toyo

Well, Maybe I shouldnt say very. I have a 01 Rx300 awd model. It has 94k miles on it. It has been a great vehicle, original brakes etc. Just replaced the original LTX tires. I had to take it in the shop for something this week, they gave me a new Rx330 to drive. It was 2wd, no navigation. Pretty much all else I believe.
The positives on the 330 is the center console, and a couple of other nice conveninces. The thing I was most upset about is the low speed acceleration. It feels very rough, like it has bad motor mounts. I have heard alot of people complain about this new engine, I see why. I still cant find myself moving up into this car. Mine has every available option on it, still runs like new, gets 23 mpg and very dependable. If I was looking to moving up, I think I would have to go with the 4runner.

CK6Speed

iTrader: (1)

Try test drive an AWD new model instead of one of their loaner cars. For me, I don't see anything wrong with the motor. I guess it is louder than the previous engine, but I don't have any low speed viabration or roughness. Other than the sound of the engine which I don't mind, the car is just as smooth as my moms ES300 and sisters ES300 which used the same motor as the RX300.

SupraLB

My GF has a fully loaded RX330 AWD and its probably the best SUV i've ever driven, hands down. I'm in the market for one now. Plus, the stying of the new RX330 is so much better with the sports car profile.

Plus, the reverse camera option is worth its weight in gold. Parking the SUV in a tight space can now be done with ease.

toyo

I guess I need to clarify my point. I am not saying that the RX330 is not a nice suv. I am saying I didnt see a big jump from my 01 300. Not 5k worth in my opinion. Look at the big difference from the last gen 4runner to the current one. It was a huge jump.

parula

Toyo, from a 15 minute test drive, if the difference is $5k, then you may be right, that's a big diff, but then there's more power, better looks, cam, great ride quality . . ......

I thought the engine noise was a bit louder than mine - a bit hard to tell but questionable- Toyota should try to reduce engine and wind noise overall to eliminate any question in my opinion.

toyo

I felt it was quiter than mine except for the engine noise and non-Lexus smoothness I am accustomed too. The center console sure is nicer! I put about 200 miles on it while I had it, so that was a good test drive to me. I got mine back today, I kinda liked it when I got back in it. That is whats so strange, I am usually the one that has to have the latest, greatest thing out there, but for some reason the new one didnt give me that feeling. I guess my wife would frown upon me buying a new suv, when I have my 02 BMW M3 to scoot around in.

Rexus300

iTrader: (1)

Can I add something....
The Old RX300 was very nice, and not doubt about it, but the turning circle was lousy as compared to the new one, and the steering in the old one was flimsy since it did not keep the vehicle in a good straight line, no matter what type of tires you had, and the acceleration was still not on demand on the old one. There has not been any more complaints about the loud noise since this summer when Lexus had addressed this problem on the vehicles built before June and after June of 2003. Our Lexus is very quiet even though it is more SUV like engine than the SC430 we have, but HEY thats what SUV are supposed to be..The new one is more sturdier, had a better steering feel, and a much better SUV acceleration and performance and on demand pick up. Oh, and our new RX330 soaked the bumps much better than the old one even though the old one was a pleasant ride. Toyo, i also drove the new Toyota 4Runner and I really like how it handled but the shape of it on the outside and the back is a big turn-off. The old one had a nice outside to it. But the interior of the new one is very nice, but its too pricey for what it has. My Infiniti QX4 had a better price for what it had.
Just wanted to tell you my opinon.

lexguynj

The RX330 is my wife's car and I actually enjoy driving it when I have the chance.

The acceleration is smooth and fairly powerful. I'd actually have to say it's very nice. Lexus did a great job with this revamp, because everything about this current generation is better as well as sportier. That is what a new generation is all about, improving on the old generation, no matter how good the old generation was.

I have friends that have the RX300 and they notice the additional power in the RX330, however they always tell me that the turning radius is much improved with the new RX330. Somehow this turning radius issue always comes up. I am not familiar with it, since I never owned a RX300.

As for the RX330's engine / road noise, sure it may not be lexus like, but I like a nice growl to my engine upon acceleration. I like to hear it working for me.

The RX330 overall is a great vehicle and add me to the quickly growing list of huge fans of this vehicle (eventhough I am car guy)

parula

lexguynj, fwiw, I find the turning radius issue very minor, getting out of the driveway: while worth noting it wouldn't be at the top of my list of issues.

MQM

I like everything about the new rx, i like the front styling, but i prefer the old rear styling better..but everyone has their own opinions...as of right now im very happy with this car and i plan to keep it 4 a long time

RX300-BV

parula,

For me, the turning radius is definitely an annoying issue. When I can park my larger Ford Explorer with greater ease then my smaller RX300, that's bothersome. The turning radius is also a factor when deciding if I can make a u-turn or have to do a 3pt turn, especially if it's at a busy, narrow intersection.

parula

RX, I hear you, I run into the problem every morning and elsewhere, guess I have learned to live with it in almost 5 years and compensate. Since I don't have anything except the Civic that turns on a dime - it's less troublesome than a couple other issues to me.