INFINITI FX35 PRETTY NEAT SUV VS other SUVs
Infiniti FX35 / FX45 Reliability
Want better reliability information? Want to really know what difference it will make if you buy an Infiniti FX rather than something else? It's coming in the form of "times in the shop" and "days in the shop" stats. From these you might learn that your first choice, compared to your second choice, is likely to make 2.7 extra trips to the shop in its first five years. You might decide its advantages compensate for this, or you might not. Either way, you'll be able to make a much better informed decision.
To gain access to this information you have a choice: sign up to help provide the data now or pay $24.95 later. For the details, visit my website, www.truedelta.com.
Models and Option Packages
The FX comes in two versions, the FX35 and the FX45, the primary difference being the engine. The FX35 shares a 3.5-liter V6 with half of Nissan’s product line. In this application it produces 280 horsepower. The FX45 shares a 4.5-liter V8 with Infiniti’s pair of large sedans. In this application it produces a bit fewer horses, at 315. Wheels are the other major difference. Huge, 20-inch wheels that dominate the appearance of the vehicle are standard on the FX45, but only optional on the FX35. ‘Small” 18s are standard on the cheaper model. Every review I’ve read suggests that the FX45 is cursed with extremely poor ride quality, so I opted to test drive an FX35 with the smaller wheels and less firm suspension. A harsh ride on unpaved roads was one of the things I disliked about the Celica, after all.
Alas, driving an FX with the smaller wheels is not easy. According to Consumer Guide, Infiniti expects the V6 model to initially comprise 70 percent of sales, and for this to grow to 80 percent down the road. Yet the brochure speaks only about the FX45 until you reach the specs pages in the back. On the cover it reads “FX45,” not “FX.” It’s as if they want people to focus on the V8 model.
Perhaps this is to more clearly separate the FX from the Murano, which utilizes the same basic V6 (though with “only” 245 horsepower). Even the FX35 is considerably more expensive than the Murano, and the chassis are totally different, yet the marketers cannot be blamed for thinking that further differentiation might be a good thing. That, and its easier to start people high and shift them down if necessary than vice-versa.
Actually, the principle goal seems to be to force people to spend as much as possible. The color chart in the brochure was a real shock. Those who desire a base FX in either 35 or 45 form have their color selection made for them. Unless you order a pricey option package, the only color combination available is ivory (white) with a “willow” (greenish tan) interior. A bit heavy-handed, methinks. This strategy continues for those who don’t want the 20-inch wheels and sport-tuned suspension. FX35s equipped with only the “premium package” (basically heated leather, sunroof, uprated stereo) must choose among four basic colors: ivory, black, silver, and gold. The racier colors—red, brown, and especially copper—are only available with the sport package. Ditto the risqué yet invitingly warm “brick” interior. I went with a silver/willow vehicle, although the brown/brick strikes me as most appealing with the FX.
Before moving on, I should complete my criticisms of the option packaging. Entertainment systems are all the rage with minivans and SUVs. As the father of three young children, I’d want one. As an individual option they generally run about a grand lately. However, on the FX such a system is only available only as part of the technology package. Not only does this package also include a navigation system, laser-guided intelligent cruise control, and a rear view camera, but both the premium and sport packages. Hence it both brings with it those 20-inch wheels and a $9,400 price tag. As nifty as intelligent cruise is, this vehicle is expensive enough. I’d personally like to be able to order the entertainment system as an individual option and be done with it.
Now that I’ve fully vented about the fascist option/color packaging, on with the review.
Styling
As Infiniti points out at every available opportunity (including Hummer H2ish ads that emphasize defying convention), the FX looks like no other vehicle. SUVs tend to be angular to reinforce their rugged image. The FX, in constrast, possesses curves on the order of the Audi TT. Or Porsche 911. Frankly, the FX looks more like a Porsche than Porsche’s own SUV. Easier on the eyes, too. Despite its curvaceousness, the FX still looks tough and rugged. Credit generous proportions and a huge grille. (The latter recalls another recently introduced semi-SUV, Chrysler’s more luxury-oriented Pacifica.) With huge wheels and an imposing front end, the FX does not have to rely on angular styling to get its message across. Instead, it can manage to look both sporty and unstoppable.
The FX’s sporty character is enhanced by a relatively low height. At 65 inches, like Chrysler’s Pacifica and Lexus’s RX 330 it stands two to six inches lower than other midsize SUVs. (But still about ten inches taller than a typical sedan.)
While I admire Infiniti’s audacity, and even find myself strangely drawn to the styling of the FX, I can’t quite find it attractive. I enjoy how the FX makes me think about the many stylistic conventions it violates, yet cannot become comfortable with it. Intentionally, it just looks wrong. Thinking through what rubs me the wrong way, I come to focus on the rear end and wheels.
Much like an English bulldog, and likely for the same reason, the FX combines an imposing front end (courtesy of Nissan’s cab rearward FM platform) with a diminutive rear. Once past the passenger compartment the body quickly arcs down to an abrupt end. The resulting proportions appear silly, yet silly in a way that commands respect, as the tiny rear makes the front appear even more imposing. In those classic cartoons no one makes fun of the bulldog to his face. An additional benefit: unlike the Chrysler Pacifica, no one will accuse the FX of being a station wagon. A hatchback perhaps.
The 20-inch wheels on most FXs are so large as to appear cartoonish, yet the vehicle has been designed around them to such an extent that the 18s—not long ago larger than the largest wheels available on an SUV—appear a bit too small. Maybe 19s would strike a happy medium?
Between the huge wheels, the imposing hood, and the bobbed tail the FX above all else demands attention. In this manner it’s a Hummer H2 with curves.
Inside there is less craziness. This makes sense. Even people attracted to bizarre styling find it difficult to get comfortable in. Hence, much like ultra-modern homes, vehicles with bizarre exteriors often have more conventional interiors. The FX interior resembles that in the Infiniti G35 sedan, especially the wide, flat, faux metal center console and the front seats with their controls on the inner thigh bolster. The instrument panel and doors have simple forms styled to suggest a massive structure. If you want a bizarre interior to go with your bizarre exterior, check out the Murano.
Actually, a bit of bizarre is available in the form of the brick interior. This orangish color is available in many Nissan vehicles for 2003, including the Murano. As I’ve mentioned, I like this interior in the FX. The top half of the interior is black, so it’s not overwhelmingly orange. It feels warm in a way willow and graphite are not. I especially like the reptilian pattern embossed on the leather. Sadly, if you want the brick interior you must order the sport package (or the technology package, which includes the sport package).
The secondary controls are about average in ease of use for a luxury vehicles, which is to say they are laid out better than in other recent Infiniti designs yet still are not that easy to use. The HVAC and stereo are operated with a couple dozen flat black buttons that differ little in appearance or feel. At least two conventional knobs are retained for the primary stereo functions. The far controls are a bit of a stretch. As in more and more luxury vehicles, all readouts are handled on a flat panel display even without the nav system option.
The materials thankfully are a cut above those in the G35. They are still not as rich as those in the BMW X5 or Lexus RX. Among other things, the color match among various materials in the willow interior bordered on poor. For example, the grab handles on the doors were significantly greener than other parts. In its rush to get a slew of new products out ASAP—I continue to be amazed that a nearly bankrupt company could introduce so much so fast—it seems Nissan may have forgone sweating the details.
Want better reliability information? Want to really know what difference it will make if you buy an Infiniti FX rather than something else? It's coming in the form of "times in the shop" and "days in the shop" stats. From these you might learn that your first choice, compared to your second choice, is likely to make 2.7 extra trips to the shop in its first five years. You might decide its advantages compensate for this, or you might not. Either way, you'll be able to make a much better informed decision.
To gain access to this information you have a choice: sign up to help provide the data now or pay $24.95 later. For the details, visit my website, www.truedelta.com.
Models and Option Packages
The FX comes in two versions, the FX35 and the FX45, the primary difference being the engine. The FX35 shares a 3.5-liter V6 with half of Nissan’s product line. In this application it produces 280 horsepower. The FX45 shares a 4.5-liter V8 with Infiniti’s pair of large sedans. In this application it produces a bit fewer horses, at 315. Wheels are the other major difference. Huge, 20-inch wheels that dominate the appearance of the vehicle are standard on the FX45, but only optional on the FX35. ‘Small” 18s are standard on the cheaper model. Every review I’ve read suggests that the FX45 is cursed with extremely poor ride quality, so I opted to test drive an FX35 with the smaller wheels and less firm suspension. A harsh ride on unpaved roads was one of the things I disliked about the Celica, after all.
Alas, driving an FX with the smaller wheels is not easy. According to Consumer Guide, Infiniti expects the V6 model to initially comprise 70 percent of sales, and for this to grow to 80 percent down the road. Yet the brochure speaks only about the FX45 until you reach the specs pages in the back. On the cover it reads “FX45,” not “FX.” It’s as if they want people to focus on the V8 model.
Perhaps this is to more clearly separate the FX from the Murano, which utilizes the same basic V6 (though with “only” 245 horsepower). Even the FX35 is considerably more expensive than the Murano, and the chassis are totally different, yet the marketers cannot be blamed for thinking that further differentiation might be a good thing. That, and its easier to start people high and shift them down if necessary than vice-versa.
Actually, the principle goal seems to be to force people to spend as much as possible. The color chart in the brochure was a real shock. Those who desire a base FX in either 35 or 45 form have their color selection made for them. Unless you order a pricey option package, the only color combination available is ivory (white) with a “willow” (greenish tan) interior. A bit heavy-handed, methinks. This strategy continues for those who don’t want the 20-inch wheels and sport-tuned suspension. FX35s equipped with only the “premium package” (basically heated leather, sunroof, uprated stereo) must choose among four basic colors: ivory, black, silver, and gold. The racier colors—red, brown, and especially copper—are only available with the sport package. Ditto the risqué yet invitingly warm “brick” interior. I went with a silver/willow vehicle, although the brown/brick strikes me as most appealing with the FX.
Before moving on, I should complete my criticisms of the option packaging. Entertainment systems are all the rage with minivans and SUVs. As the father of three young children, I’d want one. As an individual option they generally run about a grand lately. However, on the FX such a system is only available only as part of the technology package. Not only does this package also include a navigation system, laser-guided intelligent cruise control, and a rear view camera, but both the premium and sport packages. Hence it both brings with it those 20-inch wheels and a $9,400 price tag. As nifty as intelligent cruise is, this vehicle is expensive enough. I’d personally like to be able to order the entertainment system as an individual option and be done with it.
Now that I’ve fully vented about the fascist option/color packaging, on with the review.
Styling
As Infiniti points out at every available opportunity (including Hummer H2ish ads that emphasize defying convention), the FX looks like no other vehicle. SUVs tend to be angular to reinforce their rugged image. The FX, in constrast, possesses curves on the order of the Audi TT. Or Porsche 911. Frankly, the FX looks more like a Porsche than Porsche’s own SUV. Easier on the eyes, too. Despite its curvaceousness, the FX still looks tough and rugged. Credit generous proportions and a huge grille. (The latter recalls another recently introduced semi-SUV, Chrysler’s more luxury-oriented Pacifica.) With huge wheels and an imposing front end, the FX does not have to rely on angular styling to get its message across. Instead, it can manage to look both sporty and unstoppable.
The FX’s sporty character is enhanced by a relatively low height. At 65 inches, like Chrysler’s Pacifica and Lexus’s RX 330 it stands two to six inches lower than other midsize SUVs. (But still about ten inches taller than a typical sedan.)
While I admire Infiniti’s audacity, and even find myself strangely drawn to the styling of the FX, I can’t quite find it attractive. I enjoy how the FX makes me think about the many stylistic conventions it violates, yet cannot become comfortable with it. Intentionally, it just looks wrong. Thinking through what rubs me the wrong way, I come to focus on the rear end and wheels.
Much like an English bulldog, and likely for the same reason, the FX combines an imposing front end (courtesy of Nissan’s cab rearward FM platform) with a diminutive rear. Once past the passenger compartment the body quickly arcs down to an abrupt end. The resulting proportions appear silly, yet silly in a way that commands respect, as the tiny rear makes the front appear even more imposing. In those classic cartoons no one makes fun of the bulldog to his face. An additional benefit: unlike the Chrysler Pacifica, no one will accuse the FX of being a station wagon. A hatchback perhaps.
The 20-inch wheels on most FXs are so large as to appear cartoonish, yet the vehicle has been designed around them to such an extent that the 18s—not long ago larger than the largest wheels available on an SUV—appear a bit too small. Maybe 19s would strike a happy medium?
Between the huge wheels, the imposing hood, and the bobbed tail the FX above all else demands attention. In this manner it’s a Hummer H2 with curves.
Inside there is less craziness. This makes sense. Even people attracted to bizarre styling find it difficult to get comfortable in. Hence, much like ultra-modern homes, vehicles with bizarre exteriors often have more conventional interiors. The FX interior resembles that in the Infiniti G35 sedan, especially the wide, flat, faux metal center console and the front seats with their controls on the inner thigh bolster. The instrument panel and doors have simple forms styled to suggest a massive structure. If you want a bizarre interior to go with your bizarre exterior, check out the Murano.
Actually, a bit of bizarre is available in the form of the brick interior. This orangish color is available in many Nissan vehicles for 2003, including the Murano. As I’ve mentioned, I like this interior in the FX. The top half of the interior is black, so it’s not overwhelmingly orange. It feels warm in a way willow and graphite are not. I especially like the reptilian pattern embossed on the leather. Sadly, if you want the brick interior you must order the sport package (or the technology package, which includes the sport package).
The secondary controls are about average in ease of use for a luxury vehicles, which is to say they are laid out better than in other recent Infiniti designs yet still are not that easy to use. The HVAC and stereo are operated with a couple dozen flat black buttons that differ little in appearance or feel. At least two conventional knobs are retained for the primary stereo functions. The far controls are a bit of a stretch. As in more and more luxury vehicles, all readouts are handled on a flat panel display even without the nav system option.
The materials thankfully are a cut above those in the G35. They are still not as rich as those in the BMW X5 or Lexus RX. Among other things, the color match among various materials in the willow interior bordered on poor. For example, the grab handles on the doors were significantly greener than other parts. In its rush to get a slew of new products out ASAP—I continue to be amazed that a nearly bankrupt company could introduce so much so fast—it seems Nissan may have forgone sweating the details.
posted by jonathan at 11:39 PM
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