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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  Celebrated 9th anniversary with #98 car - 1998 Infiniti I30
  By Dawg82 - November 27 - 6:20 pm

  Bought my 98 I30 in August 2000 as a two-year off-lease vehicle. Has been outstanding performer for last nine years. Key to performance is great power to weight ratio, but car is still roomy for four adults. Engine and AT is perfect combo of power / torque and economy. Two design flaws to note: The glass that goes across length of trunk will eventually warp and let water into trunk and the volume control on audio will become useless. I had both parts replaced (entire radio under warranty) and both problems have come back again. Still been a great value and will drive at least another two years when I give it to my younger son to take to college.

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  No Step Down from E36 M3 - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By anfesa - November 27 - 2:56 pm

  I spent quite some time searching for the right substitute to my M3. I was hooked up on the amazing torque and handling. I finally test drove the G35 Coupe and didnt think it twice. I could have added the sport package, but the premium and performance tire package have been more than satisfying. Very well shoed with Michelins on 18" wheels. Bluetooth is very convenient. Bose sound is Ok. The stiffer sport suspension could have matched better the M3s cornering, but the whole experience makes me easily forget. The exhaust note is sweet, the handling is perfect, and the acceleration makes me forget the M tradition. After 4 bimmers and an A4, I now realize I put my money in the wrong hands.

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  COMFORT - 2003 Infiniti I35
  By Nona - November 27 - 2:00 am

  The I35 drives beautifully, but is a bit noisy on the freeway. The exterior design lacks the classy look of the earlier I30 models. It is responsive, with the notable exception of the turning radius. I find the sounding of the horn at with the remote door lock to be annoying. The interior is beautiful but a misplaced finger can unwittingly change the radio or CD.

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  FUN! FUN!! FUN!!! - 2003 Infiniti I35
  By serjio white - November 27 - 2:00 am

  I was a solid Nissan fan for a long time. After Ive heard about their new 3.5 L engine, decided to try it on the new I35 - and never got out that car, keep driving it day in-day out - so much fun is this baby to drive... On the road, it beats the hell out of all those pricey Lexuses, BMWs, and MBs! Wish it would have less conservative exterior, though; but thats me...

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  Wow! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Dr. Bunny - November 27 - 2:00 am

  This is an awesome car! Starting with the no-pressure salespeople, my Infinity experience has been wonderful. Driving it is a pleasure. The car is so fast, I have never floored it and dont plan to. The ride is extremely comfortable (after I let some of the air pressure out of the tires--the dealer gave it to me with 37 psi and it was a rough ride!) Initially there was a problem with a loose speaker in the back, but the dealer fixed it promplty. The only design flaw is that the space between the front seats and the console is so narrow that if you ever drop something (like your keys!) down there, its nearly impossible to get them out.

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  Wow! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By galadrienne - November 27 - 2:00 am

  I simply adore this car. I have never enjoyed driving a car more. The interior is incredibly comfortable and the exterior is sharp. The handling on curvy roads is impeccable. The only thing that I have to complain about is that the gas mileage is poor. Driving on the highway and maintaining speed of 60 mph, I am only getting 17 to 18 mpg. Braking is incredible and it is a joy to drive.

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  Infiniti G35 - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Jenn - November 27 - 2:00 am

  Bought the G3 last March...the first one to come out in Pittsburgh...nothing disappointing about this car....couldnt be happier with it!!

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  Another Keeper - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By turbo-tom - November 26 - 6:20 am

  Im the only owner, and have really enjoyed this car. The reliability has been excelllent overall, but I have had a few more brake replacements than I expected. Also had the common center console goes blank problem (climate control & audio out), but even though I was out of warranty, there was some factory-sposored huge discount on the replacement. Ive driven newer G35s as loaners, but still like the way this one performs and handles, and the great exhaust note. Im usually at 21 MPG on (busy-freeway) commute and city driving, mainly.

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  reliable car great price - 2002 Infiniti G20
  By drkeller - November 22 - 1:43 pm

  I work at a CarMax and financed my first car. The G20 is a great car compared to hondas and all the other imports. it is great because they dont have the huge price tag, for instance a 2002 honda accord with 80 thousand miles runs between 10-15K. My 2002 g20 ran for 10,000 prior to discount and only had 48000 miles. Great buy

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  I-30 is very good in Entry Level Luxury - 1999 Infiniti I30
  By CabrioGuy - November 21 - 2:00 am

  I recently baught this vehicle and I am very happy about my decision. Best value for your money, when you want to ride in a luxury car.