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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  Unintended acceleration Infiniti G35 - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By Infiniti owner - November 3 - 8:40 am

  Toyota isnt the only car that has experienced unintended acceleration problems. I just had the same thing happen in my 2004 Infiniti G35. I was sitting at a dead stop with my foot on the brake when my car suddenly took off full speed ahead. It hit the car sitting several feet in front of me. I hit so hard that the damage to my Infiniti exceeded $7800. Dont know at this point if Infiniti ever did a recall on these models. I would love to know who else has experienced this problem and what repairs need to be done to correct the issue.

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  Im Picky & Im Impressed - 2009 Infiniti G37
  By Kenny M - November 2 - 12:40 am

  Turned in my FX45 on this new G37xS. It is stunning. The driving experience is pretty incredible. The comfort is quite good, the features are very complete, the size and packaging are good, and the electronics are excellent. As you would expect, the performance envelope is outstanding. Excellent power throughout the rev range. Brakes are strong and easy to modulate. Handling is responsive and sporting without being at all punishing. After 2 months and about 4000 miles I love this car. My G is fully optioned and very comfortable. Not a single item on the punchlist for the dealer. Everything works as it should and fits properly. My MPG to date is about 19, but my foot is heavy.

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  Great car for the money - 1999 Infiniti I30
  By Donnell - October 30 - 10:00 am

  I just purchased a 99 I30 and I love it, the car itslef is a head turner. Leather seats are comfortable, the speed and pick up is amazing. Bought it used with 36000 miles on it and a few items missing inside, but I went to the dealership and took out a small mortgage to replace them (just kidding), now the car is in mint like condition.

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  Awesome but not for wide bodies - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Vulcan - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Most innovative car to come along in a long time. Styling, performance, engine sound, all top notch. NAV system is terrific, stereo has great sound (almost as great as the exhaust note)and the car has amazing utility with the fold down rear seat. My only complaint, surprisingly, is the driver seat. I am not a particularly large person at 511" 190, but I found the driver bolstering too aggressive. Drives longer than half an hour generate noticable discomfort at the hip. I find myself squirming in the seat to get away from the pressure against my right hip. Despite the seat issue, I still love this car. Best ride I have ever owned.

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  Lottsa Bang for the Buck - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By mandarin - October 24 - 10:00 am

  You get a lot for your money with the G35, and its great fun to drive. You just think and point, and the car obeys effortlessly.

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  So far so good - 2001 Infiniti G20
  By MannyB - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned my G20T for a about a year now and overall its been quite reliable. I did however have the blower/heater fan replaced under warranty due to a high pitch whine. At the time of the purchase I was also looking at the Volvo S40 and the Saab 9- 3, but the reliability of Infiniti swayed me.

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  buyers remorse - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By MikeH - October 12 - 4:53 am

  While the 2005 G35X is fun to drive in a straight line and pretty goon on flat turns, after just 4 months I am ready to take a bath on it and get a 2006 BMW 3 series. The brake peddle squeeks, the windows rattle too much and there is a noise in the pillar that drives me nuts. It is fun to drive, roomy and less than a BMW, but as they say you get what you pay for and it doesnt feel near as solid as a Jetta I once had. After just 1000 miles the firm solid ride turned into a floating avg. car. To me its little more than an Altima with luxury features. I got XM, Premium, DVD in mine. Over all I am very disappointed with the purchase.

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  Happy Driver! - 2005 Infiniti G35
  By lolo - October 3 - 9:13 pm

  Got my 05 Sedan last day of April. Have driven 750 very happy miles. Ive been driving a boat (Suburban) for so long, I forgot what acceleration was! Love the looks of this car, and the handling cant be beat! Every morning when I start it up, a get that great, hearty HUMMMMM, its awesome! My mom has an 05 BMW 5 series, and when she drove my G35 sedan, she said "I could have saved $18,000 and been really happy with this car!"

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  6 Month Review - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By No Spin Zone Lover - October 1 - 10:00 am

  Lease dont buy this car as love for this car doesnt grow. Its fun to play with but hard to live with and definitely stinks as a "family" car. You have to drive this car like a testoterone driven 16 y.o. to enjoy it which your passangers may not appreciate.

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  G35 purchased new. 75K mile evaluation. - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By socialist_saul - September 24 - 5:18 pm

  I love this car even though its expensive to keep on the road. This model eats tires and brakes. Ive been through 5 sets of tires and 3 sets of brakes, and one battery. Car has been dependable and trouble free since new. I just solved one of my biggest complaints gas milage. Through performance tweaking I have increased my overall mpg from 19.2 to 21.27. Prior to modifications best highway mpg was 22.3. I recently completed a 2600 mile trip and top mpg was 25.5 and overall average for the trip was 24.31. The side benefit of the modifications has been more responsive acceleration.