Lexus RX 330

Sylvia

The 2004 Lexus RX 330 Luxury SUV, due out in 2003 boasts a larger engine and body (thrid-row + more cargo space) than the RX 300.

http://www.edmunds.com/future/2004/lexus/rx330/4drsuv/preview.html

lenscap

Two of the Lexus dealers near me have insisted that there will be no third seat, not even as an option.

We'll have to wait and see.

mrbamboozle

I have been researching the 330 and here is what I have found to date:

*3.3l Engine
*Larger overall design
*3rd row seat (Possible, see details below)
*More streamlined styling
*Possibly more luxury features inside (controls on steering wheel, etc.)

I am close to purchasing a 2002 so I told the dealer they better cough of the scoop on the 2003 model if they want my business. They told me the vehicle will indeed be larger, have the 3.3L engine but will NOT have the 3rd row seat. They also told me it won't be out until April/May 2003.

I have found reference to the 2003 in only 3 places in my web searches. Lexus is really clamping down the details....

skiman2

It's official. No 3rd row seat. Go to the RX 300 post in the wed site. A man was involved in a test market review and has seen the new vehicle.

aorta

Lexus will defend its crossover turf with a redesigned RX for 2004. This will be a platform cousin of the Toyota Highlander, and thus distantly related to the just-redesigned Toyota Camry/Lexus ES 300 sedans. However, the SUV is rumored to use a larger new 3.5-liter V6, so badges should read RX 350. The vehicle itself will be larger than RX 300 and even Highlander. Wheelbase reportedly lengthens by up to 6 inches over the current RX to around 109, which would be about 2 inches up on the Toyota and is enough to make room for standard three-row 7-passenger seating. Width allegedly swells 3 inches, again to match MDX. In another change, RX 350 will be built in Canada instead of Japan like RX 300. That's all we know now, but keep checking back for further info.

http://auto.consumerguide.com/auto/new/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/20870.htm

skiman2

Does anyone know when orders will be taken? I hear Dec./Jan for April delivery from Canada.

I'm anxious to get more details. Currently own a RX 300 and love it. Want to buy a second for my wife

mrbamboozle

I was at the dealer yesterday spoke to a manager who has seen photos of the new 330. He said it is much more streamlined than the 300 and will make the 300 look "dated".

Also was told the 300 will have side curtain airbags, NO 3rd ROW SEAT, and radio controls on the steering wheel.

rerenov8r

Lexus want totally NUTS and added BOTH an RX330 and RX350?

One would replace the RX 300 and the other would be a "line extension" like BMW's X5 with 3. 4.4 & 4.6 engines AND coming soon with added lenght & third seat.

Gee with all the trucks at Toyota store and the new GX470 coming to Lexus, Toyota/Lexus will soon have more trucks than GMC

krazyhopz

I wonder are they considering these upgrades?

1. Black paint needs clear coat just like other colors
2. Lose the timing belt, get a chain it lasts longer.
3. Put "grown-up" wheels and tires on it. The "doughnuts" just don't cut it.
4. If no wheel and tire upgrade is in the plan, design the suspension so after-market parts have some chance of fitting the vehicle.
5. Make the seats more firm, they are way too soft.

coolguyky7

Based on the spy photo, the new RX looks to have a Matrix-style roofline.

whotheman

for the RX to move upward. What is interesting is that Lexus won't put more HP into their V8. 230 just isn't competitive anymore. And it limits the amount of power the RX can have. The RX can't have more power than the more expensive GX, so I'm interested in seeing how Lexus deals with this future problem. The LX is 70-100HP below it's competition. People buy HP! This problem makes a high-performance RX unlikely, until they address the rest of the SUV lineup with more juice.

lenscap

While HP is important, it's not everything. If that were the case, the Infiniti Q45 would be the best selling big luxury sedan instead of one of the worst.

The Mercedes E320 year after year is the best selling car in its class, and it only has around 220 HP. And that will not change with the all-new 2003 redesign.

Yes, HP matters. But so do a lot of other things. I think with the RX it has a lot to do with style and looks.

leoniv

lenscap,
you're right in that HP does not determine how well a car will sell, but whotheman has a valid point also. The current RX300 already boasts 220HP so it stands to reason the increase in displacement for the new RX330 will result in more HP. Given that the current gap between the iForce V8 and the RX's V6 is only a few ponies, I see how there could be a problem with the V6 gaining too many horses. Then again, I could be totally wrong. The Lexus SC, GS, and LS 430's grew in engine size, but not HP (albeit they gained more torque). We'll have to wait and see.

whotheman

have at least 240HP (soon to be more in the MDX), and go up to 300HP. Lexus knows they need more power, that where the larger engine is coming in. How will they increase RX power with the V8 so low on power, without hurting sales of the higher-margin GX470? Hopefully, in 2004, Lexus will give the V8 a 40-50HP boost to rid the perceived problem in status and value.

Kirstie_H

Has anyone out there bought a used luxury car such as Audi, Cadillac or Lexus recently?
If so, and if you're willing to talk about it with a major daily newspaper, please send your vehicle and contact info to jfallon@edmunds.com no later than Friday, July 31. Thanks!

ascariss

I think since the GS470 is coming out with a third seat, the planned 3rd seat for thr RX330 has been cut and the car will only have 2 rows

coolguyky7

Exactly.

lenscap

There was never any plan for a third seat. The vehicle will barely be bigger than the current RX.

The redesigned RX was from day 1 meant to have only two rows of seats.

whotheman

It would kill sales of the GX470 if it had three rows of seats. In order for the GX to have success, it must have a notable advantage over the RX, besides the underboosted V8.

cadman88

I think that the new RX needs to have at least 250 hp. Considering the Cadillac SRX will have 250 base hp with a optional V8 making 315-330hp the RX will be way underpowered.

whotheman

Until......Lexus puts more juice in the V8 SUV's, which won't happen until 2005 (model year).

The good news is 220HP is enough to sell with, and RX300 sales haven't slowed, still outselling MDX 2 to 1.

The new redesign will sell like crazy for the first year, or two. Then more power will come.

Lexus wants the GX470 to do well it's first year, so any power gains in the RX must be modest, for now.

j21210

Just purchased a new Lexus 2002 RX Coach from Lexus of Anapolis and the transmission died within two weeks...died, as is D-I-E-D!!
They want simply to replace the transmission...no apology...not "how can we make you happy,"...
NO luxury Lexus Customer service.

Nightmare in Baltimore
Steve

wwest

And your base complaint is ????

Kirstie_H

I hate to sound flippant, but this is generally how warranties work -- something breaks, they fix it at no cost, end of transaction.

kirstie_h
Roving Host & Future Vehicles Host

machiavelli

I agree with wwest and kirstie. The warranty doesn't say ... "if anything breaks on your car in the first year or 12,000 miles instead of replacing the defective part, we'll just give you a whole new car......" yeah, right!

magnetophone

Now, if your transmission breaks, and a few other things break, and the car stalls a few times... then it's worth a buyback. Have faith in Lexus quality.. I'm sure that's going to be the worst it gets.

whotheman

chsmithins

Due to extraneous circumstances it looks like our 2002 RX purchase will now have to be put off till late 2002 or early 2003.

In an attempt to placate ourselves, we also rationalized that the delay could be good because we'd most likely also be able to see real pictures of the new 2004 model by then to compare.

From what we understand, the 2003 model year is only going to run till about April. At that point the new 2004 is supposed to come out as a mid-year replacement --- is that correct? That would give the RX a 5-year run, typical of Toyota, as it was mid-year introduction in 1998.

This could make for some very good deals on the "old" (current) RX as dealers try to clear space for the replacement sometime in early 2003.

Does this make any sense?

airmatic

I am a happy owner of a 2002 RX300, in a beautiful black color. After being a disgusted owner of a 2002 Benz S430, i am trying to stick to lexus now. I love my RX so much, i want to get another one, (i will keep the original RX, and benz). But, i have heard that there will be the 2003 RX330. My local dealer has offered me an excelent deal (not coach ed.), and i dont know whether to accept it, or wait for the new RX330. The problem with owning a first-year model is bugs. I owned a 1998 mL30, and it was a disaster. Advice is appreciated.

coolguyky7

Sounds like you have some nice cars! If you can wait for the new RX, then do so. I'm sure you won't get a great deal on it as you would now. However, it will be a redesigned model with a more powerful engine. But if you own a new S430, I wouldn't worry to much about a few thousand dollars. Lexus is pretty good with avoiding initial model problems, even though it can happen as it can to any auto manufacturer.

airmatic

Thanks for the advice. I think that I am going to risk it, and try to wait for the new RX330. Does this mean that there will be no more RX300's (to be called RX330?). I know that Lexus makes wonderful cars with excelent reliability (compared to benz!), and I don't recall any problem with first year ones. The only problem that I had with the the current RX is the odd dashboard-styling. It reminded me of some old minivans how you can crawl easily from the passenger seat to the driver without reaching over the center.

rainbowva

Automobile magazine stated in the September issue that the RX300 will be renamed RX350. ????
I am 33 years old and currently drive a 98 LS400. I look like I am driving my father's car. I would like to get a RX, say, around 2005.

suprazeus

The V8 based GS is the only car from Lexus that somewhat projects the elements of youth, intelligence and controlled aggressiveness (had both the GS400 and 430 - moved to the 430 for the increased torque and the additional interior wood but still felt too sterile and the engine sounded too stressed when floored, which made me look like I was trying really hard - not cool). I love the Jag interior (had the V8 turbo-charged model for 3 months, but could not handle the rattles - the car could have been awesome, but is so poorly executed it should be extinct).
At 33 (I am 34) it's all about hot babes, good looks, testosterone and fun times so please forget about the estrogenated RX, fake teeth LS and genetically dysfunctional SC.
The Mercedes ML is for moms, so the BMW X5 is the only one left that looks relatively good (4.4 or 4.6 engines) for a guy, drives OK and has a decent interior (except maybe for the black headliner and too few wood choices).
Good luck...

buckeyedon

with such a mature post. Form over substance works for the short run. Eh what? Good luck with the babes as you enter 6th grade in that V8, er, V12 testosteroned X5 that comes with sherpa and two hotties. A bientot.

magnetophone

Also, I believe that Jag V8's either come in regular or supercharged form, no turbo. Unless Audi and Jag have been mating behind the bleachers...

outrun

If you're 34, that "wealthy" that you can afford all those cars (including a non-existant turbo Jag), and STILL be single, you need more than a car...

-Craig

coolguyky7

http://thehollywoodextra.com/lexus/lexus.html

Looks too much like an altered RX/Rendevous to be real.

bored

djdj

This August, I had to drive from Ohio to Plymouth, MI outside of Detroit.

Coming back in the afternoon on 275, I passed a heavily masked SUV, draped in all that canvas you see in the spy photos. Indiscretely trailing it 40 feet back was a brand new shiny Lexus LS 430 with manufacturers plates that changed lanes everytime the SUV did.

Based on the escort, I was then easy to figure out it was an RX. Although you couldn't see details, the overall shape didn't look any different and the ventilated mesh in the canvas for the grille was in the same place the grille is now.

lenscap

My dealer has confirmed the vehicle will be called the RX 330. It will go on sale next March 2003 as a 2004.

Lexus dealers will be attending an all-day seminar on Friday, October 18 on upcoming new products, so hopefully more info will be available then.

aikiman440

I spoke with a friend at Lexus this past week. This is what he told me regarding the new 330. It will have the 3.3L 240-250hp engine and will have a third row like the MDX or Pilot. He called it a copy of the Honda design. He also said the dimensions on the 330 would increase in each direction. I don't usually check this topic, but I thought you guys might like to know.

lenscap

Everyone at Lexus I have spoken to has said there will be no third seat.

We'll just have to wait and see what really happens.

rsmwalker

There is a new spy pic of the upcoming RX330 on the Swiss Lexus Club webpage (German). The third picture from the top looks to be legit. Headlamp theme follows ES300. Website: http://www.lexusclub.ch/News_RX330.htm

coolguyky7

The third picture down has been on the Internet for months and I think it's a Photoshop creation using the current RX and the LS430. The last drawing looks to be much more accurate as the rear sides of it are very similar to the one in the first spy pic, which is real.

diploid

That must be one very professional Photoshop artist!

3rd pic down looks very real to me. The 2nd pic is the obvious fake one, IMO.

sjohnson11

Do you guys think this wish list is possible on the new 330?
1. Dual zone climate control
2. Steering wheel mounted audio/cruise control
3. In dash 6CD changer
4. LED tail lights
5. Laser guided cruise control
6. Park-tronic system
7. A continously variable transmission (CVT)
8. Would love a third row of seats..but from the spy photo on this site it doesn't seem possible to me because there isn't a window on the side rearend of the vehicle.....

coolguyky7

Wishes 1-3 should be easily granted. LED tail lights are possible and laser cruise and park-tronic are less likely to be available. The transmission should be a 5-speed, but not CVT.

ch05e

I have heard so many different dates about when the RX 330 is suppose to come out. I heard it was suppose to come out in Fall or early summer and now I hear from you people that it is suppose to come out in April. Can anyone confirm this? And if they are having a meeting on future vehicles on October 18th then will new photos of the car come out. More questions--- Third seat or no third seat? It would make sense not to have one because they already have 2 SUV's that have one. Will Lexus show a prototype at the Detroit Auto Show? How much horsepower and what type of engines? I think it will have a version of the 4runner's new V6 that produces 245 and to keep the RX 330 a trend setting SUV they will have one of the most powerful hybrid engines to be put out on the market. What new technologies will it feature? I think LED tailights would be a nice feature to make the RX once again look futuristic and stereo functions obviously, more wood, and they will obviously have to keep the LCD screen because that is a high technological feature that just can't be taken away. If you have any answers or response to these questions please tell!

lenscap

The all-new RX 330 will go on sale in March as a 2004 model. This will be exactly five years after the original debuted.

Supposedly the car will be at the Chicago Auto Show in February, but not sure if it will make an appearance in either Detroit and/or Los Angeles in January.

The Lexus meeting on October 18 is not for the press, so it is doubtful photos will come out of that meeting. But the dealers should know more specifics after that date.

sjohnson11

Has anybody heard if lexus-link will be available on the 330?

ch05e

Thanks for the info.Do you think it will have a third row seat? And have you seen any pictures of the car that are actually real.