Thanks for clearing things up, so the more appropriate word for the RX350 is "predicted" reliability. I understand many features and designs (good and bad) get carries over, but there are significant changes such as the new engine. Would be interesting to see how the ranking change as more real world data coming in.

 

Glad to help!

Consumer Reports ratings do fluctuate more than JD Power's, but both have ranked Lexus near or at the top.

 

As long as CR rates Lexus or at the top the are OK with u. If CR had for one moment bashed the Lexus then we would hear what a crock CR is. Anyway i think the headlights are just fine

 

Ratings are just that ratings. It has no bearing on the future performance of the car. Each and every car is actually unique. Coupled with your driving habits, will determine optimum performance. Safety is another matter.

 

LOL, not all of us are that partisan! Actually CR did drop Lexus to fifth for the latest survey overall due to the first-year GS' issues with some fit and finish, electronics problems. Hopefully the later GS models will fix that.

During the 'dark period' for Lexus in the mid-90's, Lexus also suffered in the CR ratings, that was a dip for them as they were at the top from the beginning, and since then.

 

1- I think CU is a reliable source of unbiased information on quality and reliablilty for autos. I have used their information not to decide which car to buy, but to help to narrow the field to well made and reliable vehicles.

2- I am 55 years old,and find the headlights on my 350 to be the best I have ever had. I have taken several night trips across unlighted interstates and even the low beams are more than adequate.

 

RX will continue to maintain their lead. And will raise the bar.

 

If you do not buy from a consumer reports ranking you are asking for it. Believe me they are usually on the money on most of their rankings. I do not buy new but if you do you need to wait to see if there are any gremlins about the car you are after. New models never! The good thing is you get a few years of the car out there and that is when you find out the problems and the real winners. Even then I bought a used 01 and the trans went out at 98k. I found out later here that there was a problem with this. I figured that being it is a Toyota I should get another 100k out of with out problem. NO! Way to early for a premiere auto from one of the most revered companies for reliabilty. So they all have their problems.

 

I've relied on CR vehicle reports over the years and find them to be a very good guide, IMO. The reports are not perfect -- sometimes CR would give very positive comments on a particular category and still give a medium-low rating for that category, and vice versa. But all in all, it's a good starting point. Recently I bought their 3-month online package to view their new car reviews because I was looking doing my research on the RX350. I highly recommend it versus the single report for a specific vehicle, much cheaper too. The best data I've got are the invoice and dealer holdback info -- it proved to be most accurate when the dealer showed me their downline.
Btw, I disagree with Bobbass title that CR ranks RX350 number 1 -- I find that misleading as it's actually number 3 behind RX400h and Highlander.

 

Anyway the top 3 as you indicated above are for all intent and purposes....are essentially the same vehicle.

 

It's good to see that the RX has been on top for a while; sometimes CR's results fluctuate from year to year. However they do comprehensive testing at a level few others do.

 

I like CR...they are the ones who always prove my points on slower 1/4 mile times compared to what the manfacturer says.

 

Cr has been the leader in unbiased testing. Hence Clark Howard likes them.

 

One thing to remember, JD Powers rates initial satisfaction - operative word here is 'initial'. CR tends to look at a much broader picture for long term reliability and safety. I can recall several cars that I've had that my 'initial' satisfaction was quite high, a year later I hated them! We read and follow CR pretty closely, have yet to be steered wrong.

 

Just how the philosophy of the traditional American Car company vs. Toyota is. Long term vs. Short term. JD Powers' Initial Survey is mis-leading.