I have a 2003 FX 45 and have been pretty happy with it. Goes like stink and handles very well for an SUV. But, the 45 has 20 inch tires and rides pretty harsh. The '04's and later, as well as all Fx35's with 18" wheels are supposed to ride a little softer. My wife loves the Fx45, but YMMV. I have had no problems with it at all. I do agree that the tires on my FX have always sucked (Goodyear RSA's). I bought snows for the winter.

I also have had an allroad and loved it. Might just buy the new one when the FX45 lease is up.

As for the Lexus - every time I look for a new car I go to the Lexus dealer and walk out without buying anything. For me, those cars have no soul.

Good luck

 

Looks like we both have an FX and is looking to get a 530xi soon. Agreed with your tires comment. You do need snow tires for winter. As for lexus, their cars are typically cars that go from point A to B without much hassle, but also without much road feel. The FX is more fun to drive. Despite the fact that it doesn't drive like a BMW, it's far from being a "bag of testicles" .

 

Agree with the bug comment I wanted a car that looks like a car not a bug.

 

Sat in an FX last night after reading your posts (remembering this will be my wifes transportation) she drives 5 minutes to work (we live downtown), uses it to go shopping (clothes and shoes) and to go out for lunch with friends) do you find to hard to park (because it seems to be so wide) and difficult to see behind you?

She needs quality, comfort, and no hassles ... (actually, I need the no hassles ) driving experience and feel for the road, come in second for her.

 

I too was concerned about the width of the car and what appears to be a problematic blind spot, but this has not been a problem at all. In fact, I think the car drives "smaller" than it is. It's easy to see front end. Also, mine has the rearview camera. I thought this was a useless gimmick when I first saw it but now would love to have it on every car I own. My wife has also had no problems with maneuvering the car. It's her daily driver.

Best bet is take a good test drive and let your wife park it etc.

Remember, the FX is a pretty high performance car (especially the FX45). I think it rides more like a sports car than your standard soccer mom SUV (no ofense intended to anyone). That said, my wife used to drive a 4Runner and loved it, so there may be some parallel to your wife's experience.

Another thing about the Lexus - my sister had the last generation RX and it had a HORRIBLE turning radius. Bothered her so much that she got rid of it. I don't know if Lexus has fixed this, but check it out before you buy.

Good luck

 

Good feedback ... will do ... thanks

 

At the end of the day you can not compare Lexus to Infiniti and even a salesman at Infiniti will tell you so. Lexus dominates the japense luxury market and everyone else copies/competes with them--at least everyone but BMW

I will agree with the statement that Lexus doesnt have "Soul". They are very boring after awhile but you wont find a single problem with them

 

I would respectfully disagree. The statement alone points out a fault. And the idea that a Lexus is defect free is a fallacy. (IMO).

 

how about and X3 due to its "smaller" size....???
as to design, performance, style, comfort and quality it is the VW Touareg always and only as to SUV !!!! 3 years with it and still love it like the day one, come on you have the base and technology of the Cayene and the new Q7 here

the FX are great design wise.... the Lex RX SUV is very very bad, design wise and performance wise too.... the new Hyunday SantaFe looks much better

 

I have owned and driven a FX35 for 3 years and the only thing I would agree with you is that Lexus dominates the luxury market. Infiniti is catching up fast however. Comparing with the FX, the RX's inside cabin is more luxurious and after-sales service is better. But in terms of drivability, amount of gadgets and pricing the Infiniti dominates on every aspect. Appearance is subjective. All in all it's a good car and I'll pick that over Lexus RX any day.

Oh, and I don't have a single problem with the FX after 3 years of ownership.