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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  Good car but too close to Altima - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Joe from NY - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Pros: The engine is great and it is a genuine sports sedan. Also, Infiniti reliability is excellent. Cons: It is too close to the Altima in looks. Infiniti simply cannot get the luxury brand image concept right. This car looks like a different trim of the Altima and anyone who says otherwise is simply being fooled by the better looking headlights and grill. And the upcoming G35 coupe looks like a long- wheelbase version of the new 350Z. If you are going to charge a premium for a luxury brand, you should make sure that the brands prestige and exclusivity are protected by a lineup of cars that are different from your economy cars.

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  Power and Handling - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By Rich - November 23 - 9:40 am

  I bought this car in November and have driven it for 2 months. It lives up to its billing performance wise. The car has near muscle car power and corners like its on the "proverbial" rails. As expected the ride is ultra firm and you can feel every crack in the pavement. Steering is precise if not a bit too stiff. If you live in the north beware, the car is terrible in snow. I also have the Nav system and without the touch screen, it is much less user friendly the the one in my 01 Acura CL. You really have to pull over to change virtually any setting. The joystick vs. touchscreen is a mistake. All things considered, this is a fun car to drive, but does have some downsides

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  A Good, Solid Car... - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By glevitt - November 19 - 6:03 pm

  I really like this car. It is the perfect blend of fun and comfort for a daily commuter like myself. I like knowing that I can smoke just about anyone off a light or passing them on the highway. That is the highpoint of this car by far. Inside, its very nice but not quite up to a BMW, Audi or even the Acura TL for that matter. I almost bought the TL but at the end of the day, AWD was more important than the better interior for me (I live in Colorado). I would recommend this car to anyone who is looking for a solid balance of performance and value.

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  Almost perfect - 2014 Infiniti Q50
  By uttim75 - November 18 - 5:19 pm

  This car is nearly perfect. It has a combination of looks, power, and technology thats unbeatable in its class, except for one thing: it bundles features that should be standard into expensive packages. I was ready to purchase the Q50 AWD Premium with navigation and leather. But in order to get memory seats and a reverse tilt down mirror, you have to move up to the Deluxe Package (another $3,100). This is unacceptable. I do NOT want the Direct Adaptive Steering thats part of this package. Really disappointed Infiniti would force its customers to buy this new technology that many do not want.

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  Pleasure To Drive, Nightmare to Maintain - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By theyog - November 16 - 10:30 am

  This was my very first car, and after about half a year of research I bought one used in October of 2010. From everything I read, this car seemed to have the best balance of performance, practicality, reliability, and style. Although this car has many irritating problems such as poor build quality and horrific gas milage (around 15), I still love it and take care of it like a baby.

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  Wicked Fast - 2003 Infiniti M45
  By BlackM45 - November 16 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my M45 for a week now. It is by far the fastest sedan I have driven. It will smoke a 540, E430/E500, GS430, A6 4.2 for $10K to $15K less. The look is menacing, especially in Black. The 18" wheels with the low profile tires look HUGE. The interior is first rate and very quiet.

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  My dragon - 2008 Infiniti G37
  By Roscoe - November 16 - 3:13 am

  It has the stillen intex system

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  Bought used 1999 I30-T - 1999 Infiniti I30
  By Neon Noodle - November 9 - 2:00 am

  Just got it last week,very nice full loaded car ,good ride,good power and handling,great interior,except the Bose Stereo is not that good at all,they should stick to home theater systems.Would not buy it new,too much money at $30-$35K,got mine for $17,500 with 24,000 miles on it and minus a few scratches its in brand new condition.

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  Bang for the buck! - 2001 Infiniti G20
  By Digim - November 4 - 2:00 am

  A lot of bang for the buck! They should have kept this model and given it some extra horsepower. Great handling and very little roll in the turns. Get the stick shift for extra fun a little more zip.

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  This car is quick and fun to drive. - 2006 Infiniti G35
  By Ed - November 4 - 12:37 am

  Not terrific on gas mileage. But it handles and sounds great.