2004 Infiniti FX35 Review
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
A stylish melding of form and function, the FX35 offers carlike handling and all-weather capability in a package that will never be mistaken for your average Explorer.
Pros
Dynamic styling, carlike reflexes, roomy interior, long list of standard features, strong V6.
Cons
No real off-road ability, minimal cargo room, unusual styling won't please everyone.
What's New for 2004
All models receive minor suspension revisions, an air filtration system and an eight-way power front passenger seat. New options include chrome plating for the 20-inch wheels and a snow mode for added traction in slippery conditions.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
A Very Happy Owner
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Infiniti FX35 AWD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
Review
I bought my 2004 FX35 with 50000 miles and the car drives like a dream. I spent a lot of time researching this car before I bought it, and I don't regret it. I took my FX on a 300 mile road trip, avg mpg was 21.9 with premium (92 octane) fuel. The FX is a lot of fun to drive. I don't have a problem with rear visibility as some have mentioned. Front seats hug the occupants and make driving the FX a lot of fun.
Favorite Features
The way it handles the road with tight steering, power, power, power. The AWD does excellent on gravel roads. I drive on 5 miles (each way) of bad gravel roads every day and the FX AWD does a fantastic job. Wrangler SR-A tires do great in muddy conditions
Suggested Improvements
Wiper controls.
Amazing machine
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Infiniti FX35 AWD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
Review
The FX35 is a amazing machine. Words cannot describe the FX35. Speed, comfort and build quality is just astounding. It also looks like it will eat you with it's aggressive styling. When you sit inside you feel all safe for some reason, it feels sturdy unlike other Japanese cars. It doesn't feel like your average car, makes you feel, well... rich??
Favorite Features
Gotta love the Bose audio system. And the driver seat memory is ingenious. Also the exhaust is amazing, get it over 4k in revs and it will sing a distinct note only the VQ35 can pump out. after a nice wash n wax the paint has a real depth to it, near Benz paint job quality in my opinion.
Suggested Improvements
The steering radius is terrible, I have to shimmy all the time. And fuel economy is not so great, it's a gas hog when you really push it. And the suspension could be firmer in my opinion, it leads to understeer. And you can't see that well inside. Sound proofing can be improved for that price.
Great SUV
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Infiniti FX35 AWD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
Review
After six months of daily use and a coast-coast trip under my belt, I can say the FX is going to be with me for a while. Regular unleaded is fine, and I'm getting 21-22 on the highway and about 16-17 city driving. Power is great. Joy to drive this daily and for long trips. Handles great in high winds and heavy rain. What it is not: a no-bump ride. It has a sport suspension and you will feel some bumps but this is much smoother than my last sporty car. I won't knock the seat bubbling because the new G seats are much less comfortable than this FX and it is not noticeable to me. Bose system is good, but not great. Fun fun fun.
Favorite Features
Rear view camera, intelligent key, intelligent cruise, seats, spring loaded reclining back seats.
Suggested Improvements
More storage areas, like room for jumper cables. Rear view cameras should be standard. Top audio option should be better than this Bose system. Add iPod and Bluetooth support.
Here's your "Zoom Zoom"
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Infiniti FX35 AWD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
Review
Earlier this year, I traded in my 2004 Lexus RX330 for my FX35 after reviewing everything I could get my hands and mouse on. I don't regret the move. Every morning when I start up the FX, I thank myself. The growl of the six cylinder is a nice morning greeting. The Lexus RX330 made driving a non-event. If you want to ride a pillow to work, get the Lexus. If you want an all-out perfromance SUV that gets attention from other drivers (and cops), get the FX35. The FX35 hugs the curves, blurs the scenery and makes driving a sport. It is an atypical SUV with respect to performance but it does everything I need it to do: haul the kids, haul stuff from Home Depot, and haul you-know-what.
Favorite Features
I love the handling. It handles like a sports car so you will feel the road - the good, the bad and the ugly. Some folks will find this undesirable or even intolerable. The Bose stereo pounds out the bass. I like the keyless entry and the navigation system. Most of all I love the look.
Suggested Improvements
I can't get the seat position exactly right. I'm tall, but reaching over the door to scan my card key at the parking garage at the office soils the bottom of my shirt sleeve when the car is dirty. I'm curious to how the tires perform during a Minnesota winter. I heard they are lousy.
4 out 4 people found this review helpful
'04 FX35 AWD
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Infiniti FX35 AWD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
Review
We've had our '04 FX35 AWD for 3 years and we couldn't be happier. Unfortunately, due to growing family, we'll be selling it soon, but we have nothing but great things to say about it. The car currently has 74K miles (50K of those driven by my wife) and we've had 0 problems with it. It still looks as fresh as the day we bought it and we'll miss it dearly.
Favorite Features
Styling and performance.
Suggested Improvements
Better fuel economy (duh!) and more comfortable front seats.
View Pricing for Other Years
- 2009 Infiniti FX35
- 2008 Infiniti FX35
- 2007 Infiniti FX35
- 2006 Infiniti FX35
- 2005 Infiniti FX35
- 2004 Infiniti FX35
Research the 2004 Infiniti FX35
Buying & Selling
Vehicle Details
Multimedia
Ratings & Reviews
- Model Review
- Road Test Ratings
- Road Test Reviews
- Consumer Reviews
- Awards History
- Reliability
- Consumer Discussions
Payment Calculators
Helpful Tools
