JohnsRX

ok, i drove a friend's 330 for 3 days just to see if i warrant a change. I drove a white/tan example with the lower valence painted to match the beautiful pearl white paint. From outside, i can definitely agree with its styling and everything, i know after some 20s it will look good. Stepping inside i immediately notice the leather is softer than mine and feels of higher quality. This car has every option besides the big sunroof, because it has a dvd screen and player in the rear headliner. The big dash on the passenger side feels too big and empty, the nav is the best in the business, the AC controls are a little confusing, so is the radio select functions. All in all, i think my interior doesnt look that out-dated. Then, it came to the driving, i was a little shocked at how loud the engine was, it definitely sound more robust than my 300 but it was a little too loud for a Lexus i think. I think the engineers wanted it to sound more like a sports car or something.
The reverse video camera is awesome. But somehow the car feels light and a little cheaper than my 300. The doors though, feel more solid when u close it. The power rear door was fun to play with. Driving the thing with its loud engine sound doesnt feel all that more powerful than mine. I think it might be faster but i dont note any difference. Really didnt like driving the car because it felt more bouncy and uncomfortable than mine. The overall feeling is that the car is lighter and feels cheaper. Im almost sure i wont take this over the FX. Its much different than the 300 but not all in a good way. Feels too much like a Camry, hence more boring than my 300.

Rexus300

iTrader: (1)

Interesting Review.

I have to say the RX330 Is much more better at highway speed than the Old RX300 which felt too light and cheaper. The RX330 handles the curves hell lot better than the outgoing model. AND Definetly the RX330 can pull our Jet SKI and the Trailer with more ease and accelerate alot faster than the RX300. The on center feel of the steering on the RX330 is much improved. The old RX300 will wander off the center line alot and it was very annoying. The RX330 will brake with much less nose dive than the old on! Jeez, the Rx300 will really nose dive. The old Rx330 was a terrific car but the it was badly of needed of more improvement in the handling and ride category which is now solved with the all new RX330. The new RX330 has a very nice steering and handling just like our Sporty 2002 Infiniti QX4. No matter what the RX330 will always be our best SUV for long distance trips.

P.s The bouncy u felt is due to high tire pressure in the tires, since these tires are much more bigger than the old car and it has less rubbers surrounding them. The Rx330 Soaks up the terrbile pot hole with ease similar to our outgoing Ls430.
Cheers.

Tej

Yankees Diva

wow both your reviews give good pros and cons. thanks!

~ Stella

MellonC00

when you say "feels lighter" you mean "feels underdampended"? is that right? Or do you actually prefer a heavier car?

JohnsRX

no, its actually a strange feeling, its like driving a camry where the controls, steering, car, trottle are light and too easy to use. Which is good in someways, but just think of it as opposite of a BMW, which feels solid and sometimes heavy in its operation, so i guess the feeling of the 330 was empty??? Definitely no other car in the category thats better, better priced, or better optioned, but if u have more to spend, i think the X5's incredible solid feel or even the FX's big butt presence is a better buy, since i have a 300 already.

Rexus300

iTrader: (1)

Haha, John, if I could get rid of my Infiniti QX4, I would definitely get the all new FX35, no doubt about it. The RX330 is a big improvement over the old one and many people I know agree with me. It may not be as good as the BMW X5, but however the Infiniti FX45 does drive a HELL ALOT Better than the BMW X5. If you did not know, the FX45 has beaten the X5 V8 in many auto magazines in the last 1 year. The RX330 is our family car and its a great one so far..

If you can get a new car, I will highly recommend you to get the Infiniti FX35 or FX45, since they are the best SUV to drive for the money and reliability and performance.
CHEERS!!
Tej

RayRx

I'd describe the ride/handling as like trying to balance yourself with your feet on a large ball. The 330 will nose dive like no other auto I have ever driven, well except my uncle's 1983 Buick Park Avenue.

Ray

Mark_LP

I noticed the same nose dive. Is there a way to correct this? Larger brakes in back or some other stiffer suspension part?

MellonC00

So my suspiscion was correct. You feel "underdamped" or under "suspended." In other words, there is not enough shock pressure from moving the car from that "bobbing up and down" ride. Or something like an Oldsmobile... to put it in a crude way.

There is always options for stuff like this, Stiffer shocks, Stiffer anti roll bars. I understand that there is going to be aftermarket parts available soon. So don't dispair.

Mark_LP

I had already asked my dealer about changing parts out from the performance package. No word yet from them.