen. My friends who have BMWs are still trying to learn how to work their nav while Im burning CDs onto my in-car jukebox without a users manual. Amazing! The best steering wheel you can imagine. If youre thinking about buying this car, do it.

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  All Round Nice Car. - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By Chiwawa6 - November 26 - 7:36 pm

  Outperforms in all expectations. But it also only gets about 22 mpg. Instrument panel could use an upgrade.

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  Nearly Perfect - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By John Mc - November 20 - 6:16 am

  Had difficulty finding "the car", but when I did, I bought it. Athens Blue 6MT with just about everything. Very stiff at first, but had become normal in 5K miles. Absolutely no problems. Fit and finish is flawless. The Nav. system is obviously a carryover from the Japanese Skyline since the joystick is on the right, making for a bit of a reach. Driver seat bolsters are little tight for a 280# person, but are molding with time. Seat adjustment switches need to be moved as do the seat heater switches. Car is a definite head turner. Infiniti did a beautiful job with the car. It is a joy to drive. Only wish LA freeways were less congested. One trip to San Diego was a kick.

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  Solid SUV - 2000 Infiniti QX4
  By texastim - November 19 - 10:00 am

  I have has this car for nearly three years and NEVER had to take it in for warranty service. My wife was hit from behind on highway at high speed and the QX4 stood up pretty solid to the blow. My lease is up in 3 months and I might keep it or get a new QX4. This one is a little underpowered - the 2001 got the bigger engine upgrade. Uses a lot of gas but this vehicle is built rock solid.