Agent001
Agent001
Big Dreamers Never Sleep
View My AgentSpace

Print this Page | Digg It | del.icio.us

Tags: Lexus, RX350

Tag Links: Lexus, RX350

Review: Lexus RX350-Why can't the competitors beat it?
Lexus took the concept and came up with the luxury crossover in the form of its RX model that pretty well sets the benchmark in this category.

The 2007 RX 350 shows the wisdom of continually refined and upgrading a successful vehicle to remain competitive in a segment, as opposed to creating rafts of new models in an attempt to cash in on a good thing. While the RX 350 is outwardly similar to the RX 330 it replaces, there are actually 39 significant changes like a special sound reducing laminate windshield that results in a two-decibel reduction in cabin noise. Read Article
Review: Lexus RX350-Why can't the competitors beat it?



Comments:

Images hosted in your AgentSpace can now be posted in the comments section using the following syntax (case matters):
[img]IMAGE URL[/img]
Example: [img]http://agent004.myautospies.com/users/150/Sample-Gallery/sample1.JPG[/img]
enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 4/14/2007 2:07:49 PM
+2 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
love the stony creek news! great publication!

reply to this comment
EL34EL34 - 4/14/2007 11:56:42 PM
+2 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
never heard of it.


Ironman273Ironman273 - 4/14/2007 2:28:54 PM
+9 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Hey, I like the Lexus product, but it's interesting to note that Stoney Creek is (according to Live Maps) aqbout 42 miles away from Cambridge, where they build the RX. Vested interest? Hmmm...

reply to this comment
CarboyCarboy - 4/14/2007 4:09:43 PMView My AgentSpace
+2 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Which Cambridge, Cambridge, Massachusetts?


enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 4/14/2007 8:37:46 PM
+3 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
the RX is manufactured in canada at the plant mentioned above.


Agent63Agent63 - 4/15/2007 4:07:11 AMView My AgentSpace
0 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Obviously they favor them


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 4/14/2007 5:43:19 PMView My AgentSpace
+2 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
001, what's with the slew of Lexus propaganda? Did they give you another free car?

reply to this comment
EL34EL34 - 4/14/2007 11:57:47 PM
+2 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
I wanna free Lexus.

*please*


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 4/14/2007 10:11:21 PMView My AgentSpace
+4 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
There are three reasons we didn't consider the FX...

1. The trunk is tiny. About half the size of the RX's.

2. At the time, it was the pre-updated FX we would've considered. The interior was disappointingly cheap.

3. My wife prefers a luxurious SUV to a sporty one... and she therefore likes the Lexus brand more than the Infiniti brand.

reply to this comment
LexusKindaGuy12LexusKindaGuy12 - 4/14/2007 7:16:58 PM
+7 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
i actually own a 2004 rx330. and before than a 2000 rx300. What draws me to the car? the wife likes it. its a great cruiser, and i think it actually looks good. add an okay engine in there, some sound proofing, and you got yourself a nice car. Now we dont take it to the track ,and ive never driven an FX, but what kinda soccer mom needs a sporty SUV?

reply to this comment
RupertRupert - 4/14/2007 8:00:31 PMView My AgentSpace
-7 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
what soccer mum needs a laminated windscreen or indeed a 3.5 litre engine?


LexusKindaGuy12LexusKindaGuy12 - 4/14/2007 9:11:56 PM
+7 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
laminated glass for quieter interior

3.5 liters for those 5 heavy americans in the car


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 4/14/2007 10:07:54 PMView My AgentSpace
-1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
LexusKindaGuy, I'm in the exact same position. My wife has loved her RXs- she had a '98 RX300 and now has an '04 RX330. But it's average at best. There's no real reason why it sells so well; M-Class is just as quiet, with a more expensive-looking interior, X5 obviously handles better and looks better, RR Sport is more prestigious/luxurious/good-looking, and FX drives better.

I'm perfectly happy to buy it for her, but I uttered a semi-audible sigh of relief when she told me she didn't want another SUV. She doesn't want another Lexus, either-- she says they're too popular, too boring. All of the sudden, I think? Go figure.


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 4/15/2007 10:34:32 AMView My AgentSpace
-1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Thanks, I really needed you to tell me how to support my family. I'm doing such a terrible job, too. Of course I am- you know everything about my life!


RupertRupert - 4/14/2007 7:59:51 PMView My AgentSpace
-4 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
the RX is a bit old tech though, only a 5 speed auto? Does Lexus have the current biggest gap in gearing ratios for a car maker? 5 in the RX to 8 in the LS is quite a jump.

reply to this comment
LexusKindaGuy12LexusKindaGuy12 - 4/14/2007 9:10:58 PM
+4 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
errr.

Rx350 release date: April 2003
LS460 release date: September 2006

3 years is a lot of time for new tech.


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 4/14/2007 10:08:38 PMView My AgentSpace
-3 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Not for three speeds. They could've quite easily put in the six-speed that went into their sedans the year after.


LexusKindaGuy12LexusKindaGuy12 - 4/15/2007 1:44:31 AM
+3 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
well its in the middle of production. they arent going to make big changes to it until the resdesign.


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 4/15/2007 3:41:35 PMView My AgentSpace
-1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
No, I'm saying they could've put the six-speed tranny in the RX from the START. If they had it a year later, was it really that hard to attain or develop, whichever they did?


nvmenvme - 4/15/2007 6:33:58 PM
+2 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
more gears does not mean better!!



MunichRobMunichRob - 4/14/2007 9:22:11 PMView My AgentSpace
-1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
It's a practical, straight forward, reliable & easy to operate luxury S.U.V. which you'll get bored of the first week.

Best in class for the soccer moms...not the enthusiasts.

reply to this comment
EnnNorakEnnNorak - 4/14/2007 10:03:02 PM
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
The RX was on my shopping list a few years ago until I found out that the spare tire was no longer mounted inside in a proper wheel well and on a matching alloy wheel. Who wants to change a tire mounted on a wheel underneath the vehicle where it is crusted up witth winter salt and mud? Also my wife and I both banged our heads on the roof upon entry due to lack of proper height adjustments on the front seats. I have to ask: has Toyota fixed these problems?

reply to this comment
S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 4/14/2007 10:09:37 PMView My AgentSpace
-2 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
I'm pretty sure the RX350 has more seat adjustments, but I don't know about any of the other problems you encountered.


LexusKindaGuy12LexusKindaGuy12 - 4/15/2007 1:43:52 AM
0 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
the reason why they have the tire underneath (which is covered in a case btw) is so that soccer moms (primary drivers) do not need to reach down to drag up the tire, they can lower it from the bottom and install it that way. btw, it does have a full size alloy rim to it. always had.


no1listensanywayno1listensanyway - 4/15/2007 2:32:28 AMView My AgentSpace
+2 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
What makes the RX so sucessful, is like asking what makes the ES 350 so sucessful? I would say that there is no direct competition with either of them.

reply to this comment
sewingmachinesewingmachine - 4/15/2007 3:05:40 AM
+4 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
didnt the rx basically start the whole crossover phase. i can just imagine all the other companys laughing at them, when they first showcased the vehicle, but now every company is coming out with them.

reply to this comment
Agent63Agent63 - 4/15/2007 4:10:07 AMView My AgentSpace
+4 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
I've sat in the RX before. It is quiet and the bumps are soaked up pretty well. It's how Lexus should be. When i'm in the new ML and the other German SUV's it's a different ambiance (which doesn't mean it's bad). Lexus gives the driver/passengers a feeling. The German's give their driver/passengers another feeling respectively. It's something I can't describe but all of the SUV's in this segment are pretty good these days.

The X3 rides not bad, the gear changes are seamless, but it's a totally different feeling from the RX. It's just something about the product that tells you YES THIS IS JAPANESE.. Haha I'm blabbing on but some of you guys may know what I'm talking about.

reply to this comment
Will_Will_ - 4/15/2007 5:51:56 AM
+2 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
"Magic feel?"

Don't be afraid to use that phrase if you truly believe it. There's nothing "wrong" with it.

I interpret the "YES THIS IS JAPANESE" feeling as "QUALITY."


Agent63Agent63 - 4/15/2007 9:38:47 AMView My AgentSpace
-2 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Not all Japanese products are QUALITY. In this case the quality is satisfactory and the consumers in this segment love it.


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 4/15/2007 3:43:26 PMView My AgentSpace
-5 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Will, you know how sick I am of hearing that word? I'm on the verge of pulling my hair out... REALLY.

Please! Define QUALITY! QUALITY, QUALITY, QUALITY, QUALITY! It's all any of you ever say!


Will_Will_ - 4/15/2007 7:28:26 PM
+2 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Hearing that word wouldn't frustrate you like that if your favorite brands didn't have QUALITY issues. Let's not even say "issues," let's just say, not as reliable as Lexus models. This is no opinion, but a proven fact that the general consensus also happens to share. You and your crew have even admitted it time and time again and have claimed that you would much rather prefer your German automobiles with a few quality issues than "boring and reliable Lexuses" did you not?


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 4/16/2007 10:06:13 PMView My AgentSpace
-1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Did I say they were? NO.

It just so happens that I have had a perfect experience with my Audi models... they've been every bit as reliable as our two RXs.

So the general public hasn't had the same experience. What do I care? As long as I'm satisfied with mine, as I am, there's no reason to get any Lexus instead.

While you're at it, why don't you add that Lexus is also more reliabile than INFINITI, BMW, Porsche, Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz and Jaguar? I'm not denying that! But reliability isn't why I buy my car! I have to LIKE the car first... reliability comes second. If it's truly a horrible experience, I won't keep the car. But that hasn't happened to me, and I don't expect it to.

reply to this comment
ninenine - 4/15/2007 5:41:50 AMView My AgentSpace
+3 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
I think it would easily be the best SUV - its not very expensive, has pretty good features and is just plain great

reply to this comment
S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 4/15/2007 3:44:31 PMView My AgentSpace
-5 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
You'd have to own one first. Owning an RX330 does not mean you don't lust after Range Rovers, Cayennes, etc.


johnsmitnyjohnsmitny - 4/15/2007 1:41:10 PM
-1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
I see these EVERYWHERE on the roads omg

reply to this comment
LexusKindaGuy12LexusKindaGuy12 - 4/15/2007 8:18:23 PM
0 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
do you live in a cave?

reply to this comment
mikeydred20mikeydred20 - 4/15/2007 9:06:18 PM
0 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
I am a Acura-kinda-guy and I would take the MDX any day 300hp 3.7liter raw animal and it looks better. Heated rear seats as a option which lexus doesnt offer and they say Acura doesn't do luxury, not to mention 1800 extra for Lexus leather seats which are no smoother than Acura's.

reply to this comment
Agent63Agent63 - 4/16/2007 6:31:47 AMView My AgentSpace
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
The new MDX is a respectable car. Quality levels have been opt for this second generation model. The old one wasn't appealing in any way. It wasn't even close to the RX in comparison. However the new one has been much improved. As good as the RX is now the MDX is an alternative to that.

The RX has a better fan base as well as consumer numbers but it will take some time for consumers to look over at Acura's MDX as a choice for SUV. Because of it's past reputation of having cheap interior quality it will affect the image that MDX has given to people who were once looking to buy.


mikeydred20mikeydred20 - 4/20/2007 6:41:45 PM
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
I disagree we are comparing apples to oranges here, the previous generation MDX was 265 horses while the previous RX was in the low 200'S. MDX was the suv of the year in 01 when it came out and furthermore I live in the New England area and I see more MDX'S than RX'S. If you have a link showing the RX outselling the MDX post it here. I read consumer reports and it list the MDX every year as a best buy/top pick.

reply to this comment
huu76huu76 - 4/15/2007 11:30:03 PM
-1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Ironman, Agent63,

Stoney Creek is the same distance away from Cambridge, Ont as it is from Oakville, Ont (home of Ford). Another 15 minutes and you're in Brampton, home of Chrysler and the 300/Magnum etc.

Stoney Creek is also a couple blocks from Hamilton as well, where a lot of Honda's body panels are stamped.

Incase anyone cares, MB HQ is at Eglinton/DVP in Toronto, BMW HQ is in Whitby, Toyota is in Scarborough. I guess all those cities prefer certain makes too?

reply to this comment
huu76huu76 - 4/15/2007 11:34:08 PM
+2 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Commonsense,
The FX's looks used to be one of a kind, then Hyundai decided to showcase their design ingenuity with the Santa Fe which, I'm sure is pure coincidence, looks almost exactly the same.

reply to this comment
HugoBossHugoBoss - 4/16/2007 1:30:32 AM
-2 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
FX= Nissan

Rx= Toyota

It's no BMW at the end of the day, it's just rebadged waste. Shucks i can rebadge any car in my garage. Hey i'll turn your old camry into a new ES and charge you twice as much, how does that sound?????

reply to this comment
Agent63Agent63 - 4/16/2007 9:30:11 AMView My AgentSpace
-1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Just to let you know that Lexus has separated from the JDM market. Lexus is a brand on its own and no longer re badged Toyota's (EVEN IN JAPAN). Sure the new LX will be badged as a Toyota in the UK but basing itself off a Land cruiser isn't all that bad to begin with. The LC is fully capable of what its designed for and it does very very well.

I love the BMW X5 and I like how smooth the gear changes in the X3 but I'm not a fan.


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 4/16/2007 10:08:40 PMView My AgentSpace
0 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
"HugoBoss?" With those kinds of comments, I doubt you've ever even SEEN a Hugo Boss suit. Ridiculous...


gsh23gsh23 - 4/16/2007 4:36:24 PM
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
true that, last time someone brought an x5 to the track is tipped over. not good since it didnt go off the track, causing a jam. dunno about the x3, but anyone taking any bmw suv to a track has to be seriously desperate for some german road feeling.

one time i saw someone jump a curb in a cayenne. the guy got pulled over by a cop.

reply to this comment
S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 4/16/2007 10:10:06 PMView My AgentSpace
-1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Why would anyone take an X5 to a track? BMW may produce performance cars, but the X5 ISN'T one. It's a rich housewife car, just like the RX and ML.


indoctrin8edindoctrin8ed - 4/16/2007 11:23:15 PM
0 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
You've obviously never driven an X5.

It handles better than most cars, and about as good as any SUV out there. Low center of gravity and great suspension components. I drove one just a couple weeks ago and gave her hell. Turned the DSC off and wagged the tail even on some hard corners. There's NO WAY I could do such a thing in an RX, which has about as much body roll as a doubelstacked eurobus and a suspension about as soft as cottage cheese.

The only thing similar between an X5 and a RX is they both have five doors.

reply to this comment
S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 4/17/2007 9:13:31 AMView My AgentSpace
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Saying it's the "best-handling" SUV is no huge feat. It is NOT a sports car, period. Yes, I know, it has great handlig for a 5,000lb car. And I know the RX drives like a Camry!


indoctrin8edindoctrin8ed - 4/16/2007 11:32:26 PM
0 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
In fact, the X5 might be the BEST handling SUV, Period.

This study concludes that:

* No vehicle with comparable or better off-road performance has better handling.
* No vehicle with comparable or higher seating height (and the corresponding improved visibility that this imparts) has better handling.

http://www-ksl.stanford.edu/people/kpfleger/auto/handling.html



reply to this comment
mikeydred20mikeydred20 - 4/20/2007 7:22:08 PM
+2 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
bull**** test show the new MDX outburned the BMW as well as the Porsche non turbo on the track in their own home town.SH-AWD is the best technological advancement on the market today. Yes BMW use to be the performance kings but the comp has caught up.


Agent63Agent63 - 4/17/2007 8:23:31 AMView My AgentSpace
0 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Okay you must have received a killer deal on a GM vehicle to say something so incorrect. A Saturn or GMC can compete with an RX in quality and comfort? I beg to differ. Even though the RX is in the small segment of SUV's and may not be as large as GMC's I assure you it is no piece of crap.

This website is basically Lexus & German fans. There is no room for domestic loving(especially when you compare German/Japanese Trucks or SUV's to a Domestic).

reply to this comment
Agent63Agent63 - 4/17/2007 5:48:13 PMView My AgentSpace
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
and GM has soul? what are you kidding me? You're the pansy here.

reply to this comment
Agent63Agent63 - 4/17/2007 9:57:24 PMView My AgentSpace
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
You don't know why people drive glorified Honda's? Is it because you drive a BMW and think you are better than them? Quit being so ignorant. You give us German fans a bad name. By the way It's not even a Honda to begin with. It's a Lexus. However one thing is for sure. I would take an MDX or RX over an X3 any day.

reply to this comment
answeranswer - 4/17/2007 1:24:00 PMView My AgentSpace
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Here's an explantation that will make a lot of you sleep better tonight.

The RX sells because everyone who buys one is a simple-minded fool who has been tricked. Truth is, the entire Lexus dealer network is made up of gypsies and retired circus carnies.

Since all Lexus products are completely undesirable, the staff at the dealerships make use of all their trickery including slight of hand, hypnosis, and blackmail(East coast only) to sell their vehicles.

reply to this comment
bevisroybevisroy - 4/21/2007 4:00:39 PM
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Lexus ALWAYS understates their 0 - 60 times by at least .5 seconds. Here are the results of the 5 Top Luxury Cars in this test which was reported in the January Issue of Car and Driver. Please note these tests were all done on the same day at about the same time and at the same altitude. The results reflect the average of 3 runs and all cars are the 2007 vintage.

Mercedes S550 5.6, 0 - 60 quarter mile in 14.1
BMW 750iL 5.7, 0 - 60 quarter mile in 14.2
Jag XJ Super 6.0 0 - 60 quarter mile 14.5
Lexus LS460L 6.2 0 - 60 quarter mile 14.6
Audi A8 6.8 0 - 60 quarter mile 15.2

Note that Lexus, as usual, is more than the 5.4 the manufacturer CLAIMS to get by .8 seconds.

Also note the LS430 (prior model the LS460 replaced) was rated at 295 HP and was actually 278 when Lexus corrected their rating. And there were no refunds or apologies from the so-called "quality" car company. ABC - Always Be Careful what you buy from the Lexus people.....

reply to this comment
To post a comment for this story, you must first Login.

If you do not have an account, you will need to Register (It's Free!).

Most Recent Stories
Is Lexus Missing the Boat By Not Having a BMW CS Competitor?EVO Magazine: Nissan Skyline GT-R Birth Of An Icon 1989EVO Magazine Long Term Test: Mitsubishi Evo X FQ-300 SST.....More Exciting Then The M3?2009 Suzuki SX4 Special Edition With TRIPCarlsson Tuned Mercedes GL500 With 435HP2008 Bentley Continental GTS Black Edition by Project KahnBMW Puts Lexus and Mercedes on Notice - But Did BMW Go Far Enough With Their New 7-Series?Bigger and more powerful Prius in the works2008 Jaguar XKR Portfolio Limited Edition in AustraliaPorsche 911 Powered Trike Troubled Waters by Phoenix Trike WorksPeugeot Builds 50 Millionth Peugeot CarPaolo Martin’s rendering of what the Fiat Topolino should look likeBrazil receives a new Volkswagen Gol 2009 modelSeat reveals schedule until 2010, includes first ever Seat SUVBritish companies plan a new kinetic hybrid flywheel systemTata faces a rough ride as shares dropGordon Murrays T25 City Car SketchesInterior spy pictures of the next-generation BMW 5-seriesSpy pictures of the BMW X6 HybridNew Tatra concept revealed, the 903 concept modelOpel to feature the Insignia hatchback and sedan at the British Motor ShowThe Chevrolet Beat is being considered for the U.S marketBugatti wants a new model, maybe even a four-door-coupeToyota Canada Reduce Retail Prices on 11 ModelsMaybach Exelero Concept for sale for $7.8 millionDetails emerge on 2010 Toyota Prius, more power and better fuel-economy2009 Ford Focus RS images leaked before debutGM To Unleash Corvette S-Limited in JapanA Sneak Peek At Mercedes Benz's European SLR Code Name Z199Leaked Images Have Hit The Web But The Spies Are The First With Full Details Of The New 7-SeriesSTUD or DUD? The 2009 BMW 7 Series Leaks It Way On The WebMINI SUV to spawn a 5-door hatchbackThink June Sales Were Bad? Both GM and Toyota Say Their Sales Will Fall Even FurtherBMW 135i with carbon fiber partsMerrill says GM bankruptcy possibleAUTOEXPRESS UK: Jaguar XKR-S vs Audi R8 vs Nissan GT-RPorsche 997 TARGA Refresh Leaked Before LaunchAudi A5 3.2 Quattro ReviewToyota struggling to meet small car and hybrid demandNow Just What Would You Do For A Tank Of Gas?High Gas Prices Causing European Market DownturnThe Good The Bad And the Ugly - Who Will Rise And Who Will Fall In 2008?Video: New Lexus RX goes testing at Nurburgring2008 JE Design Audi Q7 Street Rocket2008 BMW Z0 Concept Design by Andrei Avarvarii2008 Lamberti LS1 ConceptThe New Kia Forte Sport Sedan2008 Volvo & DOE Expand Drivelines2008 Audi R8 DTM Safety CarB&B Tuned Audi TTS Sportcoupe With 362HP