Originally Posted by
Ochdx
Sherwood, actually the Murano is not at all a version of FX. The Murano is based on Altima FWD platfrom, while the FX is based on G35 platform. Besides that, the Murano is more practical as an SUV, while the FX is a sporty cross over. Completely different vehicles.
As far as built quality, both Nissan and Infiniti suffered from cheap materials and lousy assembly, and most of Nissan models still do. However Nissan has done a great job to improve Maximas and Altimas interiors, and the new Infiniti M and G have awesome interiors.
I recently read the current Times magazine and they said that Nissan's image has changed in the last 3 years. The introduction of redesigned cars of the Altima and Maxima that has helped the company so much. The Versa is selling very well (according to Times) and the 350z is selling decently after a few years. The Titan and Quest were really unreliable and are now improving. Nissan like other car makers have their downsides. Most newly introduced/redesigned cars will have some flaws and recalls and every year the car gets better. For example, the 2005 Toyota Avalon (autoblog.com) showed Toyota's decrease in build quality and the increase in recalls and Consumer Reports rated it as Average (White Circle) and now the 2007 Toyota Avalon is very good (Half Circle)