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:

• 

  Sporty + Luxurious - 2003 Infiniti M45
  By ChristinaG - August 3 - 3:46 pm

  Purchased this car at 54K miles, still under warranty. I find this car to be a happy medium after owning a sporty BMW M3 and a luxury BMW 745i. It is quick like M3, excellent power and performance, but rides way more comfortably and has all the gadgets like the 745i. At 80K miles, I get an average 19.5mpg to the tank and have had only minimal upkeep. A tire pressure sensor needed replaced before 60K miles and the fuel gage, I found out after running out of gas on 1/2 tank, does not register accurately (a $200 part). Other than that I just love it. Roomy trunk, just enough back seat room, great stock stereo options. Rare model so it gets a lot of looks.

• 

  A Joy to Drive - 2005 Infiniti QX56
  By edward klee - August 3 - 4:03 am

  I had problems with the brakes but they we repared by a factory call back free of charge; this was after about 6,000 miles. I have taken three long round trips 1,600 or more; and it was a pleasure to drive. I averaged close to 16 miles on the trips. City mileage is about 14.3 miles to the gallon.

• 

  new to game - 2003 Infiniti QX4
  By cmh - August 2 - 10:36 am

  Like diving on clouds, nice buggy to drive around town, and excellent on long trips...

• 

  Best car in its class - 2003 Infiniti M45
  By HMSRelentless - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned BMW 7 series, Jaguar, etc. This vehicle(M-45) is by far the overall best of its class. I would rate it above the Jag. Lexus or BMW.

• 

  A Pleasure To Drive Daily - 2003 Infiniti QX4
  By kitkat5510 - July 30 - 10:00 am

  We have been pleased with our purchase of the QX4. This SUV drives great on the Expressways and paved roads. The ride isnt so great when you hits bumps. The front seats are comfortable, but the back seat isnt comfortable for its passengers. Not enough leg room and the door opening makes it hard to get in and out. The QX4 has great pick up, you just touch the petal and youre off. The steering is also very reliable and secure feeling. The interior dash is laid out very well. Nice touches of woodgrain throughout. For the most part, this has been a great purchase and I look forward to driving my SUV daily. It handles well and looks great!

• 

  Its awesome and underated - 2003 Infiniti I35
  By Larry Wien - July 30 - 10:00 am

  it is underated. It is very luxurious. I have no complaints

• 

  G35 - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By raweekley - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Superb handling automobile w/sport package. Fun to drive. Not a great car in the snow.

• 

  Beware: need front brakes every 20K - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By bosko - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Best car I have ever owned

• 

  Still unbeatable at 5000 miles - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Dr.007 - July 30 - 10:00 am

  diamond graphite with the premium, aero and nav package. Got it from the first shipment in this country and still have yet to find fault with any aspect of the engineering and performance of this car. The car hugs the road and purrs easily past any BMW, or Lexus ive encountered so far. Brakes are unsurpassed. This car is a great value without sacrifice.

• 

  BMW beater? - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By randrews - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I generally like the car, though two things bother me. First is the gas mileage, which has been 4-5 MPG lower than the 330i I traded for it. I have owned much more powerful V8s that got better mileage. Second, the tires look too skinny for my taste. Overall, though, I am glad I traded the BMW for it, I think.