2003 Infiniti FX - Consumer Guide Automotive

Category	FX35 AWD w/20-inch wheels Rating (See All Ratings)	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

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

Ratings: Maximum 10 points per category

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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.

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.

2003 Infiniti FX Road Test >

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