2003 Infiniti FX: Overview

Archived Review

2003 Infiniti FX 

Select a Trim ▼

  • MSRP: $34,200 -$44,225
  • Invoice: $30,962 -$40,009

Previous Year's Reviews

View Another Vehicle

Pros

  • Acceleration
  • Handling/roadholding

Cons

  • Ride (w/20-inch wheels)
  • Rear visibility
  • Rear-seat entry/exit

Vehicle Highlights

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.

Advertisement

Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)

Category FX35 AWD w/20-inch wheels Rating Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicle Average Rating
Acceleration 6 5.8
Fuel Economy 4 3.1
Ride Quality 4 4.6
Steering/Handling/Braking 7 5.1
Quietness 7 5.4
Controls 7 5.7
Details
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front) 8 7.3
Room/Comfort (rear) 6 5.9
Cargo Room 6 7.5
Value within Class 7 5.2
Total Score: 62 55.6

Car Buying Resources

Trade-in Calculator

Research how much your car is truly worth.

Trade-in Calculator

Used Cars

Search online classifieds and find a local dealer.

Search Local Listings

Vehicle History Report

Get a CARFAX Vehicle History Report. The first...

Get a CARFAX report

What's Under the Hood?

Learn about how cars work.

Learn Things

Insurance

We're dedicated to making insurance easier.

Get Insurance

Sell Your Car

Reach over 8 million buyers.

Sell Your Car

Search
Local Listings


to

submit

Vehicle
History Report

CARFAX

FREE CARFAX Record Check

Looking at a used car, check for costly hidden problems before
you buy.

Go
Advertisement
Advertisement