Used 2008 INFINITI FX

Infiniti’s FX35 and FX45 crossover SUVs actually look more like sports cars than light-duty trucks. The racy FX twins definitely stand out in a crowd, but their flashy design sometimes places form over function. The rear hatch opening, for example, is rather small and there is not much cargo space behind the second-row seats. Narrow side glass and a small rear window create large blind spots, although the standard RearView Monitor helps alleviate this concern. If you can live with these minor shortcomings, the 2008 Infiniti FX’s impressive handling and quick acceleration make them the ideal performance crossovers, with expressive exteriors that can definitely turn heads.

The 2008 Infiniti FX shares its basic platform with one of Infiniti’s most aggressive performance sedans: The G35. This platform creates a nearly perfect front-to-rear weight ratio that allows the fully independent suspension to work superbly. In the FX45, an enormous set of 20-inch wheels and tires delivers a secure connection to the road. While their grip is not in question, the firm ride of these round rubber giants might be somewhat unsettling. Once under way, the FX’s steering is tight and linear, responding instantly to the driver’s input while the sophisticated suspension keeps the FX nearly level in all but the most extreme cornering maneuvers. The steering can feel a bit heavy due to the large tires, and tight turning circles are not what the FX does best.

The FX interior has sort of a cocoon-like atmosphere. The front passengers sit low, and the big dash seems to tower over them. The seats are wonderful, as is the clever motorized instrument cluster that moves with the tilt and telescopic wheel. Rear passengers have plenty of legroom, but may find headroom a bit tight. Cargo space behind the rear seat is minimal, but handy rear-seat levers let you fold the rear seats without having to reach into the cargo hold to release them.}

Infiniti describes the FX as a “Bionic Cheetah.” The 20-inch wheels (standard on the FX45) seem enormous given the vehicle’s short wheelbase and, with its short hood and minimal rear overhang, the FX in the side view seems to be all side doors and big wheel wells. The step-in height is low enough that entry and exit are easy, but the squat rear doors require tall passengers to watch their heads.

RearView Monitor
A rear backup camera allows you to see beyond the narrow rear window.

Interior Colors
The FX’s optional Brick or Espresso leather interiors offer a welcome respite from the usual black, tan and gray.

The 2008 Infiniti FX35’s standard features include a five-speed automatic transmission with manual shift and snow-mode feature, rear-wheel drive, power windows, power locks, heated power mirrors, heated leather seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes (ABS), stability control, fog lights, keyless entry, bi-xenon headlamps, 300-watt 11-speaker Bose audio with iPod accessory and a six-disc MP3-compatible CD changer, XM Satellite Radio, power tilt and telescopic steering wheel, RearView Monitor, 10-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar support and memory, head-curtain and front side-impact airbags, cruise control, 18-inch alloy wheels, traction control and rear wiper. The FX45 adds a 320 horsepower 4.5-liter V8 engine, 20-inch wheels, all-wheel drive, power sunroof, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, automatic headlamps, aluminum roof rails and a Sport suspension.

Options for the FX include all-wheel drive (FX35), Intelligent Key and a rear-seat DVD player. Both models offer a Technology Package that includes DVD navigation, Lane Departure Warning system and Intelligent Cruise Control (requires Hands-Free package which includes Intelligent Key and Bluetooth Hands-Free communication).

The FX35’s 3.5-liter V6 has all the power this vehicle needs and delivers reasonably good fuel economy. The extra cost of the V8 is hard to justify considering you can load the FX35 with every option imaginable for the price of a base FX45.

3.5-liter V6
275 horsepower @ 6200 rpm
268 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/22 (RWD), 15/20 (AWD)

4.5-liter V8
320 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
335 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 13/17