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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  Very Good Car - 2002 Infiniti Q45
  By Erik - November 17 - 10:30 pm

  Excellent, quiet ride with lots of technology (backup camera, sport setting, etc.). You can buy these used for very cheap now, and the quality is excellent. The only issue Ive had is oil burnoff (no leaks, etc. - oil consumption is high for some reason). But I havent had any breakdowns and the car has been bullet-proof. I get 21 MPG (70% highway), which isnt bad for a car this big with so much power.

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  Almost Perfect - 2007 Infiniti G35
  By macbrew - November 17 - 12:13 pm

  Turned in my 03 G35 for new Journey last week. Completely different car. This car feels bigger and heavier. Its quicker off the line but does not feel quite as sporty. Maybe because my last car had the sport package. I enjoyed the exhaust note on the 03 better. Got my 07 with all the options for under 37k. Test drove the Acura TL Type S, not bad but nowhere near the luxury or refinement of the G. The 330i was just too expensive with all the options. So far Im really enjoying this car. If I could just learn how to use all the toys!!

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  Simply admirable. - 2001 Infiniti QX4
  By jubal82 - November 17 - 2:07 am

  Pros: The reliability of Infiniti. (engine/transmission never let you down) The classic design. (never get tired of the look) The quiet city cruiser. (car-like luxury-smoothness) The able muscle on demand. (whenever necessary @240hp) The attractive interior. (quality leather all around) The choice engineering. (switchable Auto-2wd-4H-4L system) The convenient features. (4 seat heaters/2 auto seat adjustment) Cons: The gas guzzler. (15-17mpg) The tiny legroom in the back. (not easy to get in/out as well) The rust issues underneath/fender areas. (questionable building quality?) I live in a rural area where its 60%highway and 40% off-road driving.

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  QRocks - 2002 Infiniti Q45
  By QRock - November 16 - 2:00 am

  Started watching Q45s in late 2001 and fell in love. Drove one in December 2001 and had to find an affordable one. Bought my 2002 Premium on the cheap from ebay and love it.

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  Excellent Buy, Great Performance - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By aklie - November 16 - 2:00 am

  Excellente value, great buy. It will hurt your wallet, meaning your drivers licence and tickets. Very fast ans sporty

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  The best car ever made - 2000 Infiniti G20
  By mikecool77 - November 16 - 1:50 am

  Ive had many cars: Multiple Hondas, Acuras, Lexus, BMW, Mitsubishis etc... By far...This car is the best car ever made. Im so thankful for this car. It gets amazing gas mileage and it is bullet proof. The mechanic was shocked that just about everything I had in this thing was stock. The only thing you may change is the 02 sensor. 122,000 going strong!!

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  Compact Luxury & Fuel Economy - 2002 Infiniti G20
  By Becks - November 11 - 10:00 am

  When I set out to buy a used car my criteria was a 4 cylinder, small car that was safe, had all the luxury of my previous car and most of all, RELIABILITY. What I found was the G20. I have owned the car for 6 months now, and still love it. It meets all my requirements & is a fun sporty car (albeit not super fast, but if fuel economy is more important, one cant complain!) Only problem Ive had is a noise from the transmission but the warranty covered the repair. I love the sport leather/suede seats and spoiler. I added a small subwoofer and amp but the sound system is very good as is.

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  Good luxurious off-roader as well - 2001 Infiniti QX4
  By hil0125 - November 11 - 10:00 am

  As the time of purchase, this was the best mid-size SUV I have tested in terms of power, features, engine design, exterior design and off-road capability. Purchased this SUV as a third vehicle for weekend use on occasional off-road trail and this vehicle perform as expected. I planned to keep this a long time and give this SUV to my son one day.

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  Fat Guy in a little Suit - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Senor Excuses - November 11 - 10:00 am

  After too many years of conservative sweating, my wife and I decided to have a little fun with a car. The G35 coupe appealed and now its her car. Im finding too many excuses to drive it because...its fun! Not as fast as my Ultra-fast bike of yore, a lttle to small for a 6-4" guy and sucks a little to much gas, but what does an engineer know. Best "tweener" I could imagine for my wife and I. Everyone hit most of the Hi/Low points head on. Verdict - Great Time and Value.

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  Wish my review was more pleasing . . . - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By MOMO01 - November 10 - 8:40 am

  I guess I got the bad seed of the bunch. Most every problem that a person has listed here mainly brakes squealing and rattling noises in dash and other areas I have experienced in my 2003 G35 Sedan. I got the premi/sport pack. I bought new aftermarket tires and wheels (Goodyear) and apparently this car does not do well with aftermarket tires and wheels. I had the worst ride ever going past 60MPH. You can feel the shaking from the ground up. Took it back to the co. I bought the tires from 6 times and then Infiniti decided to help out. The Brakes squeak every time I touch them. Very annoying. The dealer at this moment is looking for me another used Infiniti G35.