2007 Infiniti FX35 - Driving Impressions

Test drive by Natasha M.

Growing up with an appreciation for cool cars and an enjoyment for driving, I’m excited writing a review for the Infiniti FX35. From the days driving an old ’64 Ford Mustang without power steering and A/C to now driving a large SUV packed with goodies, I’ve come to truly appreciate all the minor and major features and conveniences a car has to offer. As a busy working mother of 2, I find myself constantly running errands and relying heavily on my car working with me and without question. I even enjoy quiet, relaxing drives because they become an escape from the bustle of life. My husband is also a huge auto enthusiast and has exposed me to races, car shows and since he subscribes to at least two auto magazines I am constantly hearing about the newest cars and latest updates. I’m slowly learning more about cars in general but certainly love beautiful and powerful cars.

Build (Exterior)

The 24-valve V6 engine and 275 horsepower gives the FX35 the force it needs to compete with other mid-size SUVs and along with the sharp design it definitely is a strong contender in leading the market. Knowing they have the FX45 with 320-horsepower V8 is even more amazing. The sunroof’s one-touch system to open and close was great to have. The sunroof in my own car has a one-touch to open but not to close so closing it while driving takes a little effort. I also liked the fact that it’s all wheel drive and knowing that it can handle on dirt or road is a huge benefit – a reminder to its title as an SUV. Since I am no expert on suspension, torque and engine specifics, I can only report that it felt like it had enough power needed on the road and then some. If you want more power (and not worried about gas mileage) go for the V8.

Interior Comfort and Ergonomics

The main thing that I noticed right away was that the cabin interior seemed pretty small. I also felt like all of the doors were higher than most cars and therefore it seemed to play a role in my visibility. It felt like I was sitting in a regular sedan as opposed to a luxury SUV. I also heavily relied on the side mirrors when passing because the blind spots were far more apparent than usual (especially when compared to my own vehicle). The backseats were roomy and I liked the headroom for guests, but I did not like the narrow space between the corner edge of the seat and B-pillar. Backseat passengers have very little space to manuever their feet when getting out of the car. On the door panels I noticed several scuff marks from shoes as passengers were getting out of the car. It may pose a problem and real nuisance for some people.

Performance

The Infiniti’s performance was really great because the acceleration was there when I needed it. For example, coming from a stop light or accelerating to pass on the highway. The braking met its expectations and just knowing it had ABS was also good. At one point I didn’t realize I was slightly exceeding the speed limit because the ride just felt so smooth. The car drove totally balanced and I could see how the sports car enthusiast would thoroughly enjoy driving this.

Handling

Driving the FX35 felt really smooth and there was a definite ease in steering and overall driving. The best part about its handling was that all of the turns felt tight and in control at all times. The handling characteristics of this crossover vehicle were consistent at any reasonable and safe speed. It also had really quick steering response. Since I drive a large SUV built on a truck chassis I could feel the difference right away. Coming onto the freeway or just making a simple left turn felt stable and effortless.

Styling

The exterior design is attractive and I appreciate the lines of the car. The FX35 has a very smooth, sleek look and I believe Nissan achieved their goal of combining the strength of an SUV with the feel of a sports car. My immediate impression was very positive. The body seemed smaller than it actually was and this is due to the fact that they streamlined so many features such as the roofline, the tailgate profile and even the mold of the hood. I actually think it’s a good size vehicle in terms of its dimensions. I like the stock 18” wheels that come with the car and found the Inifinity logo on it another nice touch. After a while I started to see that the front end seemed heavier than the rear and it almost looked like 2 cars in one – up front a masculine SUV and the back more sporty and a bit feminine. Overall it does have modern lines, trendy led lights and just enough accents of chrome to give it a high-end look and feel (a little similar to the Lexus RX.) Because I still think the design element of balance is a little off I rate it a 4.

Value

Based on my own experience after test-driving the Infiniti FX35 for a couple hours, I think that performance and handling are its best features. The standard features and all of the optional packages you can get are really great. The option for a factory-installed ceiling mounted, flip-down 7” screen & DVD player is neat and the satellite radio - if you are subscriber like I am - is even better. The Bluetooth hands-free phone system is really cool and you can even upgrade to the 20” wheels if you want that super cool look. Important considerations are the air bag systems (front, side-impact air bags, roof-mounted curtain bags w/ rollover sensors) and LATCH system for child car seats. Especially when considering the FX35 as your main family vehicle.

Pros and Cons

• Sporty design
• Excellent safety features
• Driving performance
• Vehicle Info System
• Rear View Monitor

• Interior a little small
• Peripheral view limited
• Awkward for back seat passenger to get out
• Returning rear seats into previous reclining position difficult

Conclusion/Who Should Buy It

Accounting for the luxury and safety features I would consider the FX35 except for one reason – interior cargo space. Unfortunately, the one deterrent that may affect my decision-making is the amount of available cargo space the FX35 has to offer. I personally prefer the larger SUV’s for this reason. I could instantly see myself feeling cramped and frustrated on a daily basis because the interior felt so small. If that is important to you, then you may feel the same as I do. However, the design itself is pretty unique and again the performance is awesome. Driving the car is a purely enjoyable experience for me. With the leather interior, cool features and modern technology I think the Infiniti FX35 is a great value.

I think the FX35 is awesome for someone who really wants something bigger than a sports car or sedan, but without the bulk of a large SUV. Overall, Infiniti’s crossover vehicle is a well designed, high performing vehicle with a high-end feel that makes it very competitive. If you want something sharp and eye-catching, the Infiniti FX35/FX45 is your vehicle. While delivering the technology that makes the FX35 a sporty vehicle, it has a lot of luxury features to make you feel comfortable while on the road. However, if your purpose is to have a well-functioning family car, then you may be slightly disappointed. There are plenty of excellent safety features, but the interior space may pose a realistic problem in actually having a vehicle that delivers daily the expectations and conveniences that categorize a family car. If you are like me in desiring plenty of room, then this may not be the car for you. But if you want a “fun” car to drive, especially for those getaway weekends or just to give you a high-end look on the road, the FX35 is a winner.

Natasha