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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  I made a great choice - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Alan - January 9 - 10:00 pm

  After driving a Buick Park Avenue for 15 years I decided to down size and step up. Boy did I make the right decision. I enjoy my G35X more and more each day. The only complaint is the milage but I can overcome that because of the luxury of the ride. The amenities are unbelievable. I have the navigation system and the sirius radio. Both are great and I find I use the nav system constantly.I have never been happier with a car.

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  Used & Pleased - 2004 Infiniti QX56
  By Black Bullet - January 9 - 5:06 pm

  Purchased used 2004 corporate lease with 77k miles in excellent condition. Read most Edmunds reviews prior to purchase and some of the negative reviews I have not seen. I will confirm that the DVD monitor button rattles when in use. The back door rattles only when one hits a moderate jolt, but so far we love it. Lots of room with four captain chairs, powerful engine.

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  Makes a great used car - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By BottleOSmoke - January 8 - 9:50 pm

  Just got an 06 with fewer than 30,000 miles on it for the price I paid for my Mazda3 in 04! This was also over $5000 cheaper than 07s with 50,000 miles! I test drove used 3 Series, an IS 250 and a Subaru Legacy. I thought this car handled better than all of them and only the Subaru was cheaper. Fun to drive, extremely comfortable and an excellent value.

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  luv to drive - 2002 Infiniti QX4
  By lar - January 8 - 10:00 am

  always had sport cars or muscle cars and when I got the Q4 I loved the feel of driving it. great handling and style

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  Best deal in its segment - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By John - January 7 - 2:30 am

  I test-drove TL, BMW 328/30, A4, IS 2/350 and decided that G35 fit our needs with the best price. I really wanted the RWD version but wife wanted the AWD (I also wanted the 6MT but wife cannot drive stick). Steering is slightly heavy at low speed. Fun to corner at the exit ramp and interior feels very luxurious with the luxury option and nav. Nav however tells you weird, roundabout directions. Bluetooth, nav, voice command work together nicely.

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  Great car... but? - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By big mountain - January 7 - 12:50 am

  I had to part ways with my G35x. The car is great but the power is unbalanced for the handling and weight of the vehicle. Watch out for the MPG. Averaging 20, doing good to get 22 on the highway. The G needs a 6th or 7th gear. 3000+ RPM at 70-75 mph on the highway is poor engineering.

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  Love my QX56 - 2004 Infiniti QX56
  By mcheadle - January 5 - 10:00 am

  We have had this vehicle for about 2 weeks and it is amazing. Pure luxury! A pleasure to drive. Awesome interior. Handles extremely well. Love the GPS and backup camera. Roomy and comfortable.

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  WOW! Had to buy another one - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Infiniti Convert - January 5 - 10:00 am

  Purchased a 2003 auto in May of 2002. Loved it from day one. I put 56k miles on it in two years. Just traded it in for a new 2004 6MT. All I can say is WOW! I thought the auto was fast. The upgraded interior is better (still a little less luxury than I want) The overall package is great. Handling, power, braking, comfort, space - all pluses. And then there is the service... fantastic! (although with the new successes, not quite as good as when Infiniti couldn’t sell anything!). I look forward to my 50 mile one-way commute through DC rush hour traffic – crazy happy!

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  Excellent New Model - 2014 Infiniti Q50
  By banman10 - January 5 - 7:42 am

  This is my second Infiniti. I Previously owned the initial model year 2003 Infiniti G35. 12 years old, 225,000+ miles and ran like new. The new Q50 is a spectacular car. The fit and finish of the vehicle is on par with a BMW, Lexus, etc. The attention to detail is evident throughout. The navigation system and iPad like internal systems (music, navigation, concierge, etc.) touchscreen adds significantly to the driver experience. Alternative driving modes including Sport mode afford the driver incredible engine and drivetrain responsiveness. When combined with the drive by wire handling, which has to be experienced to be appreciated, it provides a great overall driver experience.

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  Love the Car--Hate the Cupholders - 2009 Infiniti G37
  By Ann - January 5 - 1:03 am

  I have had my convertible for over a month. I have been waiting for it since Feb. I LOVE everything about it, except the cuphold situation-- or more accurately, the lack of good cupholders. I ordered the manual version and test drove the automatic. Different cupholders! Also, my average gas mileage is about 17.1 mpg. I would love to get the advertised 19-21mpg. Im still learning all the features to the car, but I am totally enjoying the navigation system and phone/iPod connection. Also, the speakers in the headrest is the best. I will say that the Lexus has more trunk space with the top down than the Infiniti. I only have room for an umbrella and a baseball hat in the trunk.