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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  Great Car - 2004 Infiniti I35
  By Larry - May 21 - 4:43 am

  This is my 4th Infiniti, and by far the nicest Ive owned. The 3.5 engine has plenty of muscle for me, the car looks great, and the ride is extremely comfortable. Great sound system, excellent climate control system, the heated seats and heated steering wheel have spoiled me this past winter. Huge trunk, fold down seats make carrying my 88 key digital piano a breeze. Cruise control is smooth, radio controls on steering wheel are easy to use. These cars are so dependable and maintenance costs are reasonable. I have never taken my Infiniti to a mechanic for repairs and been shocked by the cost of the repair. This car has been a pleasure to own. whats not to like about this car?

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  Great Midlife Crisis Fix - 2008 Infiniti G37
  By Dave - May 19 - 5:26 am

  I bought the G37 for myself as a 40th birthday splurge. This is the best sports coupe your money can buy without completely splurging and buying a Corvette. Plus, it seats 4 halfway comfortably! Ive owned this car for over one year, and it still feels like a new toy every time I drive it, or even look at it. Im a very thorough researcher, and I couldnt find another car with the performance, looks, and features of this one in the price range. Once I test drove it, the decision was a complete no brainer.

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  Best buy for the buck... - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By Bob C - May 17 - 10:16 pm

  This is my second G-35. My 2004 saved our lives when we had to do an emergency manuver on the interstate...without the breaks and quick steering response we would have "bought the farm". I cannot say enough about how fun it is to drive the G35. Everytime I get in it, I get a "rush". Highway driving is where it really shines. For the price you pay, I cannot think of a car that is more fun to drive with the performance the G35 gives. This is not a Lexus or a BMW or even a Acura TL...And I am thankful for that.

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  Best value for the dollar - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By jhoey - May 16 - 8:00 pm

  You cant find more bang and amenities for the buck. Considered BMW, 350Z, Audi TT, IS300, and others, but could not get the performance or features for anything close to the G. Best car and most fun to drive of any Ive owned.

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  Best car ever owned. - 2008 Infiniti M45
  By Joe Warner - May 16 - 1:50 am

  The 2008 M45x is one of the most luxurious and best handling sedans in this category. It may not be the best in every category but the combination of luxury, performance and features is excellent.

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  Best Value - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Car Nut - May 14 - 4:43 am

  Very fun to drive, could be faster but fast enough to get you in touble. Great on corner and turns, hit the Apex and gas it and the corners of your mouth will gravitate upward. No mech. problems and gas mileage is o.k. Ride is stiff at slow speeds but comfortable on highway when it really matters. Hey its not a sedan. Orginially purchased as 3rd car,only 3300 sunny miles first 9 months, then lost company car and moved away from family, drove 8+ hours on weekends to visit wife and kids and now drive everyday to work. Performed great as both play car and everyday car. Still gets complients from valets and random people in parking lots, young and old.

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  a drivers car, watch out bmw - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By maa1978 - May 13 - 7:40 am

  Drive this car the way it was made to be driven when you test drive the G35. You will be disappointed if you want luxurious feel. (not a g35). RWD is one of the main reasons I bought the car. Take notice that Lexus or Acura isnt in in the comparos with Infinity, BMW, Caddilac in most of the car magazines. You soon realize the G35 is all buisness when push the car hard and you unleash the hidden beast. The 6MT model is even more of a value. I know it doesnt drive 100% like a BMW, nor does it cost like one either. I bought this car for the long haul so I have little worries when the warranty runs out. Dont expect Civic gas mileage your getting 298hp not 98hp. I love this car!

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  Best Car Ive ever owned....but.... - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Stan - May 13 - 2:53 am

  This one is a legit 6mt, with sport, luxury and Aero Kit from factory. Had to buy used in 2005 after 6 months of searching in LA area for this package, very rare. The car has been nothing but amazing. Great head turner despite popularity. Great power and manual transmission with precise shifting. A true drivers car. Had lowered and with 19" wheels from day one, great tire life and decent brake life as well. I drive the car as aggressively as I want, same gas mileage around 19-20 mpg mixed, or 23-25 on FWY. Installed intake and full exhaust for incredible sound and power that shocks 350z and G37 coupe drivers. Handles like its on rails at any speed or weather, granted this is LA.

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  Great Car - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By Keith - May 12 - 10:06 am

  I really like this car. A lot comparisons to BMW but I see way too many 3 series. I really enjoy driving the car.

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  02 G20 Sport - 2002 Infiniti G20
  By mmmmmmmm - May 11 - 2:00 am

  The sport edition has some great features. For the price, this is a great car that is fun to drive. Just as previous reviews, it would be even more fun with a larger engine. But with a 5 speed manual, it keeps up or even beats my fiancees 2003 Mercedes c230 Kompressor sedan with 190 supercharged horses. So, a 10 second 0-60 time sounds about 2 seconds off for the manual version. Handling for a sedan is tops. No problems yet.