Same here. We are not talking about night and day difference between the generations....... just critiquing some notable differences as Lexus began a conscious move to attract more masculine drivers to the mix (bigger grille, louder sound - not necessarily noise, larger wheels, harsher ride - relatively speaking, higher steering wheel effort). For a long time, Lexus wanted to shake the brand image of "faminine" or "maxipad ride" car for quite a while. I, however, think that gen 1 and gen 2's build quality were slightly higher quality in an old fashion kind of way. (you still had to replace the timing belt). On the other hand, the Gen 2 hybrid AWD kinda blew in deep snow. (ICE version interestingly did away with viscous slip center differential for 3 -4 years only to bring it back for 2007 and later models)

another brand that went the other way is BMW which was all about "sport" and "feel the road." Apparently BMW felt the money instead from softening up their image. Have you driven an X-5 lately? it's super syrupy and soft everywhere. It's like you are getting a cheap $20 massage for a huge monthly lease payment. And, the lease payment you will make cuz you can't own these disposable cars that break down right at 50K mile mark.

 

I beg to differ ...
Toyota had established itself as mass producer of economy cars and gold standard off-roaders. They launched Lexus [Luxury line] intended for essentially American market [Cadillac/Benz] knowing the reliability is the weak point of the established/target competitors. RX [most popular line] was never in the initial offerings. I think Toyota also knew the attitude of European [performance image and love_of_local]. Benz also made performance models but you can not run business on few sales. [Exception are low volume like Porsche etc]. Lexus just won over that market by providing top-notch service and after sales care (recall etc).
Then came the ever shifting market trends and consumer choices. Although not the first [Benz was] Xovers, RX was offered. That became an instant hit and RX was generally gobbled up by the upward mobile families .... read MOMs and hence the feminine vehicle by association [Buyer's left the growing mini-van band wagon]. Lexus just hit the holy grail and the old adage applied .. dont tinker with the cash cow. The completion started making use of the areas not addressed by Lexus and started throwing aggressive/performance/'masculinity. Lexus is now trying to address them ever so slightly back and forth with RX.
In the non-RX foray, Lexus has made a few attempts to enter the performance vehicle category, but has not been able to make inroads in that market. Price image and snobby attitude is big hill to conquer. GS of late 90's, LFA and now LC.
How many of RX owners [or any lexus] have pushed their vehicles to the limit to test performance? All prefer solid long term, low maintenance vehicles over fun cars. ....... hmmm sounds like i am talking about marriage and not vehicles.

In summary it is business plan and market reality.
Salim

 

Not sure how your opinion, though stated much more eloquently, differs from mine but, Yes, I agree that Lexus' version of aggressiveness/Performance orientation came out rubbing me (and some others) in not such great way as we actually like the traditional RX value proposition from Gen1 and Gen 2 characteristics more than the Gen 3. And Gen 4 is just a whack in the face for me cuz I can't get used to the Predator jaw. I also agree that I have no plans to take my car racing or serious off-roading (though there are a few who did that from Gen 1 forum - Lexmex comes to mind) but Lexus could have done a little more with the car's performance attributes (Acura MDX's magnetorheological shocks or the Jaguar's excellent f-pace comes to mind) instead of just adding sound and noise along with larger wheels if they genuinely wanted to bring out the sporting intentions....

In other words, why mess with a good thing?

 

Thought I'd add a little more here, but I'll explain where I'm at. I'm a retired (70 years old) mechanical engineer living in Northern Wisconsin and really need a AWD or 4WD just to get in and out of my driveway (1/2 miles dirt road), I need something that can pull my pontoon trailer and snowmobile trailer - only for short distances though. I've owned Chevy, Ford, Pontiac, and Oldsmobiles - I was sort of a "Be American, Buy American" kinda guy until my kids started driving and I bought them Toyotas and Hondas. They beat the hell out of them and couldn't kill them while I took care of mine and ended up in the shop way too much. I bought a Honda Pilot EXL and drove it for 10 years and no real problems. I bought the 2005 GX and couldn't believe how quiet and plush the ride was AND how well it did on snow and ice - I was sold on Lexus then. At my age I like a quiet and smooth ride (luxury). The 2012 3X I bought just falls a bit short of my expectations on the ride and noise side, but it is amazing and I'm probably just getting to be a Lexus snob because now whenever I get in a different car I compare it to mine, and seems nothing in the GX or RX format beat the Lexus.

 

Yes, Toyota and Lexus (and MOST Japanese brands are top tier in the reliability department. But some are slipping or have slipped downward).

I used to think a "vehicle" is just something that can RELIABILY take me from point A to B. So why should I spend any more than "necessary"? Then I discovered the LX.

You should try the LX. IMHO LX trumps them ALL in every department. Ever since as a teenager way back in the days of the Land Cruisers.........I've always wanted one, but can not afford them back then. Then in college, the first (rebadged LC) LX450 came out I knew I wanted one for sure. It took me a while to acquire my FIRST LEXUS, a brand new LX470 and I'm sold for life on the LX (and LEXUS as a brand).

Enjoy!!!

 

I would have to agree with what some of the people are saying. If you really love and enjoy your 01 RX then I would take your time in finding another one. Stick to what you are most comfortable with cause once you change for something different it never really is the same. So sorry yo hear of your accident.. Best of Luck yo you finding another vehicle!

 

Interesting observation:

The OP has not even logged in since starting this thread on 02/12. In fact, this thread was the second of only two posts by the OP.