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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  G35 Review - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Sandor Nagyivan - September 11 - 10:00 am

  The car rides smoothly. It has great pickup and is very fun to drive.

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  Style and Performance for the family man - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Jhawk - September 11 - 10:00 am

  This coupe has the performance of the Z car with four seats to take the rest of the crew with you. Plus, you get Infiniti dealer service. The exterior is perfect, but it is the sweet song of the engine that will plaster a grin on your face and push you back into the seat.

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  Great sporty crossover - 2016 Infiniti QX50
  By Honey Badger - September 10 - 7:54 am

  I was looking for something very specific: the utility of a crossover (not necessarily luxury) while maintaining the sporty quality that makes me happy in daily driving. To get sportier in this segment, you would have to move to the Porsche Macan or the Mercedes GLA 450 AMG, neither anywhere near my budget. For the money, this is the best deal out there, given the specifics I was looking for. Some specific details below. - The expected good: Powerful engine, faster linear acceleration than my previous GTI. I pull out of traffic stops faster than most cars, without really trying; Nice interior feel, comfortable and understated luxury; the AWD is fantastic, the rear wheel traction makes for great handling on dry road, and in rain or snow it makes it easy to drive with minimal adaptation. It feels like you can throw anything at it, and you can take the car anywhere. - The better than expected good: the 360 view camera and the navigation were pleasant surprises, after review complaints about the design being outdated; A ton of room in the rear seats, makes for nice comments from any passengers you take along; Infiniti customer service is so far superb! The dealer over-inflated the tires (actually forgot to lower the pressure after delivery), which, combined with new owner paranoia, made me worried about long term effect on suspensions after driving on it. After just one email, Infiniti promptly extended the suspension, direction and breaks warranty, no questions asked, and followed up to make sure I was happy. Nice change from the VW customer service… - The expected bad: fuel economy is poor, if you drive it in a sporty manner. The V6 begs you to do just that, and expresses its satisfaction nicely with a lively low grunt. I expected this, and can live with it; the Bose sound system: the greatest scam in consumer electronics. I know a lot of people will disagree, because TV said Bose is good, and most people cannot tell the difference between good audio and bloated midrange that distorts well-recorded music and dupes 95% of the population into thinking "it sounds good". - The unexpected bad: less storage space and room around the driver than my much smaller GTI! I adapted to it though; The thing with the overinflated tires on delivery (see above) took some of the new car elation away, but both Infiniti and the dealership have been very prompt to address it. Overall, I am very happy with the purchase. I miss some of the fast turning of a sports hatchback, but the peace of mind driving in any condition, the comfort, satisfying acceleration and smooth highway performance make me forget Im in an SUV instead of a sporty car. The price makes this car an excellent deal, as all the competitors in this "luxury" small SUV/crossover segment are all both pricier and less athletic! If I were to do it again, I may spring for the extra cost of the Journey package to get the larger wheels, for an even better handling. 6 cylinder rear-biased vehicles are on the way out, and I am happy I managed to get one of these before they disappear.

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  Exceeded my expectations ! - 2002 Infiniti QX4
  By Gerry - September 10 - 2:26 am

  I purchased my QX4 02 in August and it is much better than the Lexus RX300 I previously owned. More manly, much more sure-footed, and a truck that, with appropriate tires, is a vehicle that cant wait for bad weather. Rain, snow, whatever is handled with ease. This is a very confident vehicle in 4WD mode. I have two young daughters, so the fairly cramped rear seat doesnt affect us (and it saved us from a minivan). My wife drives a Highlander, so we have our third-row seat where needed. The QX4 is very comfortable, a great driving height, awesome in 4WD, and has a very tight turning radius for a large vehicle. Stereo,Sunroof, and leather heated-seats and you have a great luxury drive

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  Great Alternative to German Coupes - 2008 Infiniti G37
  By Mark - September 9 - 5:00 pm

  Ive had a 330Ci & M3 before getting the G and I have liked most things better. The bimmers seem quicker since the G is such a heavy car. However, the G seems more refined than the M3 which suffered from a loose and clunky differential. The Gs differential is much tighter giving an overall smoother & solid feeling. However, the clutch uptake is abrupt (similar to bmw). The navigation of the G is more user friendly, even compared to the iDrive in the newer bmws. It is touch screen and voiced activated. The G37 is a better value since you get more included options rather than having to add them separately like German cars.

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  Best Bang for Buck!!! - 2008 Infiniti G35
  By Ben in LA - August 29 - 7:36 pm

  More comfy than Lexus IS and more sporty than ES 350. Audi, BMW & MB cant compare in terms of value/performance.

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  Love the ride - 2005 Infiniti QX56
  By AL - August 29 - 3:46 pm

  I have taking 3 long trip with my new QX56 the gas miles are great I read that the QZ56 was the worst vehicles of 2005 I dont know what suv they drove or check out but it wasnt mine it rides it run and it performance great

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  Value Leader - 2002 Infiniti Q45
  By MattQ - August 28 - 3:43 pm

  At just under $50K, its a great value. You dont see yourself everywhere (like you do w/ a MB, BMW, Lexus), its fast, luxurious, and fun. I did a lot of research, drove them all, and am a former MB, BWM, and Lexus owner. I had a down payment on another BMW 530i and then stumbled over the Infiniti. I hadnt even considered the Q - mistakenly thought it was in a higher price range. Drove the Q, bought the Q.

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  Great alternative to bmw - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By heres10 - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I love this car very fun to drive unique styling and a great alternative to bmws. BMWs are nice cars too but for the price you cant beat it!

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  World Class Sports Car - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Mikel96413 - August 26 - 7:10 am

  The G35 coupe is the best all around sports car for the money on the market today. Performance, comfort, safety and styling are second to none. Not to mention the fun factor. The tuned sports pkg with 19" high performance tire is a must option. Two adults can ride in the back seat comfortably as well. Test drive it before you buy your next sports car