2003 Infiniti FX35 Review
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
A stylish melding of form and function. More than just a tall station wagon, the FX35 has several unique features to recommend it to the pseudo-SUV buyer.
Pros
Terrific handling, strong V6, unusual styling, comfortable seats, choice of rear-drive and AWD configurations.
Cons
Limited cargo space, restricted rear visibility, cluttered center stack controls.
What's New for 2003
The FX35 is an all-new crossover SUV from Infiniti. It is performance-oriented, and boasts a powerful V6, sharp handling and available all-wheel drive. It's also a less expensive alternative to the V8-powered FX45.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Tellin' it Like It Is
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Infiniti FX35 Rwd 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
Review
It was "love at first sight". Almost as soon as I saw the FX35 I had to have it. I love the design inside and out. My ownership experience has been exceptional. I purchased it new in 2003 and haven't regretted it one bit. Handles outstandingly well whether the road is wet or dry. Scores very high on crash tests. Fuel economy is good. Fun to drive. Very reliable and comfortable. After owning it 5 years I'm tellin' it like it is: The FX35 is a quality vehicle.
Favorite Features
Body and interior design. Performance. Comfort. Bose sound system (eleven speakers).
Suggested Improvements
Since I bought mine the first year they were sold all of the suggested improvements I would have made have been done except one: Yokohama Tires ride better and handle better. Make them OEM.
Liked it so much I'm getting another
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Infiniti FX35 Rwd 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
Review
I have been driving my 2003 FX35 for four years and have loved it so much that I'm getting a 2008. It has always been a head turner, and is so comfortable, safe, and fun to drive that I can justify the poor gas mileage and skimpy cargo space. I have gotten a roof cargo carrier for trips. The 2008 has some great new features, backup camera, keyless entry, bluetooth. It handles great in bad weather, is solid as a rock(I have never hydroplaned) and my bad back never hurts, even on long trips because of the extremely comfortable and heated seats! I don't want to drive anything else!!
Favorite Features
Great style, power, comfort and handling like a sports car. Extremely solid and stable car. On the 2008, the rear camera, handsfree and aluminum roof rack (much snazzier than the black). And the retro clock, which happily, still exists on the 2008.
Suggested Improvements
The 20" tires are for performance and wear out very quickly and are very expensive to replace! They need a rear hatch release button inside the car! And the obvious poor gas mileage, but what can you do? I wouldn't sacrifice anything to get better mileage on this car.
Recalls & Reliability Issues
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 3 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 6 | Reliability: | 3 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Infiniti FX35 AWD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
Review
I bought my FX35 brand new in May '03 and it currently has only 58000 miles on it. With the car came a number of recalls, more trips to the dealer than I can count, and recently a $2000 rack and pinion steering failure and repair (no longer under warranty!). While the service rep was good, I know it's just the start of more and bigger problems to come. My only alternative is to get rid of the car. I don't intend to sound dramatic about this, but I will never purchase another Infiniti. My overall experience was unexpectedly poor and my experpience with the Infiniti Consumer Affairs office was even worse.
Favorite Features
The engine is incredibly powerful making the purchase of the 45 completely unnecessary.
Suggested Improvements
Support the car better after the sale. Rear visibility is poor. The shocks that hold up the rear door fail on a regular basis. Front passenger seat should have all the features of the driver's seat.
0 out 1 people found this review helpful
'03 FX35 Sport Tech
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Infiniti FX35 AWD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
Review
Couldn't be happier. Leased it for 3 years and couldn't part with it so I bought it off the lease. Held its value nicely - 65% of sticker after 3 years (73% of what I paid). Tightest vehicle I've ever owned - including a BMW 3 series sedan - which is the benchmark for tightness. It's the best of both worlds - perfomance and utility.
Favorite Features
All of them.
Suggested Improvements
Avg mpg is 17 - low.
I'd buy it again
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Infiniti FX35 AWD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
Review
Its a fun car. Believe it or not, I look forward to every ride because it's so comfortable and handles the road well... love it!
Favorite Features
I don't have a favorite feature. I like the car and all the fun little gadgets it comes with.
Suggested Improvements
The control panel is a bit clustered which makes it hard to find what you're looking for. You have to be careful of the rear view. And, its not fuel efficient.
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