Introduced in April 1995 for the 1996 model year, this Infiniti nameplate became one of the brand’s defining early luxury sedans. It was positioned in the middle of Infiniti’s lineup, above the entry-level compact sedan and below the flagship flagship-grade model, giving the brand a more mainstream midsize offering with a stronger volume focus. From the start, it was aimed at buyers who wanted a refined, front-wheel-drive luxury sedan with a smoother, more accessible character than the rear-drive performance and prestige cars that often defined the segment in the 1990s.
The first generation established the formula: clean styling, a roomy cabin, and a comfortable touring emphasis that helped the car earn a loyal following. It quickly became an important sales leader for the brand and one of Infiniti’s most recognized early products in the U.S. market. For the 2000 model year, the car was comprehensively reworked into a second generation with new bodywork and a more upscale presentation, while retaining its basic mission as a comfortable, midsize luxury sedan. That redesign marked the model’s final major chapter under this name.
After the 2001 model year, the nameplate was retired and replaced by a slightly revised successor with a different designation. As a result, this is a single continuous production-era nameplate with no separate revival period.