8 Months and 17k Miles in a 2010 FX35 AWD my review

G

GeminiSky

Member
Location
Eastern US
Car:
2010 FX35 AWD,
Black w/ Java Interior
Navigation Pkg
Tech Pkg
Premium Pkg
Deluxe Touring Pkg (w 20" wheels)
aluminum Cross roof rails


Hey Guys,

I have been driving this car for 8 months now, have almost 17 k miles on in.

I have developed some likes and dislikes with this car, thought I would share a mini review i wrote with you guys and also could be worth a read for those who are deciding between this car and something else.

First, lets start with the likes:

1. Great and Adequate Performance

Handles great in the corners , have to push pretty hard to get tires to break loose. Good grip with the wider sport package tires. Body roll for a crossover is great. Can easily be driven in a darty, "im a douche-bag BMW driver" fashion. Just remember there is some mass your carrying with you, all tho it drives like a smaller car you can still feel the weight going into corners.

Acceleration is more than adequate. Yea sure its not an FX50..but guess what? The FX feels almost just as fast, and while the FX50 would overtake the 35 easily at fast hwy speeds, this car still has plenty of pull in daily driving.

A strong jab at the throttle and it pins me back in my seat, definitely enough pull to overtake cars in 99% of your daily driving. a 6.1 second 0-60 time is still decently fast even for a sedan last time I checked. You do need to press all the way down to make this tranny downshift quick enough, DS mode helps but is impractical at speeds above 60 as it stays too high up spinning fast in a lower gear. DS MODE WILL WASTE GAS.
That said,
This car will smoke all those 3.0 X5s and the 350MLs and 350RXs driving around, yet also be able to embarrass some redular sedans and coupes like Hondas civics (SI's included) not bad for a v-6 Suv.

Steering has a nice weight to it (although still lighter than 1st gen FX), and is easy to keep on center during highway rides.

This I think matters the most and is the reason I didn't get the 50. If i want something in that speed range I would just get a nice compact like the Audi S4, I just don't see a need to have an SUV that fast. Too large, higher center of gravity, more body roll...no thank you.

2.Stereo, All around view cameras, Interface are all great. Navigation leaves something to be desired, can at times be lagggy with unresponsive touch controls . My garmin is better and costs $200. Bose Stereo is great and the sub is real nice. Good enough for me for hip hop and house music alike.

3. Interior

The Interior is pretty nice, the Java color really sets off the cabin, making look more expensive than it is. Everything is chocolatey brown down from the dashboard to the carpets. Although I hate cleaning a black car, this is the one of the only exterior colors that come with the Java interior option. Air conditioned seats are louder than the AC vents but still seem to do the job. Reclining rear seats are a nice touch.

Touring pkg adds maple wood which looks nice with the brown leather. Speedometer lighting and design is pretty cool, feeling the ambiance. Seats are kinda weird almost feels like the seat bottom is too short and the front edge cuts into my thighs. Not the most comfy seats ive sat in, BMW and Audi seats are much better. Theres decent space for grocery's and seats fold down easily for the bigger stuff.

4. Decent Gas Mileage

Although the car was a bit thirsty the first few k, the gas mileage has improved noticeably. I think I can get almost 26mgh hwy not bad at all for a car this size. combined around 19-21mpg.

I broke in the engine by babying it for just a few hundred miles, then ripped it to get those piston rings seated nicely.

5. Engine

Love the raspy v6 engine and decent exhaust (although a proper CAI with Catback exhaust would be even better)
You need to rev this engine to squeeze out the power in the higher rpm range.



Dislikes:

1.Weak Breaks!!

Whats up with these breaks? they seem to be just powerful enough to stop the car. Not really sporty or linear breaks. This car could really benefit from larger rotors and sporty pads. like a brembo kit. Really dont feel all that confident during quick stops during extra sporty driving. I realize its a heavy car, but this is no where approaching the superior break power and feel like on an X5 or any BMW for that matter.

2. 7 speed transmission Ugh

Well this transmission did get a bit annoying during the first 5k miles. The lagging and jerking motion that has happened to so many other FX owners. The car could not really coast smoothly when you let go of the throttle during speeds around 35mph it would just drop a gear and lurch as it slowed down. Now 8 months later after some extra sporty high rpm driving, it seems to have loosened up and is coasting more smoothly that before. Still, a proper German tiptronic feels light years ahead with its smooth jerk free shifts.

3. Harsh Suspension

Although the car handles great, the suspension is still not as refined as a BMW or Merc or Audi. Yes its a better suspension than the 1st Gen FX but still the Road noise is louder than all German rivals. Road surface and potholes can be felt throughout the cabin. Just does not have a magic balance like BMW where it handles good yet does not give you a concussion over rough roads.

4. Warped rotors / Steering wheel vibration during braking (will be taking to dealer) No other vibrations.

4. A phantom tinny metallic noise that occurs during sharp bumps in the road. Sounds like its coming from behind right around the button area on the cowl to the left of the steering wheel. cant seem to find the source of it. Not too annoying at this point.

All in all I like the car, but still would be looking for something German next time around. Just more refined...and yes also more expensive.

I welcome other second gen FX owners to post their likes and dislikes. Oh and by the way this is my first post on this board. :tup: Thanks for reading.

--GeminiSky

PS if anyone wants let me know and I wil post some shots of the car here.

---------- Post added at 03:47 AM ---------- Previous post was at 03:11 AM ----------

well I guess I cant post a photo of the car until I have 10 posts.

---------- Post added at 03:47 AM ---------- Previous post was at 03:47 AM ----------

That kinda sucks;

---------- Post added at 03:48 AM ---------- Previous post was at 03:47 AM ----------

is that 7 posts left?

---------- Post added at 03:49 AM ---------- Previous post was at 03:48 AM ----------

Or is it 8? I gotta get a hang of this. :smug:
 
Last edited:
I have had mine the same amount of time, and almost the same amount of miles. I agree with everything you have to say, to a T almost. I haven't found the brakes to be that soft, but then again, I compare it to my wife's minivan or the 1st gen FX I had.

I feel there was an improvement in the stiff suspension, and being that it is an SUV, a little more "feel" seems appropriate.

I have the black interior, and I love it. Yes, it gets dirty from time to time, but what interior won't? Little issues with squeaks, etc.

I had it in for 15k checkup yesterday. Had them look at 2 things: Seat slips 1/4 inch on braking/accel; they are ordering a new track for me and installing in a week. 2nd thing they couldn't reproduce (for the 2nd time might I add) is a slight metallic/tin vibrational noise at 3-4k RPM when shifting on normal acceleration. Took the service guy for a ride, and although I reproduced it, it wasn't as loud as I hear on daily driving. Documented in case there are issues later.

I tow a boat with mine, and it pulls nicely. Camera and bluetooth are sweet, nav hard to get used to (especially when moving cursor to see other routes on your own).

Overall, the car rides nice, looks nice, and does the trick. Would I buy it again? Well, I kinda miss my 06 I traded in, but that was starting to have issues with the little things...squeaks, shocks, rotors (again), etc. Seemed to have better exhaust note, and quicker pedal response at lower speeds. The 2010 has a great pickup at highway speeds when you want to pass. I drive on country roads a lot that are two lane/55mph, and when you get on it to pass someone, you no sooner change lanes, and you are around them, going 80.

Wish the info between tach and spedometer was blue or non-existant. Looks cheap with the red box of digital info.

Haven't done mods yet, but thinking about exhaust and rims. Maybe filter, but no one has convinced me it's worth the money (or voiding of warranty?).

My $.02

Hezwee
 
sounds like brakes and suspension are the biggest grips, hopefully they will come out with aftermarket shocks/springs or coilovers. As for the brakes, why not bolt up some FX50 brakes :tup:

fyi Gemini, you cant accumulate post count by posting right after your own post.
 
yup I realise that now about the posts, I can try and link you guys some photos if you want. Not sure how to do it but ill try.

Yea I still agree it does handle and accelerate nice. Harsh, but nice. Tracks OK which is good.

Still definitely is a nice step up for anyone driving a non lux car, Although I can think of a few like the Ford Explorer that rides so damn soft and smooth you would think that your sitting in a Lexus and costs a whole bunch less than an FX; But then again it drives like a Lexus as well and is just not that fun.

So bottom line if you ask me, If you want BOTH sport and luxury, and have a car that has the best compromise of both, I think going the European route is the only option.

The FX35 suffers from the same complaints that we read about the G35-37 in auto review articles, for example the comparo between a G37S and the BMW 335i.

* The Infiniti is unrefined as compared to the Bimmer, including harsher suspension, you can feel the impacts of potholes and some bump steer and road noise, increased NVH.

To me infinitis just don't have that solid luxury feel like when it feels the entire car super stable and you just feel your in a bank vault on wheels.

Probably contributed to the FXs less rigid structure, (as compared to say BMW or Porsche)

Also there seems to be an apparent deficit of sound deadening materials in the fkn Infinitis.

having a Sport SUV, or Sport Sedan for that matter; does not mean you have to suffer thru increased droning noise on hwy jaunts, and a harsh suspension that just makes you wish you would have saved yourself 10k and bought a new loaded Ford or Chevy truck and be riding on a daily fairy air cushion of buttery smoothness to and from the supermarket, dinner, and all the other crap we use our cars for. But I digress, Im still kinda happy with the FX, still looks prettier than all luxury crossover competition.
That exterior design is pretty nice IMO.

But I shouldn't have to pay for that with near-luxury refinement. Last time I remembered Infiniti was a "near luxury" brand, and their pricing and refinement reflects this even today. If a 3rd gen FX ever comes out and Infiniti can sort out their refinement issues, I will look into an FX again for sure.

Next time tho, will probably be going with either the new Cayenne, BMW X5(M?), or X6, Maybe even a more powerful audi Q5, if they ever make one. Oh yea and ill test drive an Explorer :tongue (2):
 
Last edited:
I have the loud brake noise problem after not driving the car for like a week. The rotors warp and make really loud noises. I will have the issue addressed during my next oil change.

As for the suspension being too harsh, I'm going to have to disagree with you. I love the way this vehicle rides. It's not too soft and not too harsh, it's right in between. I've talked to alot of BMW owners that complain about their ride being firm and not soft too. Actually if you look at alot of the latest Infiniti reviews, they compare the ride quality of them to euro spec type suspensions. So as the Euro's ride being better than Infiniti, I'm going to have to say no. That's unless your talking about a 7 series or S class, which yea it does ride softer. No one I know complains of the way it rides. Especially for someone that chooses this type of configuration on a vehicle. If you want the ride softer, your going to sacrifice comfort for handling. The FX is just right in between. If you didn't want a nice firm ride, then you shouldn't of got the 20" wheels with the deluxe touring package.


This is something I notice and I wonder if anyone else has noticed it, cause it's pretty lame. And I've noticed it cause I'm on many different forums. For an example someone owns and Infiniti, and has their dislikes and problems about it after owning it. Then they say their going to get a BMW next time to avoid the headache. Then they go get a BMW, and then they start developing their dislikes and problems with the BMW. Seriously, no vehicle is ever going to be the way you want it PERFECTLY.

Go search a BMW forum like e90post or something else. I can gurantee you'll find people complaining and having dislikes and problems with them too. :tup:
 
Fire0nic, I would reply to you but unfortunately I dont speak Troll.

attn all Trolls:

I wrote my PERSONAL review your Opinions may differ. If you dont like what you read go look elsewhere as there are obviously people on here who agree with me.

Now shoo troll!! im outta bread crumbs:embarrassed:
 
GeminiSky said:
Fire0nic, I would reply to you but unfortunately I dont speak Troll.

attn all Trolls:

I wrote my PERSONAL review your Opinions may differ. If you dont like what you read go look elsewhere as there are obviously people on here who agree with me.

Now shoo troll!! im outta bread crumbs:embarrassed:
Click to expand...


Troll?

Not one part of my post did I trash you. My post is relevant to my thoughts. Did you even read what I wrote? I never said I didn't like what you wrote, I just said I'll have to disagree with you on some stuff you said. You said for people to post their likes and dislikes and I did.

I don't know if you know this, but it's a public internet forum. Meaning you make a topic and everyone discusses it. People will write their own opinions whether you like it or not.

I see what the problem is! I wrote something and your just mad cause you don't like what I wrote right? Grow up!


Please tell me your not a BMW driver, pretending to be an Infiniti owner to come on a here to trash it to make it look bad. Plus the very fact that your naming all these Euro cars you would rather have and saying that you drive like a BMW driver says alot about you.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Fire0nic3 said:
Troll?

Not one part of my post did I trash you. My post is relevant to my thoughts. Did you even read what I wrote? I never said I didn't like what you wrote, I just said I'll have to disagree with you on some stuff you said. You said for people to post their likes and dislikes and I did.

I don't know if you know this, but it's a public internet forum. Meaning you make a topic and everyone discusses it. People will write their own opinions whether you like it or not.

I see what the problem is! I wrote something and your just mad cause you don't like what I wrote right? Grow up!


Please tell me your not a BMW driver, pretending to be an Infiniti owner to come on a here to trash it to make it look bad. Plus the very fact that your naming all these Euro cars you would rather have and saying that you drive like a BMW driver says alot about you.
Click to expand...

^ i agree
 
No im not a BMW owner lol, I guess im having a slight bit of buyers remorse, but then again you get what you pay for. I still like the FX just wish it was a bit more refined.

Sry for the troll comment i didnt read your whole post.
 
I'm not trying be mean either bro =]

Did you try changing to a different tire? I've heard of people switching from the stock tires to something more quiet. Maybe that might fix it a bit. OEM tires are never really that great.
 
Not that all all the good mods are avail, & I'm only speaking in regards to Gen 1, the suspension needed alot help from 'sport' stock. Springs, bracing & wheel & tire package, make all the difference in the world. I went from driving a boat, to being able to throw it around like a small toy. Get some of these mods done, & you'll get a nicely balanced ride.

& THANKS for taking back the troll comment. Not a good Newb action to be throwin around that kinda talk. Were a tight community here

Welcome to our site :iS:
 
When I said you get what you pay for I meant that Infinitis are generally considered to be near-luxury cars. The pricing is great, you get alot of car for the money and the cabin tech is great.

But alas there has been some cost cutting and this is why Euro lux vehicles are more expensive.

That intangible quality feel that you get in certain cars can most likely be contributed to very rigid and stiff body structures, very little NVH, and of course wonderfully tuned suspensions. (Standard and Adaptive)

I still like the FX guys dont get me wrong!!!:eek.:
 
GeminiSky said:
When I said you get what you pay for I meant that Infinitis are generally considered to be near-luxury cars. The pricing is great, you get alot of car for the money and the cabin tech is great.

But alas there has been some cost cutting and this is why Euro lux vehicles are more expensive.

That intangible quality feel that you get in certain cars can most likely be contributed to very rigid and stiff body structures, very little NVH, and of course wonderfully tuned suspensions. (Standard and Adaptive)

I still like the FX guys dont get me wrong!!!:eek.:
Click to expand...

i am with you there but then again humans have yet to make a perfect car yet.....
 
FX50 has the adaptive suspension (Continuous Dampening Control).
 
Hewzee,

Can you please explain to me whats included in the 15k checkup at the dealer? They already sent me a letter asking me to come in for the "6 month" checkup, and I of course threw it in the trash. I dont think you need to do a dealer service after the first 6 mo of owning any Brand New car.

Thats why im curious what exactly needs to be locked at/ replenished during the 15 k checkup would be cool if someone could link a list of things they do.

Thanks,

GeminiSky
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top