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:

• 

  An under the radar superstar! - 2003 Infiniti I35
  By JDA - June 7 - 7:00 am

  My unreliable E430 had to go; I wanted a reliable, fast, sedan, with a hint of luxury. I had a Maxima before the Mercedes, so I decided to try a "Luxury Maxima." Picked one up used/cheap, since they have been discontinued and are overshadowed by the G35, and have now had it 6 months. Nondescript exterior style does not draw attention to the powerful V-6 underneath. Seriously: people underestimate this car all the time - until you blow them away; the engine delivers power at all speeds. I have averaged 22 mpg in mixed driving. I have had two minor service issues, but both were covered under warranty - Roseville Infiniti has treated us well...so far: they know I want a G35 in 2008.

• 

  Exceptional, needs slight improvements - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By loving it! - June 4 - 10:00 am

  fun vehicle to drive. very responsive and handles like a dream. the driving experience is awesome. Only 2 main drawbacks: 1. location of the seat controls, it feels like you are sitting on a wallet and can get uncomfortable on longer drives. (when they fix this i will gladly pay to have the seat replaced). 2. gas mileage. Dont expect to get any better than 18 mpg of regular city/highway driving. even a little less if you really push the car. even with these 2 issues the car is nothing short of spectacular. i would highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a performance sedan that is reliable and fun to drive.

• 

  Luxuary Car for economic people - 1998 Infiniti I30
  By JoeKingsly - June 2 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car on 2000 when it was 2 years leased and 15k Miles on it. I did not have the intension of buying a luxury car at all because of the expensive maintenance cost. I bought this car because I got a better deal compared to other non-luxury cars. Then I found that this car has lot of luxury features for less cost. I put 60k on it and no problem till today, less maintenance cost. The acceleration is powerful enough to pass any vehicle easily. The car is spacious with ergonomic leather seating. Bose audio is awesome. I enjoy driving this car all the time.

• 

  G Values - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By hcsultw - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Great car, Great performance. Just Great! I had this car for a month now and I still get goosebump every time I drive it. Plenty of power and room for the family.

• 

  Great car! - 2004 Infiniti QX56
  By Gary K - May 30 - 10:00 am

  This car is just great, it drives well and is comfortable! Escalade is nothing compared to this car. I highly recommend it. Very roomy inside I can fit me, my wife my son, (whos 64) my daughter, and our dog in it easilyy!!

• 

  Quiet, Sleek, Rocketship! - 2006 Infiniti M45
  By Walter M. - May 29 - 10:36 pm

  I purchased the 06 Sport M45 w/the Journey/Tech packages.WOW! Ive always owned German made cars, (My last 2 cars were an Audi A6 with bi-turbo,and a 5 series BMW) and this car BLOWS them away! Everything is in a sensible place and easy to reach.The engine is quiet and powerful.The handling on corners is very impressive.The rear wheel of the M45 turns about 1 degree in the opposite direction of your turn. It may not sound like much, but youll be able to see and feel how it handles through turns. The GPS is much better than the one in my wifes BMW X5.Now for the downside, the lane departure system can be a pain in the neck if you love driving on winding roads.The M45 uses gas like its free

• 

  GREAT SEDAN w/Performance - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By John - May 29 - 1:10 pm

  The car is comfortable, handles well, corners at 30 mph are fine! Sleek looks, an all around great package!

• 

  This car is Sick - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By 777 - May 27 - 2:00 am

  My husband bought this car, I personally love driving it. It is bigger than a 3 series, drives just as well if not better than a 5 series. The first night we drove it, we drove in a severe blizzard, it drove so smoothly. No slipping, no worries. I feel so safe in this car, but it also has an amazing sound system. Get the basic sound system. No need for the more expensive one. Heated seats are a must.

• 

  GrOoVy! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Crayzee - May 27 - 2:00 am

  Amazing car. Have the G35 with everything cept the Nav system (not worth 2k) and Sport Package (couldnt use those tires in the snow. Perfect ride, perfect features. Makes driving an great experience wether driving the empty turnpike at 80 or stop and go on my city commute to work.

• 

  BMW who? - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By TJJr6 - May 27 - 2:00 am

  What a value in comparison to the BMW.