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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  Final Thoghts - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Gary D. - May 18 - 3:36 am

  Traded in my G35 yesterday with 95k. Owned it since new. Overall a wonderful car and experience. Never a mechanical problem. Over the last 8 months, wiper motor, window motor and ac fan went with likely more to come. Otherwise regular 30k service from a good independent was fine. I allowed him to put in standard brakes rather than Infiniti for a good savings w/o substantial loss of braking performance. Winter driving with RWD was a problem solved with Blizzak snows. The high level of performance and reliable driving pleasure that this car gave me at a reasonable cost should not be lost. It was a blast to drive to work or explore the backroads. A lot of bang for the buck!!

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  Beautiful car, but expensive to maintain - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By Silas - May 17 - 7:20 am

  This is a beautiful and powerful (306 horsepower) car. However, it is a sport edition which means different sized tires. This is a nightmare. Not only are the tires expensive, but I am on my third (yes, I said third set) and I only have 40K on the car. Also, the gas mileage is horrible. It averages about 14-16mpg. Terrible!

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  Superb! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By SteveSeattle - May 17 - 2:00 am

  I traded a 96 Q45-- a hard act to follow since I was used to a strong V8 and smooth ride. But the G35 is just as fast and, of course, handles so much better. The old Q was never anything to look at, I really like the looks of my G35. I added a Stillen exhaust and got a slightly throatier sound coupled with a tiny but better performance.

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  Fun but yet expensive - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By ash5879 - May 15 - 5:16 am

  I bought my g last year and its been a love hate relationship ever since. The tires have been the worst . Just put new ones on 3 days after buying it and now I need them again : ( people love my car and so do I until I see the out dated interior. I dont like the brushed nickle and those horrible orange lights the g35 I way better looking from the outside than the inside. My leather seats dont look good either . I love driving my car but wish I would have bought the Lexus is250 more updated and better gas mileage and tire wear. I see why people own the g for about a year or two and trade it in : ( oh and my speakers blew out too in the front $200 to replace

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  my 2008 Infiniti G35 - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By saminhouston - May 14 - 1:49 am

  I love my infiniti it now has 128k miles on it. the car is immaculate, i love it, it has some flaws but im 20 yrs old so for me i think its perfect. i have the fully loaded package (tech & sport) but i have the journey model b/c in houston 99% of the time you wont have snow lol. ive always done maintenance on time, no problems what so ever not even one. I take care of my care so it takes care of me, 128k miles strong & im going to keep this car forever.

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  LESSON IN CORPORATE ECONOMICS - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By KEN - May 12 - 10:00 am

  HOW DOES INFINITI OFFER A 260+ HP SPORTS COUPE FOR AROUND 33k. ONE WORD: COST CUTTING. GRANTED THE EXTERIOR DESING BORDERS ON TRUE SCULPTURE. BUT THE INTERIOR MATERIALS, FIT AND FINISH, AND OVERALL DESIGN IS JUST SILLY. ONLY THE ACTUAL SEATING SURFACE IS LEATHER, THE REMAINDER IS FAUX LEATHER. FAUX TITANIUM TRIM IS UNBEFITTING OF A CAR MARKETED FOR YOUNG EXECUTIVES/PROFESSIONALS. LEAVE SUCH TRIM FOR THOSE ENJOYING THERE PRELUDES/CELICAS. SUSPENSION GEOMETRY NEED MORE ATTENTION AS THE RIDE IS HARSH YET CORNERING ABILITY DOES NOT RIVAL THAT OF THE MORE SUPPLE BMW 3 SERIES. 6 SPEED GEARBOX NEEDS MORE FEEDBACK AND PRECISION, LIKEWISE THE CLUTCH.

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  The Perfect (Luxurious) Sports Car - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By jagguar - May 12 - 3:26 am

  I wasnt originally looking for a car in this class but when I saw all the features I just couldnt help myself. I was looking for a fun sporty car and this is exactly that, but with a lot of luxury thrown in as well. Its comparable to the BMW 335i (better IMHO) in performance, comfort, and luxury. It has virtually all the luxury features of $50k+ luxury cars. If youre looking for a car thats fun to drive, the G35 is unrivaled. And it fits 5 people comfortably too! The clutch is stiff but easy to get used to. And I strongly suggest spending the extra 5k to get the nav. All the features that comes with it are awesome! I wish I got the tech package.

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  Awesome to drive but poor quality - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Joe - May 11 - 7:10 pm

  The G35X is THE most fun car to drive that Ive ever owned in 30 years of driving. Outstanding performance, agile, smooth. Only two small issues with the car, that would have made the car "perfect". First -- interior quality. There is a squeak in the drivers door, that the dealer cannot find or fix. Back 3 times, still no fix. Very frustrating. Second is the very touchy brakes. Extremely sensitive, and also wear quickly. Dealer replaced them free of charge after less than 20k miles after reported a brake squeal. So -- GREAT to drive, but 2 annoying issues.

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  Terrific vehicle - 1997 Infiniti QX4
  By egoettle - May 4 - 2:20 pm

  Suspension is rough but not uncommon for vehicles that utilize 4wd. Fuel economy is great (I get 18 mph) and that is with a hole in the exhaust manifold. The power is fantastic. I live on a ranch in NW North Dakota where we have some pretty tough hills; the 4 WD of the QX4 really kicks, even when chasing horses, cows, straight up some pretty tough hills. I purchased it with 86K miles on it; it now has almost 150K miles and the engines never been touched and doesnt "burn" oil.

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  Infiniti does it again - 2004 Infiniti QX56
  By Donna - May 3 - 5:03 pm

  Overall, I love this vehicle but it has had a problem with the brakes. Had to be replaced after 12000 miles. It was still under warranty so not a major deal. Would recommend the backup camera and DVD, love both. Would not recommend tan interior as it looks great, but not practical with kids as it gets dirty very fast.