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Comments
She drove it, she likes it and I found a good deal on a new 2002 w/ Premium Package, etc..
I'm really confused (lol), but my wife has to be one to like it. I prefer the styling of the MDX, but I have to admit that the Lexus does ride great, etc.
Any words of advice again?
Thanks.
As always, it comes down to what you want in your vehicle and your priorities. If your wife is locked in on one vehicle, perhaps that's a priority .
http://cadillac.com/cadillacjsp/futuremodels/srx/index.html
With a tasteful interior (not CTS!), CTS inspired handling, and high output engine, it will be a great SUV.
As far as I am concerned, the RX is a phenomenal vehicle. I average over 20 mpg in combined driving and I have had 0 problems since acquiring the vehicle in 9/99. I love the smooth ride and yet have enough room for family ski trips and other outings. So depending on your circumstance, I don't think you will go wrong with either vehicle- Hope that helps
Caddy claims best in class 2nd row legroom!
Do the headlights and fog lights have to be made into one big light?
The 2004 RX is NOT expected to have a third row of seats, as it would hinder sales of the GX470, for those looking for 3 rows, at less cost than a LX470.
whotheman
Since the purchase, I'm really pleased with the Lexus service. The dealer is within 10 minutes of the house, complimentary car washes any time we desire; loaner cars, etc...
And after driving the RX for a couple of days while my wife is out of town, I'm really beginning to appreciate this vehicle.
Thanks for your input and you'll probably enjoy the new MDX as well. Have you heard about the new Lexus/Forerunner?
Notice that square "nodule" on the front bumber(not sure what it's for...radar cruise control maybe?), it's on the right side in one photo, and the left in the other. Notice the same thing with the gas cap door; on the driver's side of the vehicle in one photo, the passenger side in the other.
So, the question is, which photo is "right side right?"
Also, wotheman, the SRX is built on the Sigma platform, the same used for the CTS and the upcoming new STS. The SRX has no relation to the Rendevoux in terms of parts/platforms.
I also thought the SRX was to have ride-height adjustable suspension, however it does not say that it does. However, the magnetic suspension whould make it really have a great ride while still handling like a sports enthusiast vehicle (the 50th anniversary Corvette has this sustpension, as will the Caddy XLR roadster)
I think the SRX will do very well. It's looks are nice, and certainly in line with this vehicle group. With the choice of V6 or V8, RWD or AWD, and three rows of seats, it seems there will be a configuration that will match almost all possible desires among potential customers.
I am very surprised to hear that the RX330 will not have a 3rd row seat. I think Lexus is probably making a mistake here. They probably will have one too many vehicles in their SUV lineup with the addition of the new GX470 (is that what it's called?). Cadillac had a chance to have a third level SUV in the form of a "Cadillacized" Olds Bravada, and they planned to do it for a while, but then they decided not to, and the Bravada goes to Buick. I think Caddy realized that with the SRX and the Escalade, they don't need anything in the middle.
Seems as though Lexus maybe didn't think this one through too well, and they'll have vehicles that are competing with one another in their own showrooms, or they'll loose sales to competitors from people who want an RX330 size vehicle but want a 3rd row seat.
"Bigger external dimensions give greater flexibility inside - freeing up more boot space and allowing for the addition of two extra seats. This makes the RX350 a bigger threat to seven-seat rivals such as the Mercedes M-Class and Land Rover Discovery."
I'd like to see any other sources that say otherwise.
Thanks to all of you for sharing excellent informations here..
But usually, the UK gets the smaller engine while NA gets the bigger one. If they say 3.5L (RX350) instead of 3.3L, I would assume it's for the NA market.
P.S. - Where is the RX330 forum? I looked at 16-19 in the RX300 forum, so it's not that one (but I did see postings from host Drew, LOL).
Lexus RX 330
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
we never would have contemplated such a long trip in the rx300 without the 3rd row. it made an enormous difference - the kids could sit together in the back row and watch a dvd, or sit separately in the 2nd and 3rd rows when they weren't getting along so well. we folded the 2nd row down and set up a laptop computer to view the dvds, tilting the screen to overcome the incline of the 2nd row. i used a soft kanga pouch on the roof to hold luggage when the 3rd row was in use. one note about the pouch - i was restricted to using the smallest, 8 cubic foot pouch because of the mdx's fixed racks - they really should be adjustable.
one difference i have noted is the behavior of the cars at highway speeds - i did not feel comfortable driving the mdx above 65mph when it was loaded with people and/or luggage - whereas the rx300 feels comfortable at any speed. but 65mph is fast enough for most situations anyway.
And let us know.
The X5 felt just as smooth and quiet above 90mph as it did below 50. On one stretch of 2 lane highway on the high planes along 285 I came up on a forming caravan. This happens when the lead vehicle is barely making 60 (towing) and is joined by a couple others that don't have enough juice to pass. It was easy for the straight six to move me from 60 up over 90 and get outta there. (It was some time before I saw cars in the mirror again.)
Other things worth mentioning: rain-sensing wipers were GREAT, so was dual-zone climate control (back seat also has cc). Something the reviewers NEVER pick up on is the lighting at night. Under each door is a light which illuminated the ground under our feet getting out -- comes in handy out in the boonies.
Thanks.
Does it REALLY not have bi-xenons?
I'm in the process of converting my RXes HIDs to bi-level, maybe I should tackle the X5 next.
Bi-xenons? No. When you convert to bi-xenons, what happens to the "flash" functionality? In other words, if you pull back on the stick to flash the brights, will it be effective? My xenons take a moment to warm up and I don't see how they'd be available instantly.
Porsche 996, ML, etc.
And no, insofar as I know it doesn't hinder my color choices, it just doesn't blend in and therefore isn't pleasing to the eye.
-mike
After reading all these boards, I am still confufed.
Here is what I am looking for:
1. Reliable,
2. comfortable,
3. 3rd row seat
5. nice looking
6. under $50,000.
7. mostly for on-road.
Which SUV is for me?
Two others with all criteria, are the Lexus GX470 ($50K loaded) and Volvo XC90 ($48K loaded), but both are brand new and subject to 1st year reliability issues (the Volvo more so than the Lexus).
Personally, I'm torn between getting an '03 MDX now vs. waiting a year on the XC90.
I drove the Sophia, my mothers, and that car's ride is harsh. The doors when slammed is loud. There is not enough instrumentation on the dash and the material quality pretty much sucks. The the engine is pretty loud at 70-80mpr and the stereo is pretty week.
When I drove my Honda the next day, I finally realized that you appreciate your car a little better. Us human beings at times take our cars for granted on some things and sometimes don't like our cars (that is you are driving right now that you really don't care--not your dream car) until you get the repair bill or drive someone else's car inferior to yours.
J "CaddyLac"
Funny, that's a pretty fair description of the Honda Civic too
And the Civic isn't one of the models being discussed in here either (hint <g>).
Steve, Host
tidester, host
I'd buy a V6 4runner limited and remove the running boards first.
Definitely a worthy contender, ON PAPER. Really wonder how reliable this thing will be with so many 'all new' systems...Found this at http://www.canadiandriver.com/news/030106-1.htm
Time line SEEMS to be structured to ensure adequate shake-out, still would NOT want to be "first on my block" to own one.
REALLY really curious about MPG, WIDTH(if narrower than MDX, than what is max./min. cargo width AT FLOOR {MDX can't hold 4x8 sheet goods flat on floor, Pilot can} , AIR BAGS, NAVI-system , Headlights (?Xenon, ?Bi-Xenon, ?curve following) ...
And with the announcement of 18" wheels as an option we can be fairly certain that rear, or front AND rear, snowchains can be used. Eliminating the FWD torque biasing problem, HAZARDS, with front chain capability ONLY.
I'll accept the "looks" as a fair tradeoff for actual AWD functionality any day.
Now if they'd just fix, simply reprogram, the climate control and the GPS/Nav systems I'd be a really happy camper.
There's also a review of Nissan Murano. I think the closest SUV to the Murano is RX330, because both are big on style and have very little off road pretensions. Even though RX is very good & gonna continue its success, Murano has it beat on style, performance and price.
The RX330 re-design was very disappointing in my opinion. Why even brother to re-design a vehicle if it looks just like the last one. The new and old looks almost the same except for the D pillar. They added bunch of features such as 18 inch wheels and sport suspension, but it all comes at a cost. If I pay $40,000 for a car, I do not want to see a list of options that is like 5 pages long. A car in that price range should have all those options come standard and try to keep its option list short.