I'm a new 2008 ES350 owner. I've had the car for about 6 weeks, with a couple of out of town trips (out of Phoenix, AZ). I notice that the AM radio reception seems to be very poor - only about 40 miles of reception before it cuts out. I'm used to 150 miles or so in other cars. I just have the standard
radio. On the other hand, the FM reception is outstanding. Has anyone else experienced poor AM reception? Any ideas?

 

It seems that the poor reception is caused ever since Lexus started embedding the antenna in the window glass. The old type of antenna rod was much more efficient in pulling up weak radio signals.

 

I agree, AM radio reception has deteriorated since the manufacturers went to atennas in the glass and it is probably not a bad trade-off. A couple of years ago I noticed some manufacturers (Ford for example) appeared to be going back to fender mounted antennas but I think they soon were back to the in the glass antennas. I never knew whether it was a cost or performance driven change. The wind noise, vandalism and other issues with fender mounted antennas make them undesirable. I can recall being over 125 miles from Phoenix in my last car (which had an in the glass antenna) and still being able to pick up the only AM station I ever listen too.

Dave Mac