Topic: CD Article: Lexus RX300/330/350, 1999-2007

[Autos_Editor]

Today's Used Vehicle Review:

RX300/330/350:
The Lexus RX was available with three different engines over the past nine years and since 2006 has been available as a gas-electric Hybrid, reports Contributing Editor Chris Chase.  Reliability has been good, "but there have been a couple of hiccups," he says.
   
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[Mike S]

Rating styling as high with this vehicle is a stretch; I've always considered it to be lamest SUV on the road.  I've also been surprised to see how many have actually sold; for something riding on the same platform as a Camry, with extremely low load capacity, its clearly missing the "U" in SUV.  In fact, its really a Camry with AWD and a better interior (which is very easily done).  This is all about the name brand, because product wise, there is little substance, and if reliabilty is an issue, why not buy a Camry with winter tires and forgoe the interior in favour of less money, less insurance, less repairs, and better safety?

[safristi]

I remember wifey be enamoured with these LUXUV's...when they came out...but the pricing!!!...I admit they looked good when i passed them on the hI_WAY ....WHEN i 
 clambered into one,second hand on a dealers lot,to satisfy the family curiosity....the DREAM FADED...............overpriced IMHO...just like the Original "CAMBRIDGE GRADS!!!".... ...Oy Simon wanna punt onna CAM........

[mdxtasy]

Very expensive.  We considered an RX when we bought, and the SUV doesn't have the S, as it's quite a mushy drive, it doesn't have the U, as it's quite small for cargo and people....but it does have the V....

People flocked to them....people with too much money that is.  That big L means something. 

[safristi]

  ya mean   fLocked ta them................wot tha "ell..made down the road in ONTARIO..".the" CUV......centre of Universe...WORLD DIS KAPITAL....

[quadzilla]

Very expensive.  We considered an RX when we bought, and the SUV doesn't have the S, as it's quite a mushy drive, it doesn't have the U, as it's quite small for cargo and people....but it does have the V....

People flocked to them....people with too much money that is.  That big L means something. 

I think this is a good example of building exactly what the buying public wanted. Either that or convincing the public that this is what they want.  Kind of like in the BMW threads about how they (BMW) are not true to them selves anymore...If you build it right, they will come.

[safristi]

I've looked at many a LEXUS?BMW....but I have not KUM................................up wid da Money.............shoot............

[boytoys]

I am surprised that the poor turning circle of the RX300 was not presented in this review. The bad transmission problems, high maintenance were skimmed through...but no biggie. it gives me an idea.  I always liked the car, even have a 1/18 diecast of it . When my colleague wanting to sell his 7 year old 85K miles before this fall, i was tempted,  I did some more review searches and am now absolutely scared. Anyone want this car should go to carreview.com and check out first from owners themselves.

The links to the Lexus Owners club also does not work...

I think i like the idea of a Jeep Patriot with warranty for a similar price point !! dropped the thinking of lux-U-cry

[johngenx]

The RX is a snooze-inducer.  An MDX is better built and drives better, and often sells for less.  The 2001-2005 MDX's look better than the new ones and are proven bullet-proof.  None of these are my taste, but the RX is not a category killer.

[Julie]

The RX is a snooze-inducer.  An MDX is better built and drives better, and often sells for less.  The 2001-2005 MDX's look better than the new ones and are proven bullet-proof.  None of these are my taste, but the RX is not a category killer.

I think the MDX wasn't that bullet-proof in its early years. (re canadiandriver used car review)

[1TSX]

The RX is a snooze-inducer.  An MDX is better built and drives better, and often sells for less.  The 2001-2005 MDX's look better than the new ones and are proven bullet-proof.  None of these are my taste, but the RX is not a category killer.

I think the MDX wasn't that bullet-proof in its early years. (re canadiandriver used car review)

I believe the early MDX's had tranny issues like the Odyssey did.

[chrischasescars]

The RX is a snooze-inducer.  An MDX is better built and drives better, and often sells for less.  The 2001-2005 MDX's look better than the new ones and are proven bullet-proof.  None of these are my taste, but the RX is not a category killer.

I think the MDX wasn't that bullet-proof in its early years. (re canadiandriver used car review)

I believe the early MDX's had tranny issues like the Odyssey did.

Yup. And the previous-gen Accord V6, and the previous-gen Acura TL, and probably the Pilot, too. Think that was the five-speed auto with the magical exploding second gear.

[johngenx]

Yup, and Honda stood behind their error, unlike Toyota that gave the bird to all RX owners that had trans failures outide of warranty.  Toyota says "you're the only one that this has EVER happened to, but we "just happen to have" a trans in stock..."

Some friends of ours have an RX330 and I was shocked at what a slouch it is in the twitsy bits.

[sirAQUAMAN64]

I really like the RX, especially the new gen RX 330. Great size - especially appeals to women me thinkith, very manageable, comfy, good power/economy trade-off. Have to watch the option packages, but otherwise like them a lot.

Turning circle was constantly cited by owners as a problem. One of the only problems, which was more of a nuisance than a problem.