Those are reasons why we just decided to pull the trigger and buy an '03. We actually like the smaller size of the current model and didn't want a bigger car. We like the rounded look of the current model and didn't want a traditional square SUV. We felt the 5th model year was a good bet versus the possible teething problems of a new model, a new assembly plant, a new engine, and I believe a new transmission. We also didn't necessarily have to have the latest and greatest.
Our price was sure right also. We bought in southern California from Lexus Mission Viejo (it was from a reference from someone on this board, by the way) for $500 over invoice for 2WD with Nav. Up here in the Northwest dealers demand MSRP! We were told, however, that some of the current price break in SoCal was from the glut of cars coming in after the west coast dock strike. Once that supply glut clears prices may firm upwards again there.
I had emailed about 5 dealers and got good responses compared to the stuffy Northwest dealer attitude. It was a great buying experience. Everything was done and confirmed prior to entering the dealership.
We're happy with our decision so far . . . hope it stays that way.
Anybody know what the actual dimensions of the vehicle would be? I am hoping it will be around the 188" length to compete with the MDX and XC90, but that's a pretty big jump from the current 180"
The RX330 will be pretty close to the Highlander in physical dimensions and specs. The Highlander uses the same vehicle platform as the upcoming RX330. So use the Highlander for reference.
This means the RX330 will be about 184" long and 72" wide. It will definitely NOT be 188". Lexus wants customers who want a larger SUV to get the GX470 instead. Don't knock the GX, it's pretty nice. Unless you can't afford it. :P
There is not much difference in terms of size between the HL/4ers or RX/GX. Unless you are towing, and need to drive off road a lot, there is no advantage of getting a 4ers or a GX. It is good that Toyota offers 4 choices for the mid-size SUV sector, but I think Honda is doing fine with just two. Toyota can stay on top as #1 only because Honda is having problem producing enough of its SUVs/van.
Also, a limited 4runners cost more than a RX300, While the HL SR5 v6 and 4Runner SR5 v6 priced at about the same level. I find that interesting.
A 4x4 anything is better than a 4x2 anything. A 4x4 + VSC is better than a 4x4 anything.
The true is: If .4 million a year of new camry and another .4 million a year of accord can do well in all weather, then a 4x4 VSC HL or RX is needed merely for added assurance - and because I can pay the extra for that extra assurance.
Regarding off road and rock climbing capability, I will probably do it once a year or less. Because like most of the population, I live in a place where there is highway. The only reason I even need a 4x4 with VSC is because of the snow in Michigan.
Just in case we have a repeat of Dec 90 or late dec of 95, our 85, then our 92 Jeep 4x4 needed 4 snowchains on the HIGHWAYS in order to navigate around all those camrys and such, including some 4x4s that went out without snowchains on board.
AS I see it VSC is no more of an added advantage than more tread contact patch. I would much prefer a "sick shaker" type of warning of impending loss of directional control so I would learn by being in the "loop".
For THAT kind of assurance, I suggest Land Rover, Land Cruiser, or a non H2 Hummer.
Or, I will just call in sick and save me the extra 3,000,000 Cent I need to pay that stupid car just in case the sky falls.
If my maths is right, VSC is actually cheaper than 4 Blizzak tires. In fact, VSC is one of the fewer and fewer advantage Toyota has over Honda. I am sure the new TL will change that when Honda makes stability assist standard just like those cheap bose speakers...
In fact, here's the caption underneath the photo: "Cody Baker, of Barnardsville, N.C., walks to back to his vehicle in Asheville, N.C., Wednesday, Dec, 4, 2002, after he lost control on the icy roadway and hit the guardrail, going the wrong direction, on his way to work."
Don't get me wrong. I think the the GX is a beautiful car (except for the rear tailgate). I just don't want a V8 that gets 15 or less MPG. It's just too much car especially when the pricetag with the options I want will run me around $50K
That's what struck me about the 330 is that it doesn't look like an SUV at all, it could pass for a car (at least judging from the pics.). This is not necessarily a negative; I suspect that some people, myself included, would like a car that is built a bit more rugged than your standard automobile, but anyone buying this to show-off the fact that they have an SUV will need to have their head examined (or at least their vision corrected).
"The RX330 is bigger in all dimensions than the current RX300 and able to accommodate an optional third-row seat. We expect it to be powered by a 240-horsepower 3.3-liter V-6 when it makes its 'official' world debut at the NAIAS in January."
From the pictures I've seen there simply isn't any room in the rear for a third row... especially since the rear liftgate seems flatter and more "hatchbacky" (thx magnetophone) than the current RX. I guess it is possible but the third row must be tiny if its there.
It's either really tiny or rear facing. At least it's optional.
Regarding the carconnection.com spy pic: the end looks more sloped because the hatch is up. If it's down, you can see (from the other spy pics) that there are blacked out pillars, so it's not really that sloped.
The real answer is that there is no third row seating available for the RX330. The Car Connection text is just plain wrong about the third row seats.
I mentioned before that the RX330 will be close to the Highlander in size. The RX330 is the Lexus version of the Toyota Harrier. From a Japanese article of the new Toyota Harrier the dimensions of the will be:
It DOES look like a hatchback. May as well be classified as one. As a matter of fact, all of the "toy" SUVs should be hatchbacks.
I don't understand the American Public. The hatchback is the ultimate vehicle. It can carry slmost anything, almost (If not more) than the SUV can. What happened to them? All the rest of the countries like them. What's wrong with us?
I can officially say this: The RX300 has turned from ugly, to oogly.
and Americans as a group consider stationwagons just too ugly!
my wife actually hated hatchbacks until we spent 10 days in Italy and all she saw were the "cute" hatchbacks that Europeans love, and next thing you know, to my great surprise, she said "you know what.. that Mini looks cute now that i think about it"
maybe if every american moved to Europe for 2 weeks they'd come back with a different perspective on hatchbacks.
THe market is at 3rd row seats, mcx, pilot explorer, the bmw lookalike isn't attractive to my family needs and have to go outside lexus for an mdx. there are people who want carlike ride, awd, suv look, that's what made rx300 so popular. I can't believe lexus is going backward. why even make a vehicle MORE expensive than the HL, and the same size. More cannabalism???? TELL ME WHY I SHOULD BUY AN RX330???? please, why not a HL for far less, or Pilot/mdx
Having such a rake of the rear hatch makes it even less usuable than a trunk. that's why i won't get the bmw, and the HL more and more attractive.
Hope tha rx330 is larger longer and more competitive with the mdx, if not there goes market share. the GX isn't the answere. body on frame, solid rear axle, ==== truck ride, I DON'T WANT TRUCK RIDE.
Well I would think that its a little too close to the RX's name especially given that they are relatively competitive vehicles. I'm somewhat surprised Toyota didn't get after Cadillac for the name like they did with Ford on their LS sedan.
I love it when car companies threaten each other. The latest is the one Chrysler tried with its Jeep grille trademark saying the RX's grille was too similar, along with another vehicle...possibly the Hummer H2? I think Lincoln backed off of the LS when Toyota wanted to call the Tundra the T-150 ("replacing" the T-100). Still, I think the LS sounds too close to the LS 430.
Are you considering buying the Infiniti FX45, the Volvo XC90 or Lexus RX 330? A tv producer is looking for folks who are likely to buy one of these vehicles in the future. If you fit the bill, and would be willing to share part of your experience with the media, please send your daytime contact information and vehicle shopping list to jfallon@edmunds.com by January 15, 2003
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name. 2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h) Review your vehicle
I read here that RX330 will be based on the current Highlander. But I thought the current Highlander was based on the old RX300. What is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?
Thank you landdriver. So, if the RX330 is based on the RX300, and if I don't need the larger size, then it seems like I will save some $$$, not miss out on a major improvement, and I don't need to wait for the RX330. Do you agree?
Has anyone seen that picture of a possible roof option for the RX 330? It was like a glass roof made of several glass panels that slide back making a huge sunroof.
berg32, But the RX330 will be a major improvement over the RX300. True, the RX330 will be a evolution of the RX300 platform, but that evolution will bring about may changes including better structural integrity, more safety features, a bigger more powerful engine, improved ride & handling, more features and so on.
General Motors and Toyota are gearing up to produce hybrid gasoline-and-electric versions of sport-utility vehicles and pickup trucks, the Wall Street Journal reported.
GM intends to offer hybrid systems as optional equipment across much of its lineup between 2004 and the end of the decade, the WSJ said, citing a company official familiar with the plans.
Toyota plans to launch hybrid versions of its Lexus RX330 luxury SUV and its Toyota Highlander SUV before the middle of the decade. Toyota is also "considering" developing hybrid versions of the Camry.
Over the next few years, most major auto makers plan to roll out hybrid versions of their SUVs or pickup trucks. Ford has already announced a hybrid version of the Ford Escape small SUV late next year; Honda also is considering expanding its hybrid offerings, perhaps in the next generation of the Odyssey minivan, Acura MDX and Honda Pilot; and Chrysler plans a hybrid version of its full-size pickup truck.
Next news item
-
now that would be interesting, thought at first i wouldn't consider this since i would like larger but if hybrid, welll hmmmmmmmm
Thanks Maxhonda99 for your comments. If the RX330 is for me, the bigger engine matters, but if for my wife it probably does not. The current size is better for her, it will fit in our garage. Improved safety features matter for both of us, of course. Maybe we'll buy a used RX300; there is a glut of them locally, but prices seem high.
Comments
get a minivan.
I'd not want rx330 to have a 3rd row seat, instead I would go for more space to put my golf clubs.
Our price was sure right also. We bought in southern California from Lexus Mission Viejo (it was from a reference from someone on this board, by the way) for $500 over invoice for 2WD with Nav. Up here in the Northwest dealers demand MSRP! We were told, however, that some of the current price break in SoCal was from the glut of cars coming in after the west coast dock strike. Once that supply glut clears prices may firm upwards again there.
I had emailed about 5 dealers and got good responses compared to the stuffy Northwest dealer attitude. It was a great buying experience. Everything was done and confirmed prior to entering the dealership.
We're happy with our decision so far . . . hope it stays that way.
This means the RX330 will be about 184" long and 72" wide. It will definitely NOT be 188". Lexus wants customers who want a larger SUV to get the GX470 instead. Don't knock the GX, it's pretty nice. Unless you can't afford it. :P
Optional Seating N/A N/A
Front Headroom 40 in. 39.7 in.
Rear Headroom 39.8 in. 39.1 in.
Front Legroom 40.7 in. 41.7 in.
Rear Legroom 36.4 in. 34.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room 57.9 in. 58 in.
Rear Shoulder Room 57 in. 57.2 in.
Front Hip Room 55.1 in. 55.3 in.
Rear Hip Room 54.9 in. 55.3 in.
MFR Passenger Volume 105.7 cu.ft 103.1 cu.ft
Standard Towing 1500 lb 5000 lb
Also, a limited 4runners cost more than a RX300, While the HL SR5 v6 and 4Runner SR5 v6 priced at about the same level. I find that interesting.
The true is: If .4 million a year of new camry and another .4 million a year of accord can do well in all weather, then a 4x4 VSC HL or RX is needed merely for added assurance - and because I can pay the extra for that extra assurance.
Regarding off road and rock climbing capability, I will probably do it once a year or less. Because like most of the population, I live in a place where there is highway. The only reason I even need a 4x4 with VSC is because of the snow in Michigan.
Just in case we have a repeat of Dec 90 or late dec of 95, our 85, then our 92 Jeep 4x4 needed 4 snowchains on the HIGHWAYS in order to navigate around all those camrys and such, including some 4x4s that went out without snowchains on board.
AS I see it VSC is no more of an added advantage than more tread contact patch. I would much prefer a "sick shaker" type of warning of impending loss of directional control so I would learn by being in the "loop".
Or, I will just call in sick and save me the extra 3,000,000 Cent I need to pay that stupid car just in case the sky falls.
If my maths is right, VSC is actually cheaper than 4 Blizzak tires. In fact, VSC is one of the fewer and fewer advantage Toyota has over Honda. I am sure the new TL will change that when Honda makes stability assist standard just like those cheap bose speakers...
So, no minor engine failure in this case.
http://the-sun.com.hk/channels/car/20021203/img/m4120301_big.jpg
http://thehollywoodextra.com/lexus/lexus.html
In this one, the new RX looks like a big wagon. The current version does a better job at imitating an SUV.
"The RX330 is bigger in all dimensions than the current RX300 and able to accommodate an optional third-row seat. We expect it to be powered by a 240-horsepower 3.3-liter V-6 when it makes its 'official' world debut at the NAIAS in January."
I think it looks too hatchbacky!
Regarding the carconnection.com spy pic: the end looks more sloped because the hatch is up. If it's down, you can see (from the other spy pics) that there are blacked out pillars, so it's not really that sloped.
I mentioned before that the RX330 will be close to the Highlander in size. The RX330 is the Lexus version of the Toyota Harrier. From a Japanese article of the new Toyota Harrier the dimensions of the will be:
186" Length
72.6" Width
65.7" Height
106.9" Wheelbase
The article is at: http://www.auto-g.jp/news/200212/05/newcar01/index.html
I don't understand the American Public. The hatchback is the ultimate vehicle. It can carry slmost anything, almost (If not more) than the SUV can. What happened to them? All the rest of the countries like them. What's wrong with us?
I can officially say this: The RX300 has turned from ugly, to oogly.
my wife actually hated hatchbacks until we spent 10 days in Italy and all she saw were the "cute" hatchbacks that Europeans love, and next thing you know, to my great surprise, she said "you know what.. that Mini looks cute now that i think about it"
maybe if every american moved to Europe for 2 weeks they'd come back with a different perspective on hatchbacks.
Anyone notice that even the Porsche 911 comes in a hatchback version now?
Never understood why Ford discontinued that beautiful Capri "bubble" hatchback. Screw the Mustang, bring back the Capri!
oogly - Extremely ugly. Use an exaggerated or elongated pronunciation of "ugly."
Anyone know if we'll see the RX/e (prototype) soon?
TELL ME WHY I SHOULD BUY AN RX330???? please, why not a HL for far less, or Pilot/mdx
Having such a rake of the rear hatch makes it even less usuable than a trunk. that's why i won't get the bmw, and the HL more and more attractive.
Hope tha rx330 is larger longer and more competitive with the mdx, if not there goes market share. the GX isn't the answere. body on frame, solid rear axle, ==== truck ride, I DON'T WANT TRUCK RIDE.
That rear swing door only reminds me of the vehicle which will undoubtedly carry me to my final resting place.
BTW Lexus and Infiniti SUV's are going to share the similar names: RX, GX, FX, etc.
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
Review your vehicle
GM, Toyota to Intro Hybrid Models
December 24, 2002
<http://www.caranddriver.com/images/pg_button_red.gif>
Page 1 of 1
General Motors and Toyota are gearing up to produce hybrid gasoline-and-electric versions of sport-utility vehicles and pickup trucks, the Wall Street Journal reported.
GM intends to offer hybrid systems as optional equipment across much of its lineup between 2004 and the end of the decade, the WSJ said, citing a company official familiar with the plans.
Toyota plans to launch hybrid versions of its Lexus RX330 luxury SUV and its Toyota Highlander SUV before the middle of the decade. Toyota is also "considering" developing hybrid versions of the Camry.
Over the next few years, most major auto makers plan to roll out hybrid versions of their SUVs or pickup trucks. Ford has already announced a hybrid version of the Ford Escape small SUV late next year; Honda also is considering expanding its hybrid offerings, perhaps in the next generation of the Odyssey minivan, Acura MDX and Honda Pilot; and Chrysler plans a hybrid version of its full-size pickup truck.
Next news item
-
now that would be interesting, thought at first i wouldn't consider this since i would like larger but if hybrid, welll hmmmmmmmm