The Infiniti M45 was first introduced to the American buying public for the 2003 model year. This mid-size luxury sedan was initially overlooked by most buyers, partly due to its run-of-the-mill styling. However, when the 2005 model year revealed a redesigned M45, consumers and critics started to take notice. The model quickly became fierce competition for the likes of Lexus, BMW, and Mercedes Benz. The new adaptation of the model garnered attention to its lengthy list of technological features and advanced gadgetry.

Though the engine has generally stayed the same since its beginnings, the powerful 325 horsepower 4.5L V8 rivals even the most popular of muscle cars on the market. With the five-speed automatic transmission comes manual shift control, which allows drivers to have more control. An elegant exterior design, enhanced responsiveness and improved handling round out the M45's dominant features.

One of the biggest concerns that consumers and critics have had regarding the M45 is its poor fuel economy. While Infiniti claims that they do not want to sacrifice performance for less money at the pump, buyers are not happy with the 16 city MPG and 21 highway MPG. Not only that, with around an $80,000 true cost to own for five years, the Infiniti M45 has some buyers cringing. Certainly, other luxury sedans on the market have a significantly lower cost to own. With the recent release of this figure, critics are claiming that the model will see a significant decrease in sales; however, others claim that the cost to own system's kinks have not been ironed out, so any reliance on the figures would be a mistake.

The elegant design of the Infiniti M45 has garnered a bit of attention from Hollywood as well. The popular television series Desperate Housewives used the model in two different episodes, once as a background model and another time the vehicle was driven in a short scene. The television show Alias starring Jennifer Garner also gave a short role to the model, and the crime drama CSI: Miami used the M45 in a scene during their 2006 season. The most recent rumor is that several upcoming feature films will give a prominent role to the Infiniti M45, but specific titles have yet to be released. Either way, after the M45's revision in 2005, the model undoubtedly began getting widespread attention, both in popular T.V. programs and through word of mouth.