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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  Outstanding Sport Sedan-Best for the US! - 2007 Infiniti M45
  By Dave - June 10 - 7:43 am

  I test drove BMW 335i and xi, 328xi, and 535i and xi, and although these cars were more aggressive drivers cars than the M45 sport sedan, I purchased the Infiniti. Major deciding points: M45 was priced similarly to the 335xi, but had more power, better features, and much better interior than any of the BMWs. If I were driving in Europe, I would buy the BMW, but in the US, the M45 Sport is a better package and it is cheaper!! By the way, the 328xi and 530xi do not even compete with the M35, let alone the M45. If you are seriously considering any version of the 2007 328 or 2008 530, do yourself a favor and compare it to the M35/45. Infiniti clearly beats these cars!

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  An undervalued brand - 2000 Infiniti Q45
  By JMDorris - June 9 - 2:00 am

  absolutely no problems; will buy coming off lease; styling is unique and get many complements on apprearance (blk, blk, blk tinted windows).

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  Love it! Buy 2 - 2001 Infiniti I30
  By Q-man - June 9 - 2:00 am

  I ran into this car, looking to purchase a Nissan Maxima. After test driving and pulling out my calculator, it was a pretty easy decision to purchase the car. The 2001 I30 is great. A Smooth ride, powerful-fast engine (for the money), and loads of comfortable options makes this car one of the best kept secrets in the automotive world. So much so that I about an I35 8 months later. I love it. I have 2.

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  Better than expected - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By devon - June 9 - 2:00 am

  I was sure that I was going to like my new G35 Coupe from the pictures and reviews that I had seen and read. When I finally got to see it in person, I realized pictures definitely did not do it justice. And it drives as well as it looks.

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  Silky Smooth And Peppy - 2004 Infiniti I35
  By 2_da_max - June 7 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this car on 10-01-04. It has great pick-up. Transmission is silky smooth you can hardly feel the gears upshift or downshift. The car is very roomy inside, leather seats feel plush, and comfy. I love the lumbar support, excellent idea. Very quiet engine, low rpm torque is a dream. H- rated tires gives it a nice sporty ride. This car reminds me of the Lexus ES300, but with more horses under the hood. Great visibilty out the rear window. This car is simply a blast to drive. I test drove the 2005 Acura TL and it didnt come close to the handling of the I35.

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  best car i ever owned - 2004 Infiniti QX56
  By Daniel De Leon - June 7 - 10:00 am

  The QX56 is by far the best car i haved ever owned. The ride is very nice. I love the navigation system and the Smart vision, it is very quiet. From the second that I opened the door I could tell that it was very luxurious. I have driven the escalade,navigator, and Yukon Denali and they dont even come close to the quality of the QX56, and they are way over priced for what they come with. Its a great car.

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  The Great Drive - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Tom - June 6 - 10:40 am

  This car has been The Great Drive. While enjoying it tremendously, I have finally had to give in to my more frugal nature and search for a more fuel efficient transportation car. Im putting way too many miles on this wonderful car and it costs me an arm and a leg just to work.

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  Pure exhiliration - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By SusanC - June 6 - 9:03 am

  I had seen this car in my garage at work and thought Id just go check it out at the dealers. I had NO idea that I would be made one with the car at the first acceleration. I had a 99 BMW 323i with all bells and whistles..that car didnt even compare. The interior design of the G35 is luxury and comfort matched exquisitely..the power and control of the engine/suspension is breathtaking.

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  2007 G35x - The Japanese BMW - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By Auto Enthusiast - June 3 - 5:10 am

  This car is a great value for the money. It combines performance + technology well just like BMW. I previously test drove the Lexus IS250 AWD and decided to go with this car because it had more rear legroom. Head to head it is a better match up with the IS350. I got it with the Premium package and Nav. I love the Compact Flash slot up front because you can use it to play your mp3s and wmas. You can also store your songs on the 9.5 GB hard drive. Very few cars out now have both these features. You dont even need CDs. The Nav can be used with voice or touch screen. You can also watch DVDs on the same screen if you hookup a video player like a Video Ipod or Zune !

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  G35 6-speed sedan - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Tim Smith - June 3 - 2:00 am

  Hi, Just got it, real nice to drive, and it moves. very comfortable, Well equiped car. I love to shift and I waited a year to get the sedan in a 6-speed, so I am jazzed.