Infiniti FX35

[JCE]

I drove one today and I am now an official hypocrite. I love this SUV...it's just perfect. There isn't a damn thing about it that I do not like. And I hate SUVs with a passion. Oh and the Porsche Cayenne is also on my list as sexy SUVs.

I mean just look at it:

It's so beautiful. I pegged the accelerator a bit and it's got some decent power...and obviously since it's the same drivetrain as the G35 coupe/350Z it sounds great too. It's more comfortable than the G35, and you can haul/carry stuff in it.

So the main point to this topic is to see if anyone else has a hypocritcal stance on a particular vehicle. Example, you hate GM but you love the ZO6...etc.

 

[Poverty]

Its more of a MPV/crossover (right terminology?) in da vein of a allroad to me. Ie slightly jacked up and beefed up. Doesnt look too bad at all.

 

[Jordan]

I was not a fan of them at all until I was given a brand new fully-loaded FX45 for a day when my G35 Coupe was in for service (they were out of their regular loaner sedans - too bad! ). I was shocked at how well the handling dynamics were, how great the interior was, and generally how well the entire vehicle was put together. It gave me a completely new perspective on the FX series - I wouldn't mind owning one if I lived in a more severe winter climate. 👍

 

[sutton.a]

I think i prefer the fx45. Cause lets face is 20 inch wheels compared to 18 inch wheels are just sex. Although the fx35 is preety kewl as well, was reading up on em. "apparantly" because the engine is just behind the front axle it will have a nearly 50/50 front to end weight ratio. Which "apparantly" makes it surpass the majority if not all other suv's.. right.

So basicaly its a SUV which has been lowered, a 300Watt sound system and a rearview display videoimage on a 7inch screen. Seems a little high-techy for an SUV, but considering the price i think it kinds justifies it. I can't see this as a serious off-roader contender... all that hightechno **** will just break down i imagine in rough conditions.

However for an extra 4k you can get "Intelligent laser-guided cruise control with preview braking". It identifies emergency braking conditions by sensing the distance of the vehicle ahead and its relative speed. Seems preety spacky.. can't imagine what would happen if something went wrong and a little tiny animal darted in front of you, it picked up the animal and slammed on the "emergency brakes"....

Spec comparisons between fx35 and fx45....

 

[red70mach1]

This is one SUV that does not have hair.

 

[YSSMAN]

I had some expirience with the FX45, a fairly long ride, and then a pretty hard drive. Let me say that I was very impressed with the performance of the truck given it's size and feel of "weight." We threw it through some twisties well above 60 MPH and it held on like a 330ci, and the trust of the engine reminded me of an older Corvette. I wasn't paying attention when I first took it on the highway, next thing I knew we were doing nearly 120 MPH, and it felt like 80 MPH.

...It is a great SUV, and it truely is ground-breaking with it's looks and performance. And to think all of that came from the 350Z.

But, it isn't my cup of tea. The ride was a bit rough, and there really wasn't all that much room in it. If I'm looking to spend that kind of money I'd go with a winner, the Cadillac SRX.

 

[Master_Yoda]

I think it looks cool... But I hate SUV's! But i'll take your word on it.

 

[sidewinderl]

I'm a Nissan fan, but the styling just doesn't do it for me...I'd just rather have an Explorer or something.

I don't know what the whole deal is with people hating SUV's (as in the ones completely hating them)...we have a '98 Expedition (eddie bauer) and there isn't a better work/family vehicle.

 

[a6m5]

Oh and the Porsche Cayenne is also on my list as sexy SUVs.

V-6 one is pretty affordable.... a Porsche! And I agree, they are sweet looking!

Infiniti FX SUVs looks pretty nice to me. It's nice to hear that they handle nice as well. Come to think of it, it's a Infiniti version of Murano, right? That looks nice as well. 👍

 

[YSSMAN]

Infiniti FX SUVs looks pretty nice to me. It's nice to hear that they handle nice as well. Come to think of it, it's a Infiniti version of Murano, right? That looks nice as well. 👍

No, the Murano rides on the Altima's old FF-L platform. The FX35/45 rides on the same FM platform as the Skyline/G35, 350Z and M35/45.

It is a great SUV given the performance it offers by comparison to a Porsche Cayanne S or even Cayanne Turbo, but the overall driveablity of the SUV is leaf meandering given it's overall sporty tune.

Is it a bad thing? Certainly not... But in an area with rough roads, plenty of potholes, etc it just isn't comfortable enough to be considered a real luxury SUV option against the Cadillac SRX, Mercedes M-Class, BMW X5, etc. The ride is rough, the cargo space limited, and IMO the backseat cramped. It is a very driver/passenger oriented SUV, and that is a good thing, but I want to have a bit more of the "utility" part of my SUV than just the "sport."

 

[a6m5]

No, the Murano rides on the Altima's old FF-L platform. The FX35/45 rides on the same FM platform as the Skyline/G35, 350Z and M35/45.

I'd have never guessed. Thanks for the correction. 👍

 

[1X83Z]

I'd have never guessed. Thanks for the correction. 👍

Well just remember, it's rear-drive, like all other Infinitis, while the Murano is front-drive like most other Nissans. It's weird - the vehicle is styled so similarly to the Murano yet it's not its twin - and the M is similar to the Maxima, yet they're not twins either - same for the Altima and G35. I'm not sure how I feel about that, but it's definitely a new approach to the market!

My bottom line on the Infiniti FX is this: the vehicle would be absolutely ridiculous if it didn't back up its looks in every possible way, and above and beyond to every possible degree. Whether it's technology, handling, acceleration, or, as a result, desirability, the FX is just king of the hill. It's also affordable. The FX45 is my favorite SUV.

 

[a6m5]

and the M is similar to the Maxima, yet they're not twins either.

I think the M was called Fuga in Japan. When I saw a picture of that car in a Japanese magazine, I thought for sure that it was the Altima for the Japanese market. But as I read more about it, it of course turned out that Fuga was way more of a car than Altimas.

the vehicle would be absolutely ridiculous if it didn't back up its looks in every possible way, and above and beyond to every possible degree.

I used to like GM vehicles a lot, but this started bothering me in the 90's. Remember the futuristic looking vehicles(along the lines of Lumina vans) they were coming out with, but they were utter garbage? I also feel the same about the current Altimas(it will be previous gen, any minute ).

 

[Kylehnat]

The FX45 is my favorite SUV.

I thought your favorite SUV was B9 Tribeca .

For some reason, I like the styling on the FX line, but I don't really know why. It's quirky for sure, but for some reason, it works. Maybe that's because it's so unique.

 

[NSX-R]

I haven't driven one, but I just dislike its slogan, "SUV with a sports car attitude..." or something like that. If you want a sporty feel, why don't you start with something lighter?

Anyway I have seen much worse SUVs.

 

[YSSMAN]

Unless you have driven the FX45, I don't really think you can knock the performance of that thing. It is absolutely incredible to feel and be a part of, and quite awesome to watch as well. If they could sell the FX45 with a stick, I'd be in like Flinn... But sadly they do not.

My biggest beef with the FX35/45 (besides the crappy ride quality, etc) is the fact that so many cocks drive them. People say the Porsche Boxster is bad, I'd almost say the FX35/45 is worse in some cases. The thing I hate the most about it? You can option out the FX35 to look almost exactly like the FX45, not only confusing the hell out of me, but of other high-performance enthusiests. The only upside to having an FX35 over it's V8-powered sibling is that exhaust note.

...Its like driving a 350Z with an extra foot of ground clearance and AWD...

 

[JCE]

I'm glad that most people agree with me. What's messed up is the people that I talk to mostly don't care for the exterior looks...but come on it's just pure sex! The ass of the car is just too awsome...I like that ghetto booty just like the real thing on some hot girl. I'm in love with the 3.5L V6...I just can't wait to drive the 4.5L V8 for a bit, if it's anything close to the V6 just with more power then count me in. I took the liberty of going to ebay motors and the 2003 FX35's are running $26k for the cheaper ones...man I just need to be rich so I can just start on a car shopping spree. This and the Cayenne are definately on my list.

 

[Jay]

I just wish they sold Infiniti's over here.

 

[1X83Z]

I used to like GM vehicles a lot, but this started bothering me in the 90's. Remember the futuristic looking vehicles(along the lines of Lumina vans) they were coming out with, but they were utter garbage?

Exactly - whatever the car looks like, it has to be able to live up to. For instance, the FX looks like a performer, and it is - the 7-series looks futuristic, and it is. The Escalade looks opulent, and it is. That's why people hate the Enzo - it looks like a giant insect, but it doesn't back that up by jumping fifty feet in the air.

When does the next Altima come out? I saw some pictures of it and it looked little-changed.

I thought your favorite SUV was B9 Tribeca

It was until he slammed me on this very forum!

No worries though - I got my revenge.

The thing I hate the most about it? You can option out the FX35 to look almost exactly like the FX45, not only confusing the hell out of me, but of other high-performance enthusiests.

One of the truest things you've ever said - that combined with the fact that the power difference is marginal (40hp; 0.4sec 0-60) but the price difference is huge ($10k) makes me wonder why the hell anyone would get the FX45. But I look at it like this: the FX45 (0-60 in 6.7sec, near best-in-class spec, car-like handling, fantastic styling) might run $10k more than a FX35, but it's only $7k more than the X5 3.0 - and that's got one hundred less horsepower, bland styling, and none of the spec. Alternatively you could pay $4k more and get the V8 X5, which has the same horsepower - plus bland styling and none of the spec. When you consider it against the FX35, the FX45 is definitely a bad value, but it's not such a bad value against in-class rivals.

 

[a6m5]

When does the next Altima come out? I saw some pictures of it and it looked little-changed.

Last I heard, this summer. So it should be due out anytime.
Edit: Correction. I was just on Nissan's website(drooling over Versa), now they say that Altima is due on Winter of 2006.

 

[Duke]

I don't care how it drives, and I've never even sat in one. I think it's utterly hideous. Based purely on that I'd never own one - if I won it as a prize I would drive it to the first dealer that would take it in trade on something else. The only things I can think of that're uglier are B9Tribeca and the Azcrack.

 

[JCE]

One of the truest things you've ever said - that combined with the fact that the power difference is marginal (40hp; 0.4sec 0-60) but the price difference is huge ($10k) makes me wonder why the hell anyone would get the FX45. But I look at it like this: the FX45 (0-60 in 6.7sec, near best-in-class spec, car-like handling, fantastic styling) might run $10k more than a FX35, but it's only $7k more than the X5 3.0 - and that's got one hundred less horsepower, bland styling, and none of the spec. Alternatively you could pay $4k more and get the V8 X5, which has the same horsepower - plus bland styling and none of the spec. When you consider it against the FX35, the FX45 is definitely a bad value, but it's not such a bad value against in-class rivals.

Great post. I didn't even consider the FX45 vs the in-class rivals. I'd get the FX35 over the FX45 mainly for 2 reasons; it is cheaper and it sounds 100% like a 350Z/G35 coupe.

I don't care how it drives, and I've never even sat in one. I think it's utterly hideous. Based purely on that I'd never own one - if I won it as a prize I would drive it to the first dealer that would take it in trade on something else. The only things I can think of that're uglier are B9Tribeca and the Azcrack.

I respect people's opinions and all...but there is absolutely no way in hell this is even close to being as bad as those two SUVs. I just dont buy it...I think alot of cars (mostly GM and Chrysler) are hideous but I'd never put them in such bad company as the Aztek and the B9 Tribeca. EVER. Bad form.

 

[niky]

I was actually hounding my cousin to get one of these when he was shopping. He'd just totalled his Durango (rain+RWD+bald tires don't mix) and was looking for a mid-sizer with good power and good handling.

I argued: yes, it's not sold here, but with the 350Z and Murano being sold here, you're not out in the cold in terms of dealership service... it's bound to be relatively reliable, and it looks cool-as-hell.

He thought about it long and hard... then went out and bought a Tahoe. Argh. I suck as an automotive consultant.

 

[GT4_Rule]

I hate it. Looks very ugly to me...

 

[Tornado]

I hate it's very mission as it is oxymoronic and stupid (sporty SUV. Buy a damn wagon.). But I have to admit it it is very good at what it does, as stupid a challenge though it may be (I will go on the record as saying that the Cayenne is not shared of this opinion. I think the Cayenne is great.

 

[JCE]

The Cayenne is actually very good looking, very comfortable, and possibly most importantly...it's a damn Porsche!

 

[Jim Prower]

the Infiniti FX reminds me too much of that goddamn Lexus RX. and I positively DESPISE those.

 

[JCE]

the Infiniti FX reminds me too much of that goddamn Lexus RX. and I positively DESPISE those.

How does this POS:

Look anything like this beautiful machine:

That's like saying a Toyota Solara looks like an Aston Martin DB9.

 

[YSSMAN]

The overall profile of the crossover is similar, I think that was what he was getting at. Along the same lines, you could almost say the Chevrolet Equinox looks similar.

 

[Vonie]

The only thing wront with the 35 is that it comes with the 45 wheels, but smaller. Get your self some of those 45 20's and you'll be good.