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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  Wonderful car - 2018 Infiniti QX60
  By John - January 6 - 9:50 am

  I have now owned 3 Infinities and I find the comfort, reliability, quality and safety to be first class. My previous cars include BMW, MAZDA AND CHEV and although I liked them all I believe theInfiniti is far superior! I would recommend the Infiniti as a wonderful vehicle!

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  fair weather friend - 2003 Infiniti M45
  By bobo - January 4 - 2:00 am

  really poor handling in the snow. traction control doesnt help and is even a hinderence. otherwise a ball to drive. A very well kept secret as I have only seen two others on the road in three months.

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  Great Vehicle - 2002 Infiniti G20
  By Anthony - January 2 - 10:00 am

  Excellent vehicle for price. Does not excel at any one thing but packages good solid workmanship with spirited performance and nice looks.

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  Yeah baby! - 2002 Infiniti I35
  By Purrfect - January 2 - 10:00 am

  For the money, nothing beats the I35!!!!

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  More Than a Maxima - 2002 Infiniti I35
  By mikesimmons - January 2 - 10:00 am

  Some will say that the I35 is just a Maxima with different sheet metal. To that I say, the Maxima is a great car! Unfortunately, the Maximas styling is odd and it is difficult to configure one the way I want it without having to accept options which I do not want, such as the moon roof and heated seats. The handeling is a blend of sport and comfort. I do not drive like the people of Car and Driver so, the more extreme characteristics of a car are not too important to me. The I beam suspension, for example, is fine with the driving I do; I wont be entering a cross country rally. The car delivers the same economy with regular gas at reduced performance.

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  Smart Buyer will consider this car!!! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Roger55 - January 2 - 10:00 am

  It all comes down to brand, which relates to prestige. With the same options, if you are not willing to pay $7K extra on BMW 330 or $9K on Mercedes Benz C320, then the G35 is your best choice. Sometimes... I wonder if BMW and Mercedes Benz only recruit Harvard and Kellogs grads for their marketing team.

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  Enough said!! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Peter Martyn - January 2 - 10:00 am

  Please take a test drive, and youll know.