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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  Great towing - awesome truck - 2006 Infiniti QX56
  By Butch - October 20 - 8:33 am

  After researching over a year comparing Navigators, Yukons, Sequoias and others we are VERY happy we chose the QX56. We just returned from Lake Powell towing 10 hours each way, the QX made the trip seem easy. Lots of torque for towing, no problem pulling a 3,000 lb boat up long grades using AC in 115 degree heat. The load leveling worked superb! Its very quiet and comfortable and fun to drive, handles almost as good as my BMW 740. I read a lot of reviews and felt confused by the contrast of those who love and hate this truck - glad we took the chance because we love it. If you tow it is a good choice with load leveling and tow mode shifting.

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  Not Happy - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By not happy - October 19 - 5:00 am

  Leased G35X, loved it the first 6 months. Brakes cost almost $400 to replace at less then 15000 miles. I drvie very conservatively. Noise in suspension now when I pass over driveways and when I corner. Great looking; great design details. Too bad the reliability is not up to the styling.

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  BMW 330 Killer - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Mike - October 7 - 10:00 am

  I have always longed for a MBW 3-series but when I test drove a BMW330i sedan in 2004 I balked at the price and walked away wanting a little more torque and horsepower. I am very impressed with the higher torque and horsepower of the g35s sweet V6 and the smoothness of its five-speed automatic transmission. The G35s handling and braking characteristics are at least as good as the 330i sedan and both the interior and the exterior are more attractive. Even after test drving the newly redesigned 2005 BMW sedan I still have no regrets.

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  Back to Imports - 2001 Infiniti I30
  By Yash - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Over the last 15 years I tried Pontiac, Chrysler and Chevy and got tied of spending time and lots of money in the shops. So I went back to an import with a used Infiniti I30t. After 50,000 miles, nothing but stops for oil and gas (same for my wifes 1997 4 Runner). One thing I do recommend is to change the the factory installed Bridgestone Potenza RE92 ASAP! They are great tires for the first 12,000 miles and then lose most of the winter traction.

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  Not perfect but it sure is close - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Gman - October 6 - 6:53 pm

  After 40,000 miles and almost 3 years with my 6MT G, I still love it. I drove an 05 BMW 330 the other day and it certainly was better in some ways but its just a little too bland compared to the G. The tire life and road noise are the only real downsides. Hopefully more tires will become available for the 19" wheels in the future. Need some touring compound tires that will last more then 20k. The transmission was just replaced under warranty because the 6th gear syncro was out. Otherwise no problems. avg 24-25mpg with a mix of hwy and city driving. (the benefits of a man.trans)

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  Just OK - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By gunmetalalloys - October 5 - 5:43 pm

  Great engine, looks. Sounds great from the outside, fairly quiet on the inside. Inside materials and fit/finish is poor (Ive actually looked at the nooks of the interior). Placement of storage and cupholders ludicrous. Shift action vague, clutch uptake high, pedal placement not good for heel-toe. Most beautiful stock rims ever. Final word: great value for performance. Quality and ergonomics of nissans not what they should be but I still love it!

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  QX4 - BRING IT BACK - 2001 Infiniti QX4
  By keithinerie - October 1 - 2:03 pm

  Bought this after wanting one for years, previously avoided due to gas mileage. These are great SUVs and worth the extra gas. Comfortable, reliable, gorgeous looking abd versatile. INFINIT MUST BRING THESE BACK. I hear nothing but good about them

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  Great styling, poor quality - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Mark UK - October 1 - 2:00 am

  This is a good car to drive, comfortable with great performance. I love the styling, inside and out. However the interior build quality is very poor, I have more rattles and squeeks than I can count, one plastic panel inside is falling off, the sunroof makes a loud clonk when I go around a sharp corner. Mechanically its been Ok so far, dealer is also very helpful.

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  Great car for the price - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By m1nuterice - September 29 - 10:00 am

  I just got this car 3 days ago and so far its been a great car. Personally I think the exterior styling is great (the taillights might be a little too big) however the interior could be a little better but then a car like this for 30K you cant ask for everything. The car performs similar to my friends 528 and 330 but the one that stands out is almost always the BMW. However, the BMW almost always cost about 7k to 10k more then the G35 and if money was not an issue then you wouldnt be looking at either of these cars. Bottom line, for around 30k - 36k loaded, you cant find a better car.

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  Rattles, lack of interior storage - 2011 Infiniti G Sedan
  By hmkxi - September 25 - 2:16 pm

  Bought September 2010, now has less than 4000 miles on it. Everything is fine except the rattles from the rear window area. I took it to the dealership once, but nothing has been solved. The rattles are not too bad, but still, it is definitely something prevents me from enjoying this car. Dont know whether another people have this problem or I am just unfortunate. Also, the interior storage is kinda insufficient. Overall, the rattles really ruins my confidence in buying another infiniti.