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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  One major flaw a buyer should know about - 2003 Infiniti M45
  By l. Banks - November 18 - 10:03 am

  The only major flaw about this car is the gauge cluster. If you run out of gas with the needle on a quarter tank that is what it is, not the fuel pump. Test drive this model and try to drive it down to at least the quarter tank. If it dies the dealer is either to fix it or lower the price. Nissan speaks for itself. It even has a low rumble RRRR. The tires are 18/low profile so expect to pay more. People shouldnt compare this to a sports car because its on the same lines as a GS. I owned a 97 Camaro SS. Fast but its a luxury sport. Classy car. People will tell you I have heard of a M but never actually seen one. Very smooth design.

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  Good Stuff Cheap - 2003 Infiniti Q45
  By seldomseen - November 17 - 3:43 pm

  I just bought an 03 Q45 in pristine condition. The luxury options on this car are more than generous. The power of the engine is amazing too. It doesnt seem to handle as taut as the 03/04 M45s but it does drive a lot smoother though. This generation Q45 is attractive and comparably equipped as the likes other Asian and Euro vehicles within this "new" price segment.

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  My third Infiniti - 2005 Infiniti Q45
  By Tagital - November 16 - 3:43 pm

  And they just keep getting better. I love this car. It has a luxurious interior that is matched with a beautiful performance. The car comes loaded and is worth every penny.

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  Fun car with some quality quirks - 2003 Infiniti G35
  By Aaron B - November 16 - 7:00 am

  During the summer months this car is a lot of fun to drive. I have been disappointed however with the winter performance (RWD model). It has a tendancy to slide around a lot, using all weather tires that cost about 900 dollars a set. Winter tires may help, but they seem hard to find here. The mileage has been satisfactory but nothing spectacular (maybe 16/22). I drive about 75 freeway and get up to speed rather quickly on city. I have had an issue with the cd player failing. The interior likes great, but has creaks and the door paint is rubbing on the silver areas, so build quality is so-so. Exterior is amazing, though paint chips easily.

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  Great car - 2015 Infiniti Q50
  By Mr D - November 15 - 11:05 pm

  I purchase my Q I April and love it! Easy to drive but you have watch because it is easy to speed in the car!

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  Great car - 2015 Infiniti Q50
  By Mr D - November 15 - 11:05 pm

  I purchase my Q I April and love it! Easy to drive but you have watch because it is easy to speed in the car!

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  2004 Infiniti I35 - 2004 Infiniti I35
  By Bill Dimond - November 15 - 2:00 am

  This car is smooth, luxurious and a really beauty. Ive put on more than 500 miles in less than a week. I find myself finding things to do so I can drive it. The satellite radio is great. I like how the dash is laid out. The trip button on the heated steering wheel gives me outside air temp, MPG, miles till empty, avg. speed, and current mpg. The navigation system works to a T. The car handles very well and is a real joy to drive.

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  Affordable Luxury with a kick - 2004 Infiniti I35
  By chirosoninlaw - November 15 - 2:00 am

  We have been sold on Nissan products since 1984, but the I35 has taken their normally reliable vehicles to a whole new level. It has the power of a beefy V8, gets 30 mpg on the highway at 80 mph and gets accolades from backseat passangers for its incredible roominess. Plus it looks great.

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  Not For City Slickers - 2009 Infiniti G37
  By iwasgointo - November 13 - 4:16 pm

  Great car overall, but the clutch pedal is a bit too heavy for regular city stop and go driving. I live in Philly and all Infiniti dealers are located in the suburbs. The suburban test drive and the back roads that showed off the handling really didnt reveal how tiring the clutch pedal would become in the city environment where I reside. I have a 2006 Honda Element with manual trans that is a pleasure to drive in the city with its light clutch and precise shift action. Its very, very similar to the BMW 3 Series that I recently test drove. If I could have driven the Infiniti in the city for a day or two I probably would not have purchased it despite its other wonderful virtues.

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  U.S. Market Nissan Cefiro - 1999 Infiniti I30
  By newdriver - November 13 - 6:03 am

  I love this car so much! Infiniti dealerships know how to treat their customers right. I would definitely recommend this as a great, reliable used car to anyone looking to spend under $10,000. I managed to get a standard model with moonroof and homelink (garage opener) for less than $12,000. Some people might not like the fact that it is derived from the Nissan Maxima, but its an excellent vehicle so thats a good thing! This is the second car that I have owned and I am NOT rich... If you are looking for an inconspicuous entry- level luxury 4DR, then this is a really good choice and has great reliability, features, and performance. Nissans VQ engine is the best in the business!!!