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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  Very Well-Built, Super Reliable - 2002 Infiniti QX4
  By faucj - July 4 - 4:26 am

  As the second owner of my QX4, Ive put 82,000 miles on it, bringing it to a total of 150,000. The only money Ive spent on repairs was for a rattling heat shield early on. Aside from that, drivetrain has been bulletproof - no surprise as the VQ35DE engine was included in Wards 10 Best for 2002. No squeaks or rattles - exterior and interior have held up remarkably well. CD player glitchy. Feels like a tank, which has its pluses and minuses - solid, but a bit underpowered; great towing (body-on-frame construction), but pretty poor fuel economy. Four-wheel-drive system is a technological marvel - has gotten me up a 45-degree snow bank with no wheelspin. Amazing truck - luxurious and reliable.

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  The best in its class and year - 2000 Infiniti G20
  By Shahbaz Sakhi - July 4 - 2:00 am

  I bought my G20T when it first came into the market in October, 1999. Then, it had one of the best engines with competitive hp and torque for 4-cyl engine. And, it does pick-up fast enough. To date, it has been riding great! No regrets. Also, the customer service at the dealership, including FREE hand-carwash every weekend and prompt service, makes a big difference. Still, if you want more power, go get the new G35!

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  Best Sports Sedan ever driven - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By millionaire - July 4 - 2:00 am

  I just bought this car about 2 weeks ago and I have never had so much fun in my life. The car handles like a BMW or Porsche and I didnt even get the sport package. The acceleration and torque on this car is massive and the braking is excellent. I got the Navigation System and it is one of the coolest gadgets I have ever seen. I recommend this car to anyone.

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  Great Sport/Lux Car - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By dareeka - July 4 - 2:00 am

  We just purchased our black on black G35 and love it. We test drove the Audi A4(cheap interior), the Volvo S60(cheap interior and the engine sounded like a chainsaw), the Lexus ES(very good car, but it looks just like a Camry), the Lexus IS(small and looks like it came out of the movie The Fast and The Furious) and the Lincoln LS(good car but it was rough riding and it sat low,it was hard to get in and out of), and none of them had the horsepower. The G35 had the best of both (Sport and Luxury).

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  G35 is the best!!!!!!!! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By G35 Lover - July 4 - 2:00 am

  Have been buying new cars since 1949 and have never had a car that has excited me so much. Mine is a beautiful garnet red which is close to a candy apple, gets many compliments!!Has the luxury package, xenon lights and the wonderful navigation unit which is such fun to use. This car goes like a rocket and has beautiful handling. A friend just bought a new $60,000. Corvette convertable and as nice as it is I would rather have Gi Gi as we call her. Paul Near San Diego

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  Look out BMW! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By CharlieCat - July 4 - 2:00 am

  There are two 3-series BMWs in my family. I like my G35 better. The G35 is a HOT car thats FUN to drive. 260 HP and lots of pick up. Among other things, you get 90 more HP than the A4 1.8T, and 76 more than the BMW 325i. AND it costs less too. I upgraded my G20 to the G35. It took no time to fall in love. You get all of the reliability of a Japanese car, combined with the performance of the German competitors (and none of the time-or cost-in the shop). And it costs less with options. Zippy around town and fun on the highway, its got power to spare to merge, pass, and have some fun on a windy road or a long drive. Try it before you buy an A4 or a BMW...youll be surprised.

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  Best Entry-Level Sedan For The Money - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By 008 - July 3 - 10:26 am

  Leased a 07 G35 Auto Journey w/sunroof & wheels/tires package. Great car for the $$. Fun, classy & just enough room for us & our 2 yr. old... Didnt want to pay for Premium package since I didnt care for fancy Bose, homelink, MP3 player, memory seats + steering & mirrors, auto-lumber support, dimming mirror or bluetooth. But wished it had heated seats, so I opted for the stand alone sunroof + wheels/tires since the G35 Sports rode a little harsh & Journey more suited for us w/the toddler. This car is very very fast (I came from a Subaru Forester XT which was a total sleeper) and wants to go all the time. Handles extremely well and interior is comfy.

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  Great Car - 2012 Infiniti M
  By esquire1001 - July 3 - 7:26 am

  I just traded a Lexus 460L for the M37h which is the hybrid version. I have seen some reviews for the hybrid and some are better than others. In general, i really like this car and I am fairly picky about cars. I have only had it a few days, but from what I can tell, it is a big upgrade from a performance and technology standpoint from my 2007 Lexus. Nothing wrong with the Lexus and it was a great car, but the Infinity has a much tighter feel, better performance, better infotainment and better sound system. Not to mention better performance if you want it or better gas mileage if you want it.

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  happy camper - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By himaintang - July 3 - 2:53 am

  We have had this vehicle for a little over a month now and thoroughly enjoy it. Powerful, quick, fun to drive, a joy to be seen in. The Discover Infiniti dealership in San Diego was fantastic to work with - we drove away with a peace of mind which allowed us to immediately enjoy our purchase. We have owned several sports cars in the past and feel for the money this is the best move we have made. We knew we had a winner when we pulled into our driveway and our friendly neighbor called us bastards with a smile on his face.

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  Good car but.............. - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Brian - June 30 - 4:03 am

  I drove all of the competition (BMW, Acura, etc) and to be completely honest, I would rather be driving a 3- series. However, there is no denying the fact that this car presents incredible value for the money. This car is literally 7 to 8 grand less than a comparable BMW. But some days I like it and others I dont. I have had the car for 3 to 4 months and there are squeaks and rattles creeping up which is simply unacceptable for a car like this. The car does have great features, exterior styling is very nice, and it is very comfortable. Gas mileage isnt great but I wouldnt really expect it with nearly 300hp.