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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  WOW! Had to buy another one - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Infiniti Convert - January 5 - 10:00 am

  Purchased a 2003 auto in May of 2002. Loved it from day one. I put 56k miles on it in two years. Just traded it in for a new 2004 6MT. All I can say is WOW! I thought the auto was fast. The upgraded interior is better (still a little less luxury than I want) The overall package is great. Handling, power, braking, comfort, space - all pluses. And then there is the service... fantastic! (although with the new successes, not quite as good as when Infiniti couldn’t sell anything!). I look forward to my 50 mile one-way commute through DC rush hour traffic – crazy happy!

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  Excellent New Model - 2014 Infiniti Q50
  By banman10 - January 5 - 7:42 am

  This is my second Infiniti. I Previously owned the initial model year 2003 Infiniti G35. 12 years old, 225,000+ miles and ran like new. The new Q50 is a spectacular car. The fit and finish of the vehicle is on par with a BMW, Lexus, etc. The attention to detail is evident throughout. The navigation system and iPad like internal systems (music, navigation, concierge, etc.) touchscreen adds significantly to the driver experience. Alternative driving modes including Sport mode afford the driver incredible engine and drivetrain responsiveness. When combined with the drive by wire handling, which has to be experienced to be appreciated, it provides a great overall driver experience.

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  Dont drive the M45! - 2006 Infiniti M45
  By Vulcan - January 3 - 10:06 am

  I purchased my M45 sport with tech and journey packages 3 weeks ago and all I can say is WOW! This is far and away the best all around car I have ever driven in this class. I test drove BMW 5 series, Audi A6, and Lexus GS430 before I purchased the M and in my opinion the M blows them away. The rear active steering (RAS) makes a subtle but noticeable difference in turning and cornering. The intelligent cruise control absolutely spoils you for long commutes! Why not drive the M45? Well, if you drive the M35 first (6 cyl,280 HP) , youll love it. But if you then drive the M45 (8 cyl 335 HP) youll never go back and it will cost you $7,000 more!

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  Nice upgrade - 2011 Infiniti EX
  By meower - January 3 - 1:55 am

  I traded my 2010 G37s for a 2011 EX35 to obtain more flexible space. Very impressed with the ride quality and compared to the G37, the performance is a close second. With the technology pack, the EX35 has becomes a feature-rich product with tools that make highway driving very pleasant. It may not inspire night drives down twisty country roads but its not a snooze-fest either. Comfortable for a 62" guy. Compared to the G37, has a better entry/exit. Rear seat room may be problematic behind someone with the seat mostly back but the dog doesnt complain.

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  Best Car Ive Had - 2003 Infiniti I35
  By luvs*i35 - January 2 - 4:16 pm

  This car has given me absolutely no problems in the past 6 years Ive had it. Recently I was hit by some object on the freeway. The windshield withstood the impact with just a small scratch. I think I would have been in trouble had I not been in such a sturdy car. I love the performance and the reliability.

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  First car I ever loved... - 2006 Infiniti M45
  By sdcal - January 1 - 11:13 pm

  I have almost 3000 miles on my M45 Sport and have enjoyed every single one of them. Even those when I was stuck in S CA traffic. The car is very fast, very fun, and very comfortable. I do not understand those that compare the car to a maxima or G series Infiniti. Theres no comparison.

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  Oh, I love this car. - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Mike Kozlowski - January 1 - 2:53 am

  So Id had three Accords in a row (99, 01, 03), and wanted something sportier this time. I test-drove the BMW 330i and this, and found them pretty comparable, except for a) the price, and b) the AWD capabilities on the G35x, which are more sophisticated than those on the (not yet released) 330xi. Ive put 300 miles on this car in the last five days, and I absolutely love it. It handles like a dream, it has power to spare, its full of great luxury touches, and is just generally a superb car. Im actually thinking I might keep this one longer than two years. And thanks to the AWD, it should manage to handle better than the Accord in the winter, too.

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  LOVE MY QX56 - 2005 Infiniti QX56
  By qx56 - December 30 - 3:30 pm

  I have been thrilled with this great SUV. I am a widow with 4 children and I am a Realtor. I have never had any problems with it and it out performs my former suburban. It is the best vehicle I have ever had for the Minnesota winter driving. Lots of room for hauling and lots of entertainment for the kids!

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  Best of the Best - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By oldcajun - December 27 - 2:00 am

  Great style, fantistic performance, bulletproof reliability. It doesnt get any better than this. Yes it does, it is $7000 cheaper than a BMW!

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  Greatest luxury car value - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By JAY LAMONT - December 26 - 8:46 pm

  If you are not a 6 foot plus giant male this is the safest, most fun to drive reliable car to drive...Period i have owned only mercedes, lexus sedans and (1) bmw plus (1) volvo suv in the past thirty years of driving---city and highways trips daily. This is euphoria on chrome wheels and reliable under all road conditions and climates. And the value is the final clincher for anyone who has tried the ride on a g35x infiniti. Service quality ? Impeccable, but frankly rarely required for my car. Jay lamont