I was going to title this "One Hell of An SUV, and a Rennaissance of Nissan Motors"... oh wait, that might sound too much like the Nissan 350Z review I did a while back...

How 'bout we start it like this: THERE ARE SOME VERY, VERY GOOD THINGS GOING ON AT NISSAN MOTOR CORP. Not too long ago, the company was way down in the dumps, borderline bankrupt with a lackluster line of completely unexciting automobiles. The fading signs of life were the last anticipations of a 350z concept car, which at the time (given Nissan's close proximity to bankrupcy) seemed like a dream that just wouldn't come to fruition. Finally we saw a pulse with talk of a new ALtima, and suddenly, the hot Altima blitzed its way into the market, along with new Nissan management and a sharp new marketing strategy -- Yes indeed, Nissan's heart was beating strong and so this was Nissan's rebirth. After the Altima drew all the spotlights, it was time to get serious and so Nissan introduced a gorgeous 350Z, wowwing the whole world
(review here: http://www.epinions.com/content_77601148548 )

and also took the Altima lines and applied them to the Infiniti line with the G35 sedan, and later did something even cooler by merging the Z and the Altima lines into a G35 coupe! As if Nissan Motors needed to do anything else right, it was finally time to set its sights on the SUV market and pull the trigger... Enter the Infiniti FX45, the vehicle which is really emphasizing the SPORTs in sports utility vehicle...

First off, I would hardly call this an SUV, even though it is. Whenever we hear SUV, it's hard not to think back to the originals in "SUV"... blazer, explorer, 4runner... The FX45 blows the doors off of literally everything in the looks department - its sleek curvy lines are paired up with exceptional power and suspension to literally meld together the ultimate concoction of SUV bliss and perfection - sexiness and performance and the drive here, and the simplest way to explain it would be to say if you took the excitement (both performance and looks wise) of the 350Z, added the daily-driver sportiness of the G35 coupe and then rolled that up into a ball of SUV-sport vehicle you would end up with the FX45... WHAT A VEHICLE!

The "FX" platform is available in a few different configurations, though in this review I'll be concentrating on the top-model FX45. The FX is available in three ways:
FX35 2WD, FX35 AWD and FX45 AWD. The FX35 is equippped with a very powerful 3.5 liter V6, well known to Nissan, though spruced up to pack an impressive 280 horsepower punch. The FX45 is equipped with a 4.5 liter V8 with a convincing 315 horsepower and is only available in AWD configuration. Although numerically the difference between 280 and 315 horsepower seems rather marginal, the difference is dramatic, and as if 280 wasn't already plenty (for it is) the FX45's V8 is an absolute stunner, with incredible power and surefootedness...

BMW look out, because it looks like the X5 is about to be dethroned of the "Hottest Truck" title... Oh wait...I think it already happened! Infiniti attached a catchy mantra to the FX platform: S(2)UV (S squared UV) "Exponentially More Sport" -- To say they've lived up to this 1000% would be a gross understatement for sure. Let me also mention that this assessment is coming from me, AN X5 OWNER. I love my X5, but this FX is incredible - looks alone will send you reeling- it is one stunning vehicle! (I can't get myself to call this a car or a truck, and I prefer not to label it simply SUV).

I drive both versions of the FX in AWD - the 35 and 45. For this review I'll be sticking to the FX45- While both were incredibly fun to drive, the FX45 was just a BLAST, and undoubtedly the liveliest and most fun-to-drive SUV I've ever put my bottom in! The FX45 I test drove was equipped as follows:

FX45 4.5 liter 32 valve V8 - Base Price 44,770
V8 Premium Package - 2100
Roof Rails/cross bars - 220/300
Destination 545
the sticker on the vehicle came out to 47,935.00 net of TTL- Not exactly bargain basement, but in my opinion very competitive with the rest of what's out there, especially given how new this vehicle is!

The base FX45 is impressively equipped stock - a gorgeous 4.5 liter V8 powerplant boasting 315/329 HP/torque - the engine is a beast and really comes to life on the open road, but more on that later. Stock, the FX45 is equipped with attractive 20" 8 spoke alloys shod with 265/50Rso all season rubber- low-profie enough to look super sexy and stick to the road like low-pros, but not SO low-profile as to sacrifice a luxurious (yet sporty) ride - the truck is really a perfect blend and balance of sport-meets-luxury... The engine features 10.5:1 compression, titanium intake and exhaust valves and Nissan developed CVV timing control system, which varies valve timing according to revs and atmospheric conditions as determine by mass air.

The Suspension on the FX45 is sport-tuned all the way- fully independent front and rear suspensions- front stabilized single strut with lower control arm. The rear suspension is a multi-link coil-spring configuration, also cross-memeber stabilized with a lightweight and stiff forged aluminum upper and outboard shock absorbers- a proven rear suspension design tuned with a Nissan twist. Brakes are cross-ventilated 12.6/12.1 inch disc governed by a 4-way independent ABS controller. The FX is rated at 103 feet of passenger room (with the Sunroof afforded by the premium package) and 60.4 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seats folded down. Curb weight on the FX is 4299- 100 pounds heavier than the AWD FX35.

Option wise, the FX45 is essentially pretty fully equipped stock, including leather. The premium package is well worth it though- including a sunroof and 11 speaker premium Bose stereo system with wheel-mounted controls. I'm not a big fan of so-called "Premium" systems, nor am I a big fan of Bose- however the system included in the premium package is more than respectable and sounds very well matched to the FX45's sporty interior. Speaking of interiors, the Leather included on the FX45 is top notch - excellent quality and impeccable contruction- The interior as a whole is top notch - featuring heated full-power high performance front leather buckets, with full seat/mirror/wheel memory for the driver. The interior is tastefully accented with aluminum and leather trim, very stylish without being overdone. Aluminum pedals are included stock with the FX45 along with adjustable power-tilt wheel and gauges. Alot of the interior attributes are options on the FX35, but come stock with the 45, making it a considerable value. If you were to price out an FX45 and compare with a comparably equipped FX35, the price difference seems pretty reasonable - at least compared to BMW where the V8 basically costs 10 additional grand. On the FX, considering how much comes stock on the FX45, it seems reasonable to say you can shop two ways: 1) Buy a lesser equipped FX35 to save money OR just go for the FX45 because the difference is hardly as dramatic is if you were to shop for a BMW X5 and look at V6 vs V8 models (especially now considering the new ultra-V8 BMW added to the X5). Having driven both, I must say, for under 50 grand, the FX45 is ALOT of vehicle for the money-- definitely a truck that I would own as opposed to lease, there is just so much luxury, and at the same time so much sportiness and sexiness - it is hard to walk in to your Infiniti dealer and say no to this truck!

The Actual Test Drive - FX45 Proves Itself on The Road!

The FX is a joy just to sit in - the lumbar support in the power drivers seat can be adjusted just about infinitely and it is so comfortable and supportive -- As soon as you sit down and grab the wheel, you just feel like you know where the FX45 is coming from. Windshield view is very neat - the FX45 is an SUV, but it looks like a high-perched car from the outside and fron the inside looking out, the view is very cool - high enough to give you that SUV periphery, but low enough to make you feel like the FX is more race-car ispired than SUV! The one observation I'll make however, is that despite the very adjustable power seats, short people may feel awkward driving the FX at first - for although the seat will get them into a good driving position without a problem, the view over the hood may make the vehicle feel like it is being aimed, rather than steered. I'm 6 foot and about 185 pounds, so I would say I'm fairly normal sized- the truck felt great, had plenty of headroom and was more than "way-comfortable" for me. Passenger accomodations are more than ample and also luxurious - the plush leather and the rear section is supportive and comfortable, leg room is plenty comfortable, though perhaps just a touch less than the X5- this is a tough call, the interior feels different, and even if it is a touch smaller in the legroom department, I myself would rather be a passenger in the FX45 because of the room (and bear in mind, I OWN an X5!!!)

On the road, the FX45 is eager to demonstrate how serious it is -- Powerwise, the V8 comes to life with just a touch to the throttle- the exhaust note is luxury subdued, but under power, it sounds soothing yet authoritative. The engineers at Nissan did a spectacular job at tuning the suspension to accomodate the AWD configuration without sacrificing agility or nimbleness. The FX45 feels downright sprightly for a vehicle with a 4299 curb weight - in fact, once I got it on the highway, the acceleration and power afforded by the V8 made me think back to the days of driving around a Typhoon I owned quite a few years back - the FX45 is NOT QUICK...IT IS FAST! AWD can be demanding of an engine, but the 4.5 liter V8 handles those demands with confidence and aplomb.

Once the road gets a little twisty, it is impossible not to have fun in the FX45 - and the connection between the 350Z and the FX become very evident. Again, the best way I can describe it is to simply say the FX45 brings the spirit and drivability of the 350z and blends those with luxury and composure as a daily driver -- The 350Z is like a runaway stallion which doesn't beg, but SCREAMS to be driven by the seat of your pants and isn't intended as daily driver, but is infinitely fun! The FX45 has the same fun factor, combined with composure and elegance- truly a balanced vehicle and a wonderful example of engineering at its finest. Steering is accurate and racy feeling - the stiffer suspension is not mushy be any means - body roll is inherently minimal by the FX's low design, but the tuned suspension is key to making the FX such a driver's vehicle. Despite the FX's halding prowess, it does not have a harsh ride at all - the bumps are soaked up effortless, yet it is the feedback and feel of the road which encourages the driver to push more and more - I've not driven such a surefooted and capable confidence inspiring SUV ever... When you drive a 350Z, it becomes obvious that the car ability far exceeds your driver's skill.. When you drive Audi quattro for the first time, you feel almost invincible- like the AWD system will keep you stuck to the road no matter what... Put those two together, and this sort of captures the essence of driving an FX45- you must drive this vehicle to understand this feeling.

In real-world terms, the FX45 has plenty of cargo space, despite its sleek low-profile looks. With rear seats foled, you can fit quite alot, though again, I think it should be obvious that the FX platform stressed SPORT over utility be far! Nevertheless, the Fx can handle just about any duty you throw at it, though given the suspension and incredible road-feel, the FX is clearly "more on-road than off-road"!

Truly, Nissan seems to get better and better with every new day - It is the most unbelieveable turnaround in automotive history! It's just incredible to think that only a short while back, you had a company hanging from bankrupcy by a thread; while now, just a few years later NIssan is nearly on top of the sedan, import coupe and now SUV catergory in the Japanese import market! Clearly Nissan is for real - ALOT more than just catchy marketing, Nissan Motors is turning out some super-impressive vehicles to back-up their desire to be on top. The FX45 is a superb example of incredible engineering on an SUV to stress SPORT over utility. I've never had so much fun driving an SUV - added to which, looks and sexiness-wise, the FX is like nothing I've ever seen! The bottom line here is that although I love my X5, I think it's obvious that the next SUV to grace my garage will be the FX45 - my mind is already made up about it, and now the hard part is figuring out how to let go of my X5 without being heartbroken!

Hip-Hip-Hooray for Nissan Motor Corp - Infiniti's new FX45 is another superb example of the Rennaissance of Nissan Motors- really some amazing things going on over there. The FX45 is absolutely worthy of a test drive, and if you're in the market for a Sports Utility Vehicle but really want the sports end of it, the FX45 is an ideal choice and thus far, the new Hottest thing on the block! Excellent job Nissan!


Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 49,735
Condition: New
Model Year: 2003
Model and Options: FX45, Premium Package