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2008 Infiniti QX

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Overview

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2008 Infiniti QX Review

By KBB.com Editors

Conceived in the bigger-is-better school of SUV design, the 2008 Infiniti QX56 takes its job as a full-size luxury hauler very seriously. Available in a single upline trim level, this body-on-frame design is based on Nissan's Titan pickup platform but shares styling and engineering basics with its cousin, the Nissan Armada. In addition to a powerful V8, rear- or four-wheel drive configurations and class-leading towing capacity, the 2008 QX56 also benefits from a redesigned and far more plush cabin with standard seating for seven or eight. That package makes this mammoth Infiniti the only import-badged luxury SUV with the scale, features and capabilities to compete directly with the big domestic models, such as the Cadillac Escalade ESV, GMC Yukon XL and Lincoln Navigator L, while fending off other international nameplates, including the Audi Q7, Mercedes-Benz GL 450 and all-new Lexus LX 570.

You'll Like This Car If...

If your personal priorities in an SUV skew towards a stylish, comfortable, featured-packed interior and you need the power to tow serious payloads, the QX56 would be well worth considering.

You May Not Like This Car If...

Despite a mild facelift, the 2008 Infiniti QX56's styling might be too similar to the Nissan Armada for the tastes of some buyers of premium SUVs. It's big, it's thirsty and, despite a fully independent suspension system, it lacks the handling precision of many unit-body designs. With its second- and third-row seats up for passengers or down for cargo, the QX56's usable storage space merits only so-so marks among the jumbo-hauler segment.

What's New for 2008

Outside, the 2008 Infiniti QX56 gets mildly revised front and rear fascias, new headlights and a one-piece roof rack. Its comprehensive interior redesign adds fashion and function, with standard equipment that includes a new Bose audio package with dedicated music hard drive, an improved navigation system, power-folding third-row seat and optional XM real-time NavTraffic information.

Driving the QX

Driving Impressions With its fully-independent suspension tuned for comfortable cruising rather than quick responses and a well-isolated and well-appointed cabin, the QX56 can make short work of even the longest trips. Both...

rear-drive and four-wheel-drive versions have excellent ride compliance and feature automatic rear load leveling. The 5.6-liter V8 provides sufficient muscle to cope with in-town traffic or freeway overtaking and, while the QX56's tall profile and curb weight of nearly three tons can elicit considerable body roll during really brisk cornering or transition maneuvers (as would be reasonably expected of such a vehicle during such driving), its standard and driver-selectable Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) package provides reassurance, particularly during slippery conditions. Despite its size, the QX56's steering feels fairly direct and its big ABS brakes are more than capable. Those who engage in moderate off-road rambling will like the available All-Mode part-time four-wheel-drive system that can instantly dole out power to each wheel as traction dictates and offers a dual-range transfer case with electronic shift-on-the-fly capabilities.

Favorite Features

Premium Bose Audio
The new standard system in every 2008 Infiniti QX56 is a 12-speaker Bose Surround Sound package that includes a Burr-Brown Digital Audio Converter and a 9.3-gigabyte Music Box hard drive that delivers outstanding fidelity and clarity in AM/FM/CD/MP3 formats -- as well as for the optional rear-seat DVD Mobile Entertainment System.

Power Third-Row Seat
This new QX56 standard feature lets you reconfigure the rear passenger and cargo compartment at the push of a button. Either or both sides of the 60/40 split-folding third-row bench seat will automatically fold flat for cargo or move back up into their people-hauling positions to best accommodate changing requirements.

2008 Infiniti QX Details

Interior

A major makeover imparts notably richer design cues to the 2008 Infiniti QX56's leather-lined cabin. The restyled dash houses more legible instrumentation in a far friendlier overall layout while including a premium Bose sound package and enhanced capabilities for the standard navigation system. Other new items include a heated steering wheel (with four-wheel drive), lockable glovebox and wood-grain accent trim. Space is plentiful in the front seats and second-row captain's chairs. While the third-row 60/40-split bench seat is still best accessed and occupied by younger or smaller folks, its new power-fold feature adds convenience and simplifies expanding the cargo capacity -- which is as much as 97.1 cubic feet with both second- and third-row seats folded down.

Exterior

The 2008 Infiniti QX56's dominating and prominently angular presence gets a slightly more sophisticated character for 2008. Although the major sheetmetal pieces carry over and remain common with its Nissan Armada cousin, both the front and rear soft fascias on the QX56 have more refined contours. Complementing the look are revised grille and headlight treatments crowned with a cleaner-looking one-piece roof rack. The QX56's large upright glass area provides good driver sightlines and its well-proportioned doors and power tailgate facilitate people access and cargo loading. Both rear-drive and four-wheel-drive versions share the same 20-inch chromed aluminum wheels wrapped in 265/60 Michelin all-season SUV tires.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Beyond a powerful V8 and five-speed automatic transmission, the QX56's outstanding features include xenon HID headlights, a comprehensive array of power assists, front dual-zone automatic and rear climate control, full leather trim, power front seats, fold-flat second-row captain's chairs, power-folding 60/40-split third-row bench seat, power liftgate, Bose audio system with Music Box hard drive, touch-screen and voice-activated navigation system with rear-view backup camera, remote entry and start, multifunction steering wheel on a power-tilt column, power-adjustable pedals and four 12-volt power outlets. Also in the mix are stability-enhancing Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), advanced anti-lock disc brakes (ABS), a limited-slip differential and front, front-side and side-curtain airbags with a rollover sensor.

Optional Equipment

Given its expansive roster of standard equipment, the QX56's list of extras is minimal. That list includes an available no-charge 60/40 split-folding second-row bench in place of the captain's chairs and removable console, Intelligent Cruise Control with front proximity sensors, the Infiniti Mobile Entertainment System (rear-seat DVD package with eight-inch flip-down screen and dual wireless headsets), a tow package (standard with four-wheel drive), splash guards and XM Satellite Radio, with or without the real-time NavTraffic update feature.

Under the Hood

Motivating the 2008 Infiniti QX56 is an all-aluminum 5.6-liter V8 that employs numerous friction-reducing design elements. Fitted with efficiency-enhancing variable valve timing, the engine makes a stout 320 horsepower and an even more formidable 393 pound-feet of torque, 90 percent of which is on hand from just 2500 rpm. Backing it is a smooth and responsive five-speed automatic transmission with a convenient tow/haul feature. The four-wheel-drive QX56 also is fitted with an electronically controlled shift-on-the-fly dual-range transfer case with 2HI/4HI/4LO modes and can tow up to an 8,900-pound trailer. While slightly less than the 9,000-pound rating of its rear-drive kin, both represent class-leading figures. The four-wheel-drive version has EPA fuel economy ratings of 12 mpg city, 17 mpg highway, while the two-wheel-drive model is rated at 12 and 18 mpg, respectively.

5.6-liter V8
320 horsepower @ 5200 rpm
393 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 12/18 (2WD), 12/17 (4WD)

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2008 Infiniti QX Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.0

Out of 10

Based on 107 Ratings for the 2004 - 2010 models.

Review this car

Value

9.0/10

Quality

9.1/10
Reliability

9.1/10

Performance

9.2/10
Comfort

9.4/10

Styling

9.3/10

I love this truck more now than the first day.

By Afolkey (IL) on Thursday, February 28, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 235,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I love this truck. I realize the value, reliability, quality,comfort, etc everytime I drive it. I can't say that about many other things I have ever owned. The front riders resting arm fell off the first month I owned it. I had to add cooling refrigerant for the A/C at 200,000 and replaced a leaking automatic transmission fluid hose at 225,000 miles. I began asking the dealer after 100,000 miles when the alternator among other things would begin causing me trouble. I am still waiting. I average 15 mpg and 17 on a long trip. I'll never give up this truck."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Built like a tank, Awesome

By zorgon99 (CA) on Monday, November 19, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 58,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Fast. Superb drivetrain awesome!"

Cons: "interior quality, brakes"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"Basic structure solid... Interior trim is another story plastic trim looks cheap and fit and finish mediocre at best. Knobs and panels come loose and is an annoyance. Brake issues with pads and rotors but mostly resolved now. Lots of space.. Engine and Transmission world class and will compare favorably with any other luxury SUV out there. Very fast and very comfortable for long trips on the highway..Gas mileage is awful in town and not much better on the freeway. No problems with the drivetrain.. I like the styling..Difficult to park around town but awesome on the fwy.. The miles just fly by Overall I really like it and would reccomend.. I have a 2004 with 58000 miles. Not many SUV out there could compare.. A really good value too"

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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good truck

By young (FL) on Tuesday, July 31, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 73,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 7/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"it would be better if they put surrounding camera on it and LED front daytime driving lights. Improving gas mileage It would be the best and comfort truck on market."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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I love this SUV...

By Holli (WA) on Thursday, May 31, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 58,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Classy, sporty, handles great..."

Cons: "Maintenance is expensive"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I love this truck; in fact, this is my second one. When I bought my first one (2006) I knew this was the truck for me. It has spacious seating and fits 8 comfortably. It drives and handles awesome! The music box (which holds all your music) is great...we put in a CD, hit record and it gets stored in the system. With the premium Bose sound system you can make any music sound good. Only a few complaints in my eyes…Obviously we knew about the poor gas mileage but if you maintain it properly and use premium gas it turns out a little better. I get about 15mpg and 22 mpg on highway. My only issue is the A/C pipe line seems to be a defective problem with these vehicles, as both of my QX56's had to be replaced...yeah, that’s a 1200.00 fix! My last complaint is that when it comes to the 60K premium service that needs to be done its going to cost you around 900.00!! Yes, I did say 900.00, but it includes everything under the hood and even to the door hinges. It’s expensive but that’s what you can expect when you drive an Infiniti."

7 people out of 8 found this review helpful

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Did my homework!

By Wait (CO) on Friday, May 11, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 50,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have owned this car for almost 2 years, wanted to wait and write this review until after I had it for awhile. SUV has lots of room and is very comfortable for large family/people. The features and ride are great, great convenience with fold in the floor 3rd row. I researched/drove all the big SUV"s and found this one the best. Not one service issue, love the music box and interior/exterior finishes vs. Armada and other big SUV's. This SUV is solid. Only bugger is gas mileage but that's what you get with big vehicle. Very comfortable and powerful traveling up and down mountains, high altitude in Colorado. Wife/kids love seat heaters in front and middle seats. Handles great (for big vehicle) and my mechanic is surprised at how easy it is on the brake pads. I highly recommend this car and I;ve been very happy with this purchase."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Best vehicle we purchased so far

By C (CT) on Tuesday, April 03, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 64,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "fun to drive in the snow, or tow people out of it"

Cons: "gas prices/takes premium"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Power everything! Kids have dvds to watch and wireless headphones, dont hurt on long trips, lots of leg room! Navigation adjustable air, seat warmers for all except the backrow. I love almost everything about this truck, only thing I dont like is the rattling of the windows if you hit a pothole it just sounds like the windows are going to come off the truck."

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