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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  Disappointed in repairs needed - 2001 Infiniti I30
  By Kevin - May 25 - 8:20 pm

  Loved this car when first purchased but it has not held up well over time.Presently has 53,000 miles and have had driver autmatic seat break (very costly) oxygen sensor replaced, muffler replaced, brakes front and rear pads and rotors replaced, all 4 tires replaced, I expected better from a luxury car.

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  2000 I30T - 2000 Infiniti I30
  By wtfletcher - May 24 - 5:51 pm

  Very good looking car. I purchased it new. We noticed that the car does not handle well. When you go into a turn, it feels like the front tires are beginning to slide. I purposely drove it into a corner unusually fast ( plenty of recovery space) and the car does slide badly. I took it back to the dealership and they said it was perfect. Well, if thats perfect, dont expect me to purchase another infiniti. We have replaced the brakes including calipers and rotors numerous times. Calipers freeze up often. It will stop on a dime, but having to replace the brakes every 15,000 to 20,000 miles is beyond excessive. Ill never purchase another Infiniti/Nissan.

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  Love this car - 2007 Infiniti M45
  By Don - May 22 - 3:53 pm

  I recently purchased this car and loved the way it handled. I just traveled from Florida to Virginia and back, and thats when I really appreciated the cars handling and features. The navigation system routed me differently than I usually go, and it turned out better. The steering control of the bluetooth phone, stereo, and cruise control was great. The gas mileage was a little lower (19.2 MPG) than I would like, but the power and comfort made it worthwhile.

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  Infiniti QX4 - 2003 Infiniti QX4
  By CoKeCrUsHeR - May 21 - 10:00 am

  Before buying this vehicle, we looked at the Pacifica (Chrysler). I concluded that American cars genarally more "rough". There was significant wind noise and engine noise. Jumped onto the QX4, and I didnt even know that the car was powered by gas (thought it was electric). Only thing to improve on is the Rear-Seat Legroom and perhaps (regular gas?....), softer suspension (although not by very much...just a hair).

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  close but...... - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By g35owner - May 21 - 10:00 am

  I think your opinion of this car depends on what kind of car you are coming from. Exterior design - the car is stunning, a work of art, a head- turner. Interior design falls under a new episode from the Three Stooges. Some points to note: Contrary to what you have read, the 6 speed is not a slick shifter. It is notchy; it vibrates. I think that explains why it came after the automatic; it needs work.

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  Great enthusiasts car! - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Cliff - May 19 - 2:40 am

  I purchased this G35 4 DR 6M sedan privately in 2006. I had been watching the reviews through the magazines and was really impressed with the style, quality and performance for the money. When I drove the car in a road test, I was sold. It had 24,000 km. I have now driven it for over 3 years and still love every time I sit in the seat. It now shows 82,000 km on the clock and I have not had any significant issues to deal with. Sure the mileage isnt great, but it didnt buy it for its economy; but more for its performance and agility. Turn off the VDC (vehicle dynamic control) and you can turn this docile elite sedan into an adrenaline rush of acceleration. I love it as do passengers.

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  Fun Sedan - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Patel - May 18 - 12:00 pm

  I wasnt in a market for a car and I have always owned Nissan, but always wanted a G35. I bought my G35 for $3000 at 155000 miles because I know they last for very very long time. It has all the services done for the mileage on the car, Fully loaded nav (with 2008 updated disk $190), sunroof, reclining back seats, cd changer. I love how this thing drives after having a 155000 miles on it. It is still aggressive, when you step on it it moves. I have taken this car up to 125mph on a track with out a problem. All the feature works great without any problem. Even at 155000 miles, retail on this car is $11000. Over all I couldnt have asked for more, for the price I paid, it is a steal.

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  I Love It! - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Chrylrx - May 17 - 2:40 pm

  I have owned this vehicle for a couple of years and I love it. Not only does it look great, the performance is right up there with cars that cost a whole lot more and I have never had any trouble with it.

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  Best car I have ever owned! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By terry - May 17 - 10:00 am

  I have been buying cars about every 2 years for the last 32. I have owned BMWs, Porches, Corvettes, 300Z, IROC, Lexus, Honda, Toyota, ... This car combines the look and feel of the finer qualities of these cars. It is fun to drive with great handling and good quality (not quite to the German standard but at a much lower cost). I have tested a coupe and you can bet what my next car will be! As far as the rear wheel drive, I drove through 3 large snow storms with little difficulty and the traction system worked better then the BMWs that I traded. This is by far the best deal on the road today.

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  so far so good!! - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By twin0202 - May 17 - 10:00 am

  Just Bought my 03 G-35 used @ 20k miles - absolutely in love. Was looking for a sporty but safe sedan, and found it in the G. Its been serviced for all the recall/TSB reports before i bought it, and hopeful its worked out most of the kinks. Its fun to drive and exterior body style is ahead of the game.