We purchased a FPSVD in February from albeebaby.com. The DOM on this seat is July 2006. They don't seem to be producing the seat now (in '07), but '06 models are still available from several online retailers. Hopefully FP/Britax will be making more of these.
Why we bought this seat for our 38-month-old son (38 lbs., 39" tall): We needed a higher-weight harness seat for him for our 2nd car (and for use in his aunt's car, friends' cars, etc.) He's in a Radian 65 in our main vehicle. My choice was between the Cosco Apex 65 and the FPSVD (FF to 55 lbs), since I didn't want to spend too much for a seat that would only be used once or twice each week.
I chose the FPSVD because it's relatively lightweight and it's easy to install. So far I've installed it in a '99 Subaru sedan and a '96 Honda Accord...all that was required for a tight install was a few twists of the seatbelt stalk. It's also very easy to buckle the child (important feature since his dad and his aunt aren't quite as familiar with carseats as I am). Also, the buckle and chest clip on the FPSVD are easier for me to open than the ones on the Apex. Neither the FP nor the Apex gives the child much room at the crotch buckle location (also true for the Radian 65), but I think they're designed to be this way so that the child has to sit up straight and back against the seat.
The FPSVD sits up much higher than the Apex...this was okay because I knew I would be installing it in sedans. However, in an SUV or van, it would be easier for the child to climb into the Apex by themselves since it sits lower.
The FPSVD harness straps are easy to adjust higher or lower if I pull the cover aside so I can see what I'm doing.
Other things I like about the seat: It's a convertible, so if needed, I can use it RF or FF for either of my two great-nieces (one age 3 months, and the other, 2 years). But yet, it doesn't look too babyish, so I don't think my son will mind riding in it...he will probably outgrow it right about the time he realizes it's not a booster seat. His 5-1/2 year old brother would still just fit in the FPSVD, so I know we'll get at least two more years of being able to keep the 3-y.o. in a 5-pt. harness in all cars. (And by then, his brother will be ready to move out of the Britax Husky and pass it down to him.)
The cover of the FPSVD isn't as plush (or cute or colorful) as the Britax Marathon covers, but overall, it's a good seat for the price that will last most children (except those with long torsos) up to a size where they could probably ride safely in a belt-positioning booster. For longer 5-pt. harnessing, the next step up would be a Britax Regent. (The Radian goes up to 65 lbs, but the harness heights seem to be about the same as the FPSVD...maybe 1/2" higher at most.)