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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  ok, but should trade in for a TL - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By stan lee - July 15 - 2:00 am

  the dealer/service at serramonte is the worst. no one knows what is going on with your car. the car itself drives well, but the navi is extremely annoying to use, especially when you have to get somewhere quick. interior quality and non-intuitive controls need rethinking. the exterior and driving capabilities are the cars strongpoints.

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  As I expected - 2001 Infiniti QX4
  By Josey Wales - July 2 - 2:00 am

  I decided to purchase a 2001 QX4 based on three factors: 1. I wanted a SUV w/4WD, 2. Its distintive and elegant, and you wont see one every fifth vehicle you pass on the road, and 3. Postive eviews, both professional and consumer. As advertised, the QX4 is everything others have noted, both good and not so good. The not so good - extremely disappointing gas mileage, back seat is tight, the Bose stereo system is good but not great and the steering wheel audio controls are awkward and limited in function. Overall, I would absolutely recommend the QX4!

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  Hard to Resist - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By Terry - June 29 - 7:30 pm

  We test drove a lexus IS 250, 2009 Maxima and the Infiniti G35 with AWD. Could not believe the feeling you get from driving this car. While gas mileage is subpar, my feeling is that I did not buy this car with the gas mileage as the primary concern. Love the Nav system, AWD, as we live in the Northeast and the looks I get when I pull into a parking space. Highway driving is fun as the car has a tight feel to it and is very responsive. By far the best car and value in its class.

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  03 QX4 - 2003 Infiniti QX4
  By 6month - June 22 - 7:56 pm

  Great overall SUV, Super looks, Ride is very acceptable for a truck based SUV, Averaging 18-19mpg, Interior comfort is outstanding, Bose stereo is wonderfull. Too bad 2003 saw the last Qx4

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  3 yrs/12K miles still love it! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By J Walker - June 21 - 9:06 pm

  I purchased the G35 shortly after they were brought out. It still gives me the grins every time I turn the key. 15 mpg strictly in town, 22mpg on the freeway at 70 mph A/C on. The brakes do wear quickly, but that is the trade- off with high performance brakes. Infiniti came out with a bulletin on the brakes, offering to maintain them if your car is under warranty. I went in after 35 on a 36 month warranty months and was given a complete 4 wheel brake job FOR FREE! Oh, and how about holding its value! This car has only depreciated 25% in 3 years. This vehicle has performed flawlessly (brakes excepted) for 3 years and will continue to deliver peformance and comfort for many years to come!

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  The Problems - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By jbmagic - June 17 - 6:33 am

  I want to first say that this is a great car thats very comfortable for the driver and quick as well. The problems are the front tires seem to wear on the insides. Im going on my fourth set of tires in the front with 34,000 miles. Since the rear wheels and tires are larger than the fronts you cant rotate at all. The tires make excessive road noise when they wear in this manner. My second complaint is gas mileage. I average 15 miles per gallon and have for three years with this car. Im an adult and while I drive sort of fast Im far from a speed demon. Lastly is the turning radius. Its very large and almost impossible to turn around in on a side street. Other than that a great car

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  Better Than All - 2006 Infiniti QX56
  By Long Paul - June 15 - 2:43 pm

  This car has so much power, acceleration and is so solid and quiet. A fantastic freeway cruiser and it seats 8. Corners not much worse than my E320 Mercedes. The heated seats are nice and the split rear seat is a big plus. Tons of leg room in the second row. Pick this car over some junky American version like Cadillac or Chevy.

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  Very disappointed - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By Christen - June 15 - 12:16 pm

  Horrified by the poor tire wear! At 19,000 miles, my tires were completely bald. Infiniti says they normally replace them around 12-15K! Now I am at 24K, and the front insides are torn up and need to be replaced. Thats right... only 5,000 miles on the tires. Said it was the alignment. I will be looking to trade this car in within the year. I cant afford to replaces tires twice a year, especially at the price our tires are!

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  Brakes & Rattles - 2005 Infiniti QX56
  By Q 56 2004 - June 11 - 6:03 pm

  This is a great car to drive, however the car has poorly designed brakes. Mine were replaced by dealer after being in shop three times. I strongly recommend all Q56 owners have their brakes check. The dealer has not been able to get rid of all the rattles. At two miles hour bumpers will sustain damage upon hitting object. Dealer did not imfom me that I needed to use premium gas until after I purchase the Q56.

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  lots of Issues - 2001 Infiniti QX4
  By 2001 QX4 beware - June 10 - 7:26 am

  I had so many problems with this car(s), I even had 2 of these, got rid of one and got another, same bunch of issues, Tranny has issues! only 75k on it. new trans, new alternator, new pullys, new rotors, strut, replaced turn signal stick, muffler pipes broke, brakes awful, radio replaced, windows are slow, IF youre gonna buy this, only get the 2003, maybe they worked out some of the issues. had to do a lemon law case on it. beware