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:

• 

  coming up on 9 years and counting - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By clay2000nc - November 16 - 11:28 pm

  Back in July 2003 when I purchased the Red G35 Coupe MT6 my wife told me it was my 10 year car based on the price. Well here we are at 110,000 miles and it still looks and performs like the day we picked it up. Yes, having a car like this comes with a cost. Tires are certainly one of them along with the periodic window motor/regulator. But getting 23 mpg average and getting 27 mpg on the highway is not bad at all. This is the longest I ever owned a car and to date I can not see another car Id even want to buy.

• 

  Just Replaced a Bmw 525 - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By Muttmart - November 16 - 1:33 pm

  After driving BMWs for the past 8 years, I decided to test ride the G35x. Im glad I did. The looks are great, both inside and out. It handles great, especially around those nasty curves. Just turn the wheel and gun it. The car responds better than my 5 series. The best part is that the G is its 10 grand less expensive than the 525. I was a BMW "lifer", but the G has BMW beat, hands down.

• 

  Best car yet! - 2007 Infiniti M45
  By dfcarter24 - November 15 - 1:20 pm

  Being my first sedan since my 1989 Ford SHO, and many Suburban and pickups in between, I spent 1 year researching and dreaming of what I wanted in a sports sedan. The Infiniti M45 Sport has exceeded all my expectations. My only complaints would be the poor fuel mileage (what did I expect in a 335 hp hot rod?), perceived need for a six-speed transmission, and the non-effective high-beam headlights. But these complaints would not deter me from buying this car all over again. I probably should have sprung for the Bose 5.1 surround-sound system, but the regular Bose system is certainly no slouch. Fresh off a mountain romp through the twisties, the smile on my face could very well be permanent!

• 

  Fast, fun, sporty... - 2013 Infiniti G Sedan
  By edizzy86 - November 14 - 2:04 pm

  Iv had the G37 sport sedan for a year now I have to say this car handles very well. It is a bit firm on the road and thats expected with the sport suspension. The 6 speed shifts are smooth but first gear is quicker then most 6 speeds Ive driven. Power is quick and on tap. Navigation works well and the interface is easy and Infiniti did a great job of allowing voice, steering wheel control, dash control and touch screen on every component of the media and navigation for connivence. This is not a car you buy unless you plan on being at the pump. I mainly drive to work and back and the occasional windy road trip but not good for long trips with 17 mpg.

• 

  Extremely Recommended - 2007 Infiniti M45
  By Lars - November 13 - 12:50 am

  I test drove Volvo, Saturn, BMW, Mercedes, Audi and Lexus. None of these other cars are so much fun to drive with such great technology features as the Infiniti. My M45 is fast, easy to drive, comfortable with more leg and head space than Audi, BMW or Mercedes has. What a smooth ride.

• 

  Great economical & reliable sport sedan - 2002 Infiniti G20
  By John - November 12 - 11:53 pm

  I have the manual transmission Sport version. Best car I have ever owned. Car has incredible handling. Power is good with two or less people on board with the manual trans. Great looks. Sport edition interior is perforated suede. Best compromise between cloth and smooth glossy leather, warm in winter, cool in summer. Excellent gas mileage. 32 mpg on the highway. Car has been VERY reliable.

• 

  Well built luxury ride - 2002 Infiniti I35
  By Frank - November 12 - 1:10 am

  I35 is an good deal if you want the performance of a G35 and room space of a luxury ride. I am glad that I bought it!!

• 

  Everything Done Right - 2008 Infiniti QX56
  By JB - November 10 - 2:13 pm

  We are extremely happy with the QX. After looking at everything out there, (and I do mean everything), we chose the QX for its blend of comfort, performance, quality, features and style. There are other vehicles out there that do some of the individual aspects better, but none that impart the thoughtful implementation that makes this vehicle the whole package. Everything is well thought out and very well executed. After living with it for awhile, you realize that all the "little things" are just right, and everything works together in harmony for a delightful driving experience. Exceptional value for the money.

• 

  Luxury refined - 2004 Infiniti I35
  By Bad C - November 10 - 12:26 am

  I have owned 5 cars in the last 10 years. Accord, Camry, Mazda 6, etc. I should have started with the I35 and saved a lot of money!

• 

  Mediocrity at its best - 2000 Infiniti I30
  By gecurb - November 9 - 10:00 am

  Good car, but not great. Does most things ok, but could be better. Ride is harsh, feel every bump and imperfection in the pavement. Transmission frequently slow to downshift (sometimes feels like 0 to 60 in 8 minutes). Big turning diameter is frustrating. Fortunately, it is reliable. I find it difficult to find a really comfortable seating position for both the wheel and the gas pedal.