Used 2003 INFINITI FX35 Consumer Reviews
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Comparison to Murano
I compared the Nissan Murano and the Infiniti FX. The Murano is front-wheel drive with significant torque steer, a tranversely mounted engine, and a CVT. The FX Std is rear-wheel drive with a longitudinally mounted engine, and automatic with auxillary 5-gear manual. The CVT was smooth but the FX's automatic was too. The Murano provides manual Sport and Low gears and the FX has a 5-gear manual. The FX handles like a sports car while the Murano wallows on curves. Inside, the FX dash is cleaner than the confusing array in the Murano.
Think before you buy
My FX35 has more rattles than any vehicle I have owned (which include Acura, Audi, Volvo, Honda etc). Every week there is something annoying - rattle of the week. Problems with driver seat which the dealer can't fix. Problem with alignment of the headlight which dealer can't fix. Busted stereo and CD player. Problem with rear-seat belt. When I take the car through a carwash, water leaks in. The paint on this vehicle is paper thin - slightest nick and it chips off and rusts in less than few weeks. The vehicle is a pain to maintain. Repeated brake problems. Very stiff ride. The build and mechanical quality is bad enough that this will be my last Infinity. And city fuel economy of 16mp!!
- Base 4dr SUVMSRP: $3,995251 mi away
- Base 4dr SUVMSRP: $3,995535 mi away
- Base 4dr SUVMSRP: $6,994572 mi away
No regrets
Purchased used Sport edition with 26K miles and have overall been very satisfied at 53K. More or less a full-size wagon, it is fun to drive with decent cargo space. Was a little concerned since 2003 was first model year, but only issue has been one fuse replacement that was not really expensive to address. CD player has become jammed, but mostly use ipod and satellite radio. Have only used regular fuel, but acceleration has been solid. Although now seven years old, exterior styling is timeless (which I think is better than 09 body style change). Would definitely recommend to anyone dealing with dual child seats and does not want or need huge SUV or minivan.
130,000 miles near flawless!
Bought CPO in 08 w 40K mi. I have always averaged 35-45K/yr. Usually switch cars every 6 mos-2 yrs. Have had difficulty finding cause with this car. Squeaking brakes have been a constant issue. My cd changer skips when it's cold $500 for rebuild and xm loses signal when it's hot. Those are the only problems I have had. Period. I've owned ford gm toy niss Honda Audi BMW vw & Porsche, the FX has been the most pleasant overall. Performance & handing are great. Service beats all others. Nav is better than 07 Audi or BMW. Also ave mixed 21 mpg and 25+ at 80mph.
Buy it used
I never dreamed I would be driving this type of vehicle but have come away impressed with most everything about it. Never like the looks but have grown to appreciate it...I don't ever get tired of looking at it. What's impressive is how well it's put together and how smooth it is. The driveline is unbelievable and the sound of the engine is simply awesome. The suspension soaks up the bumps nicely and you always feel in control. It handles like it's on rails and cannot be appreciated until you get into another vehicle. It's for people that want sports car like handling without the penalty. Has plenty of room but limited height due to it's shape. Overall, a great vehicle!
Break out your kidney belt!
Bought my FX35 new in -03... had the first one in town. Not a day went by in the first 3-4 months that someone didn't stop me to ask about or comment what a cool car... now for the bad stuff, of which there's very little. -Ride is so stiff with 20" wheels that it'll make yout teeth chatter -squeak in the driver's door can't be fixed by dealer, they only made it worse. In all, great car, great looks, great performance, so-so gas mileage of 16/20. I love driving it, except when my bladder's full, due to the violent ride characteristics. But if you can handle that, you'll love the car and the attention you get.... which has been more than my buddie's Porsche Cayenne S- he's upset!
IF Lease, Yes, If Buy NO!
My suspicion for all the lovers of this car is that they haven't hit 100 or 110k miles. Mine overheated. Changed every part in the cooling system(cap, thermostat, water pump, radiator) and now they are going to tear down the engine. Search online for "2003 FX35 overheating" and you will find many of us who needed new blocks or engines at $6 to $8k. this is not what I expected from a "reliable" car company like Nissan. Never again. However, it's a great car to drive and if you plan to turn it back in after 60k miles, Go for it! But don't keep it or buy used.
2003 infinity fx35 absolutely the best.
I love everything about the car. From the look, the handling to the sound of the engine. I bought the 2003 used in 2006 with 28000 miles now I am up to 260000 miles on it and going never a major problem except maintenance and routine repairs. Engine and transmission are still strong never a problem. Air condition never break only Freon charged twice. I am so in love with it I am planning of buying a more recent of the same model.
- Safety
- Technology
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
Needs some inprovements
There is a recall on the hatch. The suspension does not handle well om uneven pavement or bumps in the road. Be prepared to refill the gas tank frequently. If I had to do it again, I would have shopped around some more.
Best car ever owned
I have owned just about every high-end make out there. No other car has ever kept me this happy and interested for so long! No problems whatsoever and I already have over 80k miles on it. I can't imagine replacing this car with anything else other than a new FX (when they get remodeled hopefully for 08)
Disappointed
Bought the car new in southern California. After five years of the door lock fails intermittently depending on ambient temperature. Leather seat splits at the most unusual area. Fuel gauge does not function properly and the dash board starts to blister and bubble. Not to mention the power rear view mirror does not readjust properly at times. My Honda Accord of 10 years never had these problems! I applaud infiniti for fixing some of the problem at no cost, but still it is a nuisance. The infiniti experience is a bit tainted based on these events.
Owner Loyalty
It was love at first sight for me on the Infinity FX35, this car really does look much later than it is. It is six years old and without any problem. It has been on Reno/Tahoe/NoCa/Interstate 80 in the snow blizzards lots of times. And you are safe in this car, my Mother has used it for mountain/snowy trips, she fell in love with it. This would be the safest- fastest car for your loved ones. And the GPS got me all around metro San Antonio and I get lost easily. When this reaches 200,000 another one will be purchased. And I have not forgot just how gorgeous this car is...and with inner beauty.
2003 FX35
Drives and handles like a sports car not an "SUV". Impressive and well thought out design inside and out. First time ever there isn't anything I'd change! Congratulations to the designers and engineers at Infiniti. Other auto makers take a lesson!
A Sports car with Utility
What a great looking vehicle. Nothing else like it in the market at the moment. Handles like a sports car, virtually no body roll like on an SUV. Great build quality inside and out. Very comfortable leather seats. If you are looking for an SUV that handles like a sports sedan and stands out from the crowd this is for you.
get rid of the roof racks!!!!!!!
Handles curves, etc very well, but ride is bouncy, like a truck more than stiff like a sports car
Best of the Best
I go through cars like my wife does couches. After owning an X5 4.4i and an ML320, I like to think that I've experienced the best. Well, I have, until now. This vehicle is absolutely a step up from what I am used to...both inside and out. Superior materials and craftsmanship assure me that I will not have a favorite chair in the Infiniti service department (like I did at BMW) because I'll never be there.
G35 on Steroids
This car is seriously a sweet ride. Performs and handles like a sports car. The design is flawless inside and out. This car is a real headturner, always getting looks. Or maybe its just the driver ;).
Recalls & Reliability Issues
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.
New FX35
The FX35 is a pleasure to drive to say the least. It combines the best parts of a sports car and a wagon/small SUV. The biggest issue that I have with the vehicle is the number of problems I have had in a relatively short time. The initial build quality is not up to par with Lexus and BMW, I hope that the long-term reliability fairs better.
What a kick!!
This is my third FM (Front-mid) Nissan product (Nissan 350Z Performance & Infiniti G35 Sedan)and it may well be the best of the bunch! The first weekend we had the FX, we drove it over 1300 miles and enjoyed every mile of it. From interstate driving at 85 mph to canyon carving in Rocky Mountain National Park, it just kept bringing more and more grins to my face. I can't even tell you how many thumbs up from passersby and questions and comments at gas stations and reststops. It's a real attention getter.
Dan's review of the FX35
I have owned more than 15 new cars in my lifetime, and this has got be be one of the best purchaces I have ever made. I love this car! My experience at the dealership was equally great. I was in and out within 2 hours, which is amazing considering the car prep. (I had the 20" chrome wheels put on), the lease paperwork, etc.
FX35: Most fun vehicle I ever owned
After three weeks of ownership, I like this SUV better every time I drive it! The feeling of total control is awsome- -the 18 inch wheels and tires, the firm suspension, the powerful engine (with that sound!), the smooth and manually shiftable transmission, and the brakes, combined with the SUV- level view from above, all contribute to this feeling of a perfect performance machine! Add to this the elegant interior, and the stunning exterior (in brilliant silver), and you come to the conclusion: "You can have it all!"
FX35 - Everything I expected and more!
This car is absolutely awesome! I feel the ride is very comfortable. Not too harsh - although I have 18" wheels, not 20"'s. This car handles great! It is so extremely tight on the road. I wanted a sports car but needed the utility capability at certain times - this is definitely fits the bill!
rough rider
This vehicle is superlative in al aspects. The styling is unique. The sound system awesome. Unfortunately the ride quality is superlatively harsh. After only 2000 miles in the saddle, I had to give it to my wife. This may be a great car if you never drive over 5 miles at a time or if you only drive freshly paved highway. For those that need to drive in the real world, I would suggest you look elswhere. First and last infiniti for me. Can I get my Saab back???
Awful Problems with FX
I have been a diehard Lexus owner since 1993. I have owned 8 Lexus' and put over 500,000 combined miles, never having a probelm with any the cars. I was under the impression Infiniti was comparable...What a joke....The car has had nothing but rattles and problems. It is fun to drive, but too much hastle and frustration.
Fast and sleek
Bought my FX35 this May and now I have a fun time driving this bad boy around the town. I went for the basic sport package and by-passed the high dollar stuff and still find myself enjoying how well this puppy handels. All in all this is a great fun car to drive with a sports car feel
Liked it so much I'm getting another
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!!
Sports Car or SUV
Just when you thought that all SUV's were the same along comes the FX. Coming out of a Porsche Boxster, the last thing I wanted was to get in to a slow, gas guzzling SUV that with one swerve of the wheel could end up on it's roof instead of it's wheels. It handles as well as if not better than my Porshe. 0 to 60 in 6.3 seconds. WOW Every amenity you could ask for. Tons of room. Add to that the same gauk factor that I had in the Boxster. The only SUV's I considered were the BMW X5 and the Mecedes Benz M55, after driving the FX I had forgotten that both the BMW and the Mercedes exist; add to that the $20,000 to $30,000 I saved.
Excellent crossover vehicle
Excellent crossover vehicle. Blends sports sedan and SUV very well (probably more sports sedan). Great looks and quality interior layout/materials. More room than expected (primarily a 4-passenger). Fun to drive yet covers utility needs. Handles very well with sports package (suspension and 20-inch tires). Firm ride, but not too bouncy. Infiniti experience was top notch. This vehicle will be a segment buster!!
A Fun Way to Drive
This is the most enjoyable car that I have owned or leased. Handling is great and it has sufficient guts to move right along. (It would more fun it were offered with a stick) There have been no maintenance issues at all, the dealership is wonderful to deal with with loaner cars readily available when I have service which has always been minimal. The DVD player is great for my granchildren (especially with the headphones). I would recommend this vehicle to anyone. This auto is leased and my daughter's boyfriend is buying it at the end of the lease next month. I am leasing a new FX35 because I enjoyed ths one so much.
maybe next year
I had great expectation for my SPORT UV. Besides being a rougher than expected ride (18" tires), dealers test drive area did not reveal the bone jarring suspension. In addition, who designed the front seats? Why would they put the seat electronics on top of the seating surface with out any cushion to protect your leg. Currently, I drive while seated on a 2 inch thick towel. My $40,000 investment is a waste. As soon as I can afford to get out of my lease, I am. Stellar customer service Infiniti is supposed to be known for is BS. My dealer pestered us about the new car survey at closing, by mail & by phone
fx35 truck year 2003 is my favorite
This vechile is very fast and reliable, sporty especially with the 20" rims. tv dvd stock i'm felling it.
Nice
Stylish, with the performance and handeling of a BMW sedan
Rattles like a Chevy
Best looking SUV in the market. Was love at first sight but ownership has been a little annoying. I have had the vehicle back to the dealership 3 times, going on 4. They just can't seem to get the rattles out.
Roadster Review
I have been extremely pleased with the handling and peppiness of the vehicle. It's a real eye magnet and receives a majority of positive comments from both Men and Women as well as kids. I have taken many friends and clients for test drives, and they, too, love the speed and excelleration capabilities. And the looks of the vehicle speak for themself!
My FX35 One of the 1st in SF bayarea
I have selected this vehicle, as it is 1st real performance crossover under $40K. It has unique exterior design that turns heads every time I drive. Performance is excellent for V6 except for lack of fast automatic response of the transmission during passing. Manual shifting works well. Interior is well laid out, but has very little storage up front and no coin holder.
A++++++ great car
Best car i ever owned
RWD FX35 in B16
It really is a sports car disguised (labeled) as an SUV. From the 20" rims to the audible exhaust, I feel like I'm are driving a sportscar not an mid-size SUV. Add to that the small steering wheel and instrument cluster and wrap around bucket seat and it makes me feel like I'm in a much smaller car. With an abundance of power (FX45 has yet more) this vehicle is a great performing machine. Then cover it with a stylish modern body and you've got a real "head-turner". The engineering of this car is exemplary. Everything works smoothly and is designed for people who enjoy driving. I feel safe and secure in this sleeper.
German fee; Japanese quality
Not only does my FX handle and feel like an Audi (until now, my benchmark for quality), but it is a stylish vehicle obviously built to last. I've put more than 2,000 miles on it in less than two weeks (including a 1-drive from RI to NC), and have never enjoyed a car more. The interior is amazingly comfortable, easy on the eyes, and the handling is unbelievable. It stuns me that a car that looks this big feels like an A4 on the road. People stare as I go by on the highway, wondering what an FX is. And the v-6 growl is great.
Good to Go, Don't you Know!!
I've had my FX35 with the premium pkg.for about 3 wks.and find myself making up reasons to go places just to drive it-if it was a women I'd think I was in love.I was looking to buy a G35 sport coupe and test drove the FX on a whim.Those ponies got up and went really fast and the exhaust note sounded like a hotrod...I mean big fun to drive.Next,even when I test drove the G35 I found myself still thinking about the excitement I felt pushing the FX with that immediate pick-up and exhaust roar...a great thrill plus a real looker in Blk with the chrome accents and the audio system is the best ever.
FX35 purchased over FX45
I went to the dealership thinking of the FX45, I usually go for the bigger engines when I buy a car. When I drove both I found the V8 a bit smoother but not really enough ooomph to spend the extra money. It seems like this vehicle was designed to be fitted with the 3.5 liter, handles great, is nimble for a vehicle that size. Anyhow this car is definitely a winner and can handle anything a city has to offer, traded in my BMW 330 and have never been happier!
Bad to the Bone
I've owned my FX35 a little over a month now and a day never goes by that I don't get dozens of second looks and finger-pointing! The aggressive cutting edge look of this vehicle sets it apart from just about every vehicle on the road today! The power and handling of this vehicle are almost flawless! Nissan/Infiniti really did their homework by sharing the FM platform from the 350Z,G35 Coupe and Sedan! This vehicle gives no indication that it's an SUV other than it's height.
Never Thought
I own a BMW M3 which I plan to use as a second car. Before the FX I never thought I'd find something so versitile, functional, and with a healthy dose of that "fun to drive" quotient. Comfortable, smooth engine, and styling to die for inside and out. I have the black on graphite scheme, and it's one of the hottest cars on the road.
Day One
Today is my first day in my FX35 2wd. It is beautiful and fun, an eye catcher. I will give another review after a few months to give a more true review. I had a 2002 BMW 530 which was an absolute dream to drive. The FX, is a different dream, and a harder one at that: the road is felt at every bump. Yet, with that said, the FX is very comfortable to drive, just not smooth like the BMW sedan. I also owned the BMW X5, which is another dream to drive, but today prefer the FX. If you want a smooth surface ride, then the X5 may be your choice.
Great SUV with Sports Car feel
The FX is a great SUV to drive. The performance and handling is excellent. The 3.5 liter V6 puts out as much power as a number of V8 engines. THe FX is a head turner. I have had people to follow me home just to ask what kind of car it is. I get tons of stares. While pumping gas people approach to take a close look. I do not regret purchasing the FX.
great car
super, fun car to drive. super performer.Infiniti has a hit
My FX 35
Beautifully designed inside and out. Fast, fun and handles like a sports car with great amounts of passenger room but not as much storage in back - so what! Mileage is good with the 3.5 and acceleration from higher speeds is impressive.
Awesome FX
This vehicle is the best thing I've ever driven and I can't tell you how many "jaw dropping" stairs I get when I cruise by with my FX35. Those 20's really catch their eyes. I can't wait to drive it everyday and the kids can't get enough of the Tech Package's DVD. It is now the most popular car in the family. The smooth exhast sounds so sweet it's music to my ears when I have the windows and sunroof open. I can't believe I own this precious gem. Just think, I once dreamed of owning an X5. I'm sure glad I woke up and bought the FX35!!
Awesome Vehicle !!
Kills the BMW,ACURA, and LEXUS for that matter. I own a 1990 Porsche and this handles as well as my 911 and is as much fun to drive. Everyone, even strangers have stopped me to get inside and love the car.
Supercars
awesome car, and it's worth every penny. not only is it fun to drive, it has great looks and has more power than the average SUV