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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  They should compare BMW to this car - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By AtlNate - January 31 - 9:06 am

  Everyone that is "in the know" about cars says this is the car to give the BMW 3 series "a run for the money". Rubbish. This car is quicker, sexier, and cheaper than its German counterpart. Plus, I havent even got to the interior. Driving a BMW is like driving something an engineer built to a specification. Driving the G35 is like something a engineer designed and then an interior designer architect and artist redesigned. Its performance characteristics are superb, but more importantly, the car engages you. Its beautiful curves and attention to design and detail creates an experience. Remember, we (as humans) like things that look like us. The car looks like a supermodel.

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  Overall happy with this car - 2002 Infiniti I35
  By Brian - January 31 - 1:16 am

  I bought car in Nov 2001, now 110,000 miles; biggest problem was a radiator leak that I postponed fixing, which later caused major engine problems (huge expense). 3 engine mounts replaced. New radiator and radiator fan. New catalytic converter (there are 3). Note that it is better to just wait and see if engine light goes off after a while, because diagnostics have brought up a range of repair suggestion every time- from catalytic converters to oxygen sensors-(now light is off). Highway driving is smooth. Passenger side seat motor broke but is in good position. Gas mileage not bad. Overall happy with this car.

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  2000 I-30t - 2000 Infiniti I30
  By CaptJimbo - January 29 - 10:00 am

  Super reliable, roomy front & back, not as fast as advertised but adequate acceleration. Fold down rear seats very handy. Great Bose stereo system. Disappointing resale value vs lesser Acura TL.

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  six month review - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By gbhill - January 29 - 10:00 am

  Bought the car last April, love the look, handling and power. Have had one concern that has brought be back to the deal several times. If the car sits for a period of time and I back up and then place the car in drive I hear an annoying clunk. Ive never heard this sound on any other cars Ive owned. Deal says it the calipers adjusting. Has anyone else experianced this?

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  go g35 go - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By et - January 29 - 10:00 am

  This car is fast and fun to drive. Very responsive and interesting. Much more nimble than a Acura TL type S. Not your dime a dozen on the road Maxima. Not the greatest on gas, 21mpg city/higway but maybe that will improve. Great interior space for the size of the car. Corners mean nothing to this car - no exaggeration.

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  Has been great for 2 years now - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By duncanator - January 26 - 9:20 pm

  I have owned this vehicle for over 2 years now and have had mo major problems. The interior has some rattles that can be annoying, but the dealer will fix them. The Bose stereo is garbage and the stereo display is minimal. One from the 1980s displays more information. My G35 just hit 28000 miles and I just now replaced the front tires. Rear tires are still original and are doing well. The throttle response is a bit slow and not immediate when you step on it. It works better to have a slow and steady foot on the pedal. Other that that it is fun to drive every day. Mileage stinks but I expect that for a car like this. I didnt buy it thinking I would save at the pump.

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  Fun to drive - Expensive to own - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By neal - January 26 - 1:00 am

  This car is a lot of fun to drive. It begs to be turned loose on winding roads. Unfortunately, the reliability is horrible. Since I purchased it, I have had the drivers seat mount break (it would move all over the place while driving - a little too exciting), brakes replaced at 34,000 miles, and a complete clutch / flywheel replacement at 59,000. The first two were covered by the warranty. The service guy even suggested I push the brakes hard to be sure they were worn enough before I ran out of warranty. The clutch on the other hand is not covered by the drivetrain warranty and it was over $1,800 out of pocket. If you buy this car, be ready to come out-of-pocket deep and often.

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  Coupe Thrill - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By texas coupe - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive, cool to be seen in! Tire mileage is poor but everything else is to like. Great seat comfort and good visibility. I really only wish it came in a roadster.

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  Its Jus Fun... - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By rustyboi808 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Fun, exciting and worth having.

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  Creature Comforts and POWER - 2003 Infiniti I35
  By palmer - January 22 - 2:00 am

  This is my 6th Nissan and theres a reason for that. If your looking for a reliable, comfortable car with a no nonsense power plant, this is the car. But if your analyzing drag coeffcients and g-force specifications perhaps you better look elsewhere. It drives great for a larger car and is well worth the couple extra bucks than the Maxima. I opted for the upgraded wood dash and find it adds tons of class to the interior of the car and the stereo will knock your socks off if you give a little juice.