I'm the first to admit that the FX is a slightly silly vehicle. Too small to be a utility vehicle and too big to feel truly sporty, it's one of those crossovers that seemingly has no business case.
Then I drive it and like it which makes me think Infiniti is on the something. If I had some money to spend and wanted something fast, luxurious and completely different compared to the BMW and Mercedes sedans already crowding the office parking lot, the FX might make my list.
There's the still the issue of ride quality, which is not good, and the almost comical cargo capacity. Then again, it can rip freeway on ramps as well, or better, than many sedans and the V8 barely seems to notice the substantial weight. Looks pretty cool too in my book.
Ed Hellwig, Senior Editor, Inside Line @ 26,678 miles
mrryte says:
01:59 PM, 12/ 4/09
Something that I've noticed missing regarding the long-term test of the FX50S....when was the last time it was in the shop for some major repairs?
trjnflip says:
02:46 PM, 12/ 4/09
I wonder how the ZDX stacks up vs. the FX35.
stwok says:
02:56 PM, 12/ 4/09
great photo
rick8365 says:
03:17 PM, 12/ 4/09
I think it looks better than the sportback style sedans. Does it offer more or less cargo space than those?
desmolicious says:
03:52 PM, 12/ 4/09
"Luxurious" and "poor ride quality" do not jive. Which makes this car such a poor seller.
drewsrx says:
04:01 PM, 12/ 4/09
"Something that I've noticed missing regarding the long-term test of the FX50S....when was the last time it was in the shop for some major repairs?"
Aside from the wood trim (which Infiniti knows about), I don't think the FX50 has had a single reliability issue.
minibro77 says:
07:23 AM, 12/ 5/09
I would rather have an X6.
zeph says:
12:25 PM, 12/ 5/09
I said it before and I'll say it again: The FX' only detractors are people who haven't driven one yet. I'll never completely buy into its looks, but it's great to drive on a daily basis, even with that stiff ride.
fuhteng says:
01:49 PM, 12/ 5/09
You know what else is ugly and grows on you? A goiter! Awful looking creature. I do respect the power of it, but that is about it. How much longer is this in the fleet?
dubaizen says:
08:02 AM, 12/ 6/09
After driving my FX50S for a year, I must say that I STILL love it to bits!!
Btw, I the motor that adjusts the steering wheel tilt failed on me, but Infiniti already had a bulletin out saying that it will replace it with a new design.
I also got my 7-speed transmission reflashed which improves the smoothness of the downshifts.
billt9 says:
09:44 AM, 12/ 6/09
The M56 might make this car obsolete, unless you must have the body style.
More cargo, more passenger, more handling, more faster.
yellowmiata says:
11:44 AM, 12/ 7/09
I'd love to compare this to an M56, the AWD capabilities of the FX make me a bit more secure when climbing the Sierra Nevadas in slush. I do love the looks: quite the pouncing cheetah.