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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  hiding from police - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By peat - May 6 - 11:06 pm

  I love this car,its fast, looks good,nice stereo,i have had no problems so far. The few things i dont like are excessive brake dust, having to put premium gas in it, and the placement of the seat controls. All of those things mentioned wouldnt stop me from buying it again.

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  Great performer, could use better components - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By John Y - May 4 - 4:53 pm

  I bought my 2006 G35 Coupe automatic in 10/2006. I have had one accident, some small fender benders. Overall the performance has been great. The good: The car handles well, superb acceleration and braking. The automatic transmission has been reliable, although a little bumpy between 1st and 2nd. The styling of course is unparalleled. The interior technology package has worked well - the navigation is spot-on - a little awkward to use with the joystick inputs, but not bad for 2006. The Bluetooth has never failed though 4 iPhones. It connects every time, and the voice input is about 95% accurate. The audio system - CD changer, speakers work perfectly to this day. Electronic seat warmer and adjusters have not failed. The bad: Interior components have been cheap. There have been a few gimpy components. The removable cupholder - very cheap and the spring broke after about 2 years. The DC socket has failed about 3-4 times. Driver window motor had to be replaced after 125k miles. The tire pressure sensor had to be replaced after 90k miles. After 80k miles, leather covering the door panels are starting to peel off, and after 120k miles, the leather on the side panels in the back have completely peeled off (and nobody ever sits back there). The ugly: Tires - need to be replaced every 20-30k. Overall I like this car. Performance is very reliable. I have not had many huge problems with the vehicle, however there are numerous small fixes for the car. The car is very tough on the tires (and I have a stock 18" wheels).

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  The Good and the Bad - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Lou - May 3 - 11:20 am

  Im spending $100 a month on tire costs for the G35. Im told it is the high performance and that they wear rather quickly. Does Jaguar, Porsche have the same problem? The tires I purchased are around $500 a tire and replace two of them at least every four/six months.

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  The Good and the Bad - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Lou - May 3 - 11:03 am

  Im spending $100 a month on tire costs for the G35. Im told it is the high performance and that they wear rather quickly. Does Jaguar, Porsche have the same problem? The tires I purchased are around $500 a tire and replace two of them at least every four/six months.

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  The Good and the Bad - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Lou - May 2 - 11:56 pm

  Im spending $100 a month on tire costs for the G35. Im told it is the high performance and that they wear rather quickly. Does Jaguar, Porsche have the same problem? The tires I purchased are around $500 a tire and replace two of them at least every four/six months.

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  Entry level luxury - 2000 Infiniti G20
  By neosoccer27 - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Bought this car with 18,000 miles. Once read a review on epinions that summed it up-this car is great to traverse down the mountain, but dont expect performance on the way up! The car really has terrific handling and a smooth shifter. Infiniti did a nice job on the features/interior comfort. I purchased snows, handled great in winter. This car is meant to travel about 60-75MPH, but really works at higher speeds. Its got respectful pickup from 0-60. Its just the faster speeds or when you have more than 2 people in the car... If you drive mostly alone, are concerned about mileage, drive under 80MPH for the most part, then this is 4u!

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  Excellent SUV, BUT... - 2008 Infiniti QX56
  By H in Houston - April 30 - 4:40 pm

  We just got our new QX. We really liked what we tested drove and ordered one. We are pleased with the car overall. If you want a BIG SUV, this is it. We had a Navigator before. It started falling apart at 48k miles. We looked at and/or drove the Escalade, Yukon Denali, GL 450 and LX 470. For the price and features, you cant beat the QX. What other SUV includes as standard equipment a moonroof, Bluetooth, power fold flat seats, 20 inch chrome wheels, a navigation system, HID lights, a harddrive for music that rips CDs, a rear camera and rear sonar. While others may not care for the looks, I think it has one of the nicest interiors.

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  Best Car Ive Ever Owned - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By David Fortner - April 28 - 7:23 pm

  People ask me why I bought an "expensive" car - my answer is that, over 5 years, its probably cost me less than whatever theyre driving. 140K miles, NOTHING to fix. Oil, brakes, tires - thats it. Runs, looks, feels almost like new. Big power, room, a blast to drive. Quality costs less in the long run.

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  Infinity Review - 2002 Infiniti I35
  By Rick Hagar - April 25 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car, handles well, is sharp, and luxurious.

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  Amazing! - 2002 Infiniti I35
  By trish - April 19 - 7:06 pm

  Been driving this beauty since 2005, really only had few problems. Once the power steering fuel had to be replaced, another time some minor things.The only concern is that after 100K miles when you see these minor problems, they all add up very fast, for instance it took me $200 to replace the HID headlights. But let me tell you I have done three cross country trips in this car without a trace of discomfort! The leg space is amazing for both front and rear passengers. I havent met anyone who is not impressed with its interiors. Drive feels very secure. Perfect family sedan! Cant imagine to part with it!