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 but overrated GT - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By jefedoro - September 17 - 10:00 am

  Ive been somewhat disappointed. Its a great GT but drives like a very big car in the city. Think brute power rather than finesse-it lacks the sophisticated feel of a BMW. Annoying interior cheap touches detract from the car. The car is worth the money, but if you think you are getting a BMW equivalent at a bargain price, you might be a bit disappointed.

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  Cool Car - 2008 Infiniti G37
  By Mark - September 13 - 10:53 am

  Car runs well, but needs more oomph. I had a Mustang GT before and it seemed much more powerful. The car is somewhat unresponsive at low RPM. That means no sudden changes in speed without anticipation.

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  2003 G35 Sedan Review - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By drum machine - September 5 - 2:00 am

  This Car is Perfect for a young Guy or Woman 18-30...I Like the way it looks..and it rides tight...But the car feel like a truck when on bumpy NY roads...and thats the normal suspention....it didnt seem to ride this hard when I test drove it..You feel every bump and cranny in the Road! And...The CD player malfuntions alot...other than that its a Powerful fun Machine. But not for NYC or LI roads. Next time will go for the I30..

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  great car, very bad ergonomics - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By ncarview - September 5 - 2:00 am

  This could be a great sport sedan if not for the terrible ergonomics. The cars interior design is just a hack. Radio and climate controls reversed placement is a cheap leftover from the models Japanese version, ridiculous foot parking break calls for somebody from Nissans interior design team to get fired, very odd power seat controls ... Otherwise its an excellent car with very good handling and acceleration.

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  Fun to drive, but needs improvements - 2009 Infiniti G37
  By GK - August 26 - 7:16 pm

  Great sports sedan, powerful & responsive. AWD performed amicably during the latest snowstorm. All electronic features are very intuitive, and well designed. However, there are some drawbacks: 1) poor mileage when driven mostly in the city. I get 14 mpg on average. 2) small trunk with narrow opening 3) rear seats dont fold down. In overall, Im happy with the car, but really miss my FX35.

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  Great car - 2004 Infiniti QX56
  By Shant k - August 19 - 10:00 am

  This car really is a great car. It drives well with minimal cabin noise on the freeway. Aggressive looking body that I really like. 17.25 feet long really demands attention. All that size doenst go for nothing, inside it is as if your in a limo. More leg room then you would imagine. Even the third row is comfortable for us big guys (im 66). I used to have a GMC Denali and the legroom in the third row is just not the same. The Navigation system is very easy to use, even though I dont use it alot.

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  The nosiest car I have ever had - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By jjmess - August 14 - 6:16 am

  For the first 2 months, its fun to drive. Then the nightmare begins. Theres always some noise here & there. The dealership couldnt fix the problem. When the mileage goes to around 12,000, every time I drive the car, I feel like I was riding in a train. My husband & I basically cant talk while driving because of the great noise. Then theres the drivers seat track. Around 20,000, we had problems adjusting it. Thank God its still under warranty,and the dealer changed it for us. Overall, after having an Accord, BMW, Subaru. Believe me, Im glad its time to return the car. Because its the NOISIEST car I have ever had. jjmess

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  i30t - 2001 Infiniti I30
  By wd - August 11 - 1:53 pm

  dealership is great to work with but have had a lot of problems with car electrical, exhaust .

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  Satisfying but pricey - 2002 Infiniti Q45
  By atifali460 - August 8 - 4:43 pm

  The power is great, but it drinks up gas as well. In the winter, with only city driving, Im getting only 10.3 mpg-summer time it goes back up to 17. I love the comfort, and the V8 engine is absolutely silent. Maintainance is pretty expensive as well with even the smallest of problems. Just bought new tires for $900. This car is ultimate luxury for the price your paying. The car is heavy, but the power its backed up with makes up for it. Personally, I love the car, but the maintainance is getting a bit too pricey for me.

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  Fun, but some issues - 2004 Infiniti G35
  By G35 coupe owner - August 7 - 3:30 pm

  The car is a ton of fun to drive. The stereo has some issues and doesnt work well in the winter. Ive had to checked multiple times, but they cant seem to get it right. Brembo brakes are great, but plan on getting them changed every 30k miles (and can run upwards of $3k every time). Tires wear easily and need replacement often. Car is frightening to drive during the winter.