Vehicle History Report
Get a CARFAX Vehicle History... the first step to protecting yourself from costly hidden problems.
- • New Cars
2003 Infiniti FX Full Review
Date Published: 7/31/08
Also in the 2003 Infiniti FX Review:
2003 Infiniti FX Review
Infiniti's first crossover is a 5-passenger 4-dr wagon derived from its G35 sedan. The FX aims to marry SUV styling cues with carlike road manners. It has a rear liftgate and an overall height between that of a car and an SUV. Two models are offered. The FX35 has a 3.5-liter V6 and rear- or all-wheel drive. The FX45 has a 4.5-liter V8 and comes only with AWD. The AWD lacks low-range gearing and is not intended for off-roading. A 5-speed automatic with manual shift gate is the sole transmission. Trailering capacity is 3500 lb; no tow package is available. Every FX has ABS, antiskid/traction control, front torso side airbags, head-protecting curtain side airbags, and xenon headlamps. The FX35 comes with 18-inch wheels. A sport suspension with 20-inch wheels is standard for the FX45, optional for FX35. Same goes for leather upholstery, heated front seats, power tilt/telescope steering wheel, and driver-seat memory. A sunroof and roof rails are optional. So is a Technology Package with a navigation system, adaptive cruise control designed to maintain a set following distance, rear DVD entertainment, rearview TV camera, and tire-pressure monitor. The package also includes an "intelligent key" system with a small transmitter that allows the driver to unlock and start the vehicle simply by touch.
Competition
Luxury SUVs vary in size and type, including former members of both the Full-size and Midsize SUV classes, along with a few all-new models. All offer higher standards of workmanship, comfort, refinement, and pricing than other SUVs.
Our Best Buys are Acura MDX and Toyota Land Cruiser. Both are extremely capable on-road and offer roomy interiors that feature quality workmanship and materials. MDX gets slightly better fuel economy and is more reasonably priced. Land Cruiser offers a V8 engine, rugged body-on-frame chassis, and true off-road ability.
Though rugged and trucky, the Recommended Mercedes-Benz M-Class is spacious, offers a variety of model and engine choices, and numerous safety features. If you don't venture too far off-road, take a look at the car-based Lexus RX 300. Recommended based on price, refinement, and luxury appointments.
Our Best Buys are Acura MDX and Toyota Land Cruiser. Both are extremely capable on-road and offer roomy interiors that feature quality workmanship and materials. MDX gets slightly better fuel economy and is more reasonably priced. Land Cruiser offers a V8 engine, rugged body-on-frame chassis, and true off-road ability.
Though rugged and trucky, the Recommended Mercedes-Benz M-Class is spacious, offers a variety of model and engine choices, and numerous safety features. If you don't venture too far off-road, take a look at the car-based Lexus RX 300. Recommended based on price, refinement, and luxury appointments.
News
The FX is just hitting the streets, so it's still early to talk about sales results or possible product changes. However, Infiniti hopes to move 30,000 FXs a year, with V8s accounting for 30 percent at first, then 20 percent; some 80 percent of buyers are expected to order AWD.
Infiniti follows the FX with its first full-size SUV, even though sales have lately stalled in the "brute-ute" segment. To be unveiled at the 2004 Detroit Auto Show, the yet-unnamed model will challenge V8 SUVs from the likes of BMW, Lexus and Mercedes. The body-on-frame design and newly developed 5.6-liter V8 will be shared with the upcoming Nissan Pathfinder Aramada, based on Nissan's new 2004 Titan full-size pickup. All three vehicles will be built at the company's new plant near Canton, Mississippi. The Infiniti will likely come as a single model with 5-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel drive, and power everything. Also look for a posh interior with three-row seating and a suspension that may perform an electronic trick or two. We should have more details soon, so keep checking back with us.
Infiniti follows the FX with its first full-size SUV, even though sales have lately stalled in the "brute-ute" segment. To be unveiled at the 2004 Detroit Auto Show, the yet-unnamed model will challenge V8 SUVs from the likes of BMW, Lexus and Mercedes. The body-on-frame design and newly developed 5.6-liter V8 will be shared with the upcoming Nissan Pathfinder Aramada, based on Nissan's new 2004 Titan full-size pickup. All three vehicles will be built at the company's new plant near Canton, Mississippi. The Infiniti will likely come as a single model with 5-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel drive, and power everything. Also look for a posh interior with three-row seating and a suspension that may perform an electronic trick or two. We should have more details soon, so keep checking back with us.
2003 Infiniti FX Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration | Ride (w/20-inch wheels) |
| Handling/roadholding | Rear visibility |
| Rear-seat entry/exit | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Among the faster SUVs. Test V6 AWD did 7.6 sec 0-60 mph, test V8 6.7. Automatic transmission smooth but can delay downshifts, making manual-shift mode attractive for quick passing maneuvers.
| FX35 AWD w/20-inch wheels | FX45 w/Tech Pkg. | Class Average |
| 6 | 7 | 5.8 |
Among the faster SUVs. Test V6 AWD did 7.6 sec 0-60 mph, test V8 6.7. Automatic transmission smooth but can delay downshifts, making manual-shift mode attractive for quick passing maneuvers.
Fuel Economy
Test V6 AWD averaged 16 mpg. Test V8s averaged 14.6-15.6. All measurements included gas-eating performance tests. All FXs require premium-grade fuel.
| FX35 AWD w/20-inch wheels | FX45 w/Tech Pkg. | Class Average |
| 4 | 3 | 3.1 |
Test V6 AWD averaged 16 mpg. Test V8s averaged 14.6-15.6. All measurements included gas-eating performance tests. All FXs require premium-grade fuel.
Ride Quality
Only models with sport suspension and 20-inch wheels and tires made available for test so far. Their ride is firm even on apparently smooth roads, can be jarring over sharp bumps and ridges. Sport chassis has fine high-speed stability. FX35s likely more comfortable on their base suspension and 18-inch tires.
| FX35 AWD w/20-inch wheels | FX45 w/Tech Pkg. | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4.6 |
Only models with sport suspension and 20-inch wheels and tires made available for test so far. Their ride is firm even on apparently smooth roads, can be jarring over sharp bumps and ridges. Sport chassis has fine high-speed stability. FX35s likely more comfortable on their base suspension and 18-inch tires.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Poised and agile on twisty roads, with ample grip, well-checked body lean. Excellent crosswind stability, too. Firm steering with ample feedback adds to carlike driving feel. Brakes erase speed fast.
| FX35 AWD w/20-inch wheels | FX45 w/Tech Pkg. | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 5.1 |
Poised and agile on twisty roads, with ample grip, well-checked body lean. Excellent crosswind stability, too. Firm steering with ample feedback adds to carlike driving feel. Brakes erase speed fast.
Quietness
Mechanically refined and relaxed, if not luxury-car hushed. Engine noise intrudes some at full throttle, as does coarse-pavement thrum with 20-inch tires, but neither annoy. Wind rush modest.
| FX35 AWD w/20-inch wheels | FX45 w/Tech Pkg. | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 5.4 |
Mechanically refined and relaxed, if not luxury-car hushed. Engine noise intrudes some at full throttle, as does coarse-pavement thrum with 20-inch tires, but neither annoy. Wind rush modest.
Controls
G35-style dashboard with clear gauges in a pod that tilts with steering wheel. Switchgear abounds and needs larger labeling. Navigation system adds extra controls that clutter instrument panel further, though system itself fairly easy to use. Cabin eschews wood accents for aluminum trim matched by good-quality leather or cloth upholstery. Test models solid, mostly rattle-free.
| FX35 AWD w/20-inch wheels | FX45 w/Tech Pkg. | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 5.7 |
G35-style dashboard with clear gauges in a pod that tilts with steering wheel. Switchgear abounds and needs larger labeling. Navigation system adds extra controls that clutter instrument panel further, though system itself fairly easy to use. Cabin eschews wood accents for aluminum trim matched by good-quality leather or cloth upholstery. Test models solid, mostly rattle-free.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Supportive leather seats shaped to keep occupants from sliding around but don't provide exceptional leg space even when set fully aft. Good driving stance has enough adjustments to suit most drivers. Roof styling hampers vision directly aft, over-the-shoulder, but not severely. Step-in between sedan and SUV heights and fairly easy, though low roofline requires some ducking.
| FX35 AWD w/20-inch wheels | FX45 w/Tech Pkg. | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 7.3 |
Supportive leather seats shaped to keep occupants from sliding around but don't provide exceptional leg space even when set fully aft. Good driving stance has enough adjustments to suit most drivers. Roof styling hampers vision directly aft, over-the-shoulder, but not severely. Step-in between sedan and SUV heights and fairly easy, though low roofline requires some ducking.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Cabin too narrow for three adults, but two 6-footers have decent head clearance even beneath sunroof, plus better-than-average knee space and good under-seat foot room. Leg and back support not the best, though seatbacks can be reclined. Entry/exit demands fancy footwork, body English, due to narrow door bottoms.
| FX35 AWD w/20-inch wheels | FX45 w/Tech Pkg. | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 5.9 |
Cabin too narrow for three adults, but two 6-footers have decent head clearance even beneath sunroof, plus better-than-average knee space and good under-seat foot room. Leg and back support not the best, though seatbacks can be reclined. Entry/exit demands fancy footwork, body English, due to narrow door bottoms.
Cargo Room
Swoopy styling limits height and total volume behind rear seat, so forget tall or bulky cargo. Load floor is rather high for loading comfort. Split rear seat folds easily for extra space. Cabin storage for small items good, not great.
| FX35 AWD w/20-inch wheels | FX45 w/Tech Pkg. | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 7.5 |
Swoopy styling limits height and total volume behind rear seat, so forget tall or bulky cargo. Load floor is rather high for loading comfort. Split rear seat folds easily for extra space. Cabin storage for small items good, not great.
Value within Class
Like BMW's X5, the FX emphasizes sport over utility, probably too much so for some buyers. But carlike refinement, luxury, and especially road manners make the FX an attractive new choice among luxury-SUV crossovers, with Infiniti's strong warranty and kid-gloves customer care as bonuses.
| FX35 AWD w/20-inch wheels | FX45 w/Tech Pkg. | Class Average |
| 7 | 6 | 5.2 |
Like BMW's X5, the FX emphasizes sport over utility, probably too much so for some buyers. But carlike refinement, luxury, and especially road manners make the FX an attractive new choice among luxury-SUV crossovers, with Infiniti's strong warranty and kid-gloves customer care as bonuses.
Total Score
| FX35 AWD w/20-inch wheels | FX45 w/Tech Pkg. | Class Average |
| 62 | 61 | 55.6 |
Scores for all Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 36 | |
| Average Score | 55 | |
| High Score | 64 |
2003 Infiniti FX Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 03/05/2003
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| FWD FX35 4-door wagon | $34,200 | $30,962 | $545 |
|
|
|||
| AWD FX35 4-door wagon | $35,700 | $32,316 | $545 |
|
|
|||
| AWD FX45 4-door wagon | $44,225 | $40,009 | $545 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
FX35
Powertrain
3.5-liter dohc V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, front and rear active head restraints, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/dual-zone climate controls, power steering, tilt/telescoping leather-wrapped steering, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, 8-way power driver seat, 4-way power passenger seat, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, power rear liftgate, AM/FM/cassette w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, digital clock, tachometer, trip computer, variable-intermittent wipers, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, illuminated visor mirrors, rear defogger, map lights, rear wiper.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass, rear spoiler, xenon headlights, 265/60R18 tires, alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
FX45 adds to FX35:
Powertrain
4.5-liter dohc V8 engine, all-wheel drive.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, heated front seats w/power lumbar adjustment, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, steering wheel), power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, heated power mirrors.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Sport suspension, 265/50VR20 tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Premium Pkg.
|
||
|
FX45
|
$2,100
|
$1,810
|
|
Power sunroof, Bose sound system, steering-wheel radio controls, universal garage-door opener, cargo net, automatic headlights.
|
||
|
Sport Pkg.
|
||
|
FX35
|
$3,900
|
$3,361
|
|
Premium Pkg. plus aluminum pedals, sport suspension, 265/50VR20 tires.
|
||
|
Technology Pkg.
|
||
|
FX35
|
$9,400
|
$8,099
|
|
FX45
|
$7,600
|
$6,548
|
|
Premium Pkg. plus navigation system, rear DVD entertainment system, intelligent cruise control, rearview monitor, intelligent keyless entry and starting, tire-pressure monitor.
|
||
|
|
||
Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
|
Satellite radio
|
||
|
FX35, FX45
|
$400
|
$345
|
|
Requires monthly fee. Includes 2 months of service.
|
||
|
|
||
Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
|
Roof rails
|
||
|
FX35, FX45
|
$300
|
$259
|
|
Requires a major pkg.
|
||
|
Roof rail crossbars
|
||
|
FX35, FX45
|
$220
|
$191
|
|
Requires roof rails.
|
||
|
Trailer hitch
|
||
|
AWD
|
$500
|
$413
|
|
|
||
2003 Infiniti FX Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Infiniti FX 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 112.2 |
| Overall Length, in. | 189.1 |
| Overall Width, in. | 75.8 |
| Overall Height, in. | 65.0 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4204 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 64.5 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 23.8 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 40.8 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 43.9 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 39.5 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 35.2 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc V6 | dohc V8 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 3.5 /214 | 4.5 /274 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 280 @ 6200 | 315 @ 6400 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 270 @ 4800 | 329 @ 4000 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
||
| 5-speed automatic | 16/21 | 15/19 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Infiniti FX 4-door wagon |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | 6/70,000 | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 4/60,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 7/Unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 4/unlimited | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
Japan
Drivewheels:
all-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive
Also in the 2003 Infiniti FX Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Car Buying Resources
Vehicle History Report
Sell Your Car
Powered by:
-
MAKE -
CATEGORY
Acura
Aston Martin
Audi
Bentley
BMW
Buick
Cadillac
Chevrolet
Chrysler
Dodge
Ferrari
Ford
GMC
Honda
Hummer
Hyundai
Infiniti
Isuzu
Jaguar
Jeep
Kia
Lamborghini
Land Rover
Lexus
Lincoln
Lotus
Maserati
Mazda
Mercedes-Benz
Mercury
Mini
Mitsubishi
Nissan
Pontiac
Porsche
Rolls-Royce
Roush
Saab
Saturn
Scion
Smart
Subaru
Suzuki
Toyota
Volkswagen
Volvo
Subcompact Car
Compact Car
Midsize Car
Large Car
Premium Midsize Car
Premium Large Car
Sporty/performance Car
Premium Sporty/performance Car
Minivan
Full-size Van
Compact Sport-utility Vehicle
Midsize Sport-utility Vehicle
Large Sport-utility Vehicle
Compact Pickup Truck
Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicle
Premium Compact Sport-utility Vehicle
Large Pickup Truck
Premium Compact Car
Premium Large Sport-utility Vehicle
Exotic Car
