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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  Fast and Sure - 2003 Infiniti M45
  By pokey poke - February 10 - 10:00 am

  This car rocks over any luxury sports sedan at its price, and some at significantly higher prices. The V-8 steps off the line nearly as fast as my bosss boxster, but I can fit three buddies in my car and all our golf clubs. Im very happy with it. The styling gets knocked by some reviewers, but I like it, and get nice comments on its lines from folks all the time.

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  Live up to the hype - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By renbutler - February 10 - 10:00 am

  This hot car truly lives up to its accolades. It strikes a perfect balance between sportiness and luxury, without being ridiculously flashy or pretentious. Awesome power, superior styling, ergonomic design, this car has it all. Im not quite sure theres anything as spectacular on the road today (at least, not for under $60K).

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  A real treat! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By bmarquis - February 10 - 10:00 am

  Ive had the couple for 7 months. My favorite car Ive owned. All the power and handling I could ask for. The deep throatiness of the exhaust always brings a smile whenever I drive it. The tiptronic transmission allows me to drive it like a sedan most of the time but switch over to fun mode at will. A solid fun car. Absolutely zero regrets.

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  impresive - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By John Spain - February 10 - 10:00 am

  I enjoy my new g35 a lot, it is slick and powerful with nice leather trim for top notch luxury. Mine is loaded with options (only way to go)

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  Sweet ride - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By ripkiss - February 10 - 10:00 am

  I got my MT6 Sedan about 5 weeks ago and I already got almost 2000 miles on it. I just love to drive this car. The style, very comfortable seats, the handling & power is awesome. My fuel economy hasnt been so good, because I just love to punch it. Overall I am very happy with it.

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  A Pleasure to Drive - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By Rob - February 8 - 8:50 am

  This car is for people who love to drive. Acceleration is fantastic. Handling and braking are smooth. Very tight turning radius for a car this size. Road noise is a little more prevalent than in competitors models, but not bad overall. You can feel the transmission shifts a bit. This car has a lot of power for a 5-speed. Likely corrected with the 7-speed in the 09. For me, the MPG has been trending at 17 over the first two months of ownership. Im a little on the aggressive side, but previous cars havent penalized me as much as this one does.

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  The best of my four SUVS - 2006 Infiniti QX56
  By George - February 6 - 11:00 pm

  Great SUV and fun to drive, very luxurious with a lot of features. The best of the four SUVs that I currently own. (Sequioa LTD, 4runner LTD and a 4runner sport)

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  "Big" But Outstanding SUV - 2005 Infiniti QX56
  By Bear - February 5 - 1:06 am

  Overall Im very satisfied with the big Inifiti SUV. Edmunds is right about this beast being thirsty but I knew this when I bought it. Very good build quality. Very nice interior.

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  08 G35xS - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By Mark - February 4 - 11:50 pm

  Trading in my 2005 G35 6MT that I upgraded from 298HP to 350HP for a 2008 G35xS was a bit concerning because I wanted the same horse power feel and was concerned the sedan would lack the feeling one with the car experience. I also needed something for winter. I will say Im really surprised by how responsive the automatic 306HP of the sedan deploys itself. Having said that, I HIGHLY recommend anyone getting this car to the G35xS, which adds the 18" wheels and the paddle shifters. I will say the car comes to life when in manual mode, much differently then just driving in automatic. With that I will say Im quite happy and the car now provides the same confidence my previous G did.

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  Best money spent - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By andyatlexus - February 4 - 10:00 am

  We use this car daily driver. The versatility of the folding rear seat give us room that we use without sacrificing performance. We are very happy we didnt go with the 350Z. The car handled extremely well last winter having new tires and the skid control system. We have been most happy with its ability to get to 100+mph and it sure footed handling at all speeds and in all weather. Although I would like to have a little more tire howl before system intervention. Aslo can get a little noisy for long road trips. Bonus is the great stereo.