2004 Lexus RX 330 FWD from North America
Summary:
Best vehicle in it's class!
Faults:
The only problems I've experienced are a couple creak in the front dash and a buzz coming coming from the side A pillars, from the where the seat belts come out of.
However, on my first (free) 1000 mile service, the dealer was very attentive in addresing these issues. They put sound deafening insulation in these areas, and the creaks are completely gone.
Should also mention, I am very picky about fit and finish, and I had to send the vehicle back into the shop because some of the insulation that was poking out by 1/16 inch in some areas. They were good about trimming it down, so it not longer visible. At this point, everything is perfect.
General Comments:
Keeping in mind that my RX 330 only has 1100 miles so far, this is by no means going to be a complete review, nor can I account for mid or long term reliability. But so far, I'm loving the ride.
It has plenty of power for my needs and despite it being a fwd, it takes corners very well. It also has the smoothest transmission I've ever experienced in a car. The interior cabin is spacious and very comfortable. There are so many nice things about this vehicle that make you feel special when driving it.
Aside from the flawless fit and finish, the walnut wood steering wheel is gorgeous, and combined with my black leather upholstery, you can't get any classier than that. Let me add that the walnut wood is real, not simulated wood.
The leather is an excellent quality, very similar to what you'd find in fine leather glove. I've owned leather in previous vehicles (Buick/Nissan) and this is by far the best quality leather I've had.
I could say more..., but I think sum it up by saying that I think for the price, this vehicle offers more bang for the buck than other vehicle in the same category.
One more thing to add: The manufacture date of my RX 330 is June 2004. I'm mentioning this because Lexus has upgraded the transmission software in the newer RX's coming off the line to address the "transmission lag" that a few owners here have complained about. And my vehicle supposedly has this new software.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 31st July, 2004
23rd Aug 2004, 21:29
My RX330 has now done around 70,000km, without any problems.
I traded my X5, which was a complete disaster. Read review on BMW X5 for the full story.
7th Apr 2005, 13:44
According to reports, the transmission lag is not fully fixed. do internet search of Lexus transmission hesitation to find relevant discussions.
18th Apr 2005, 21:41
Iam quite surprised that someone traded an X5 on one of these cars, I did the oposite. My 2001 RX 330 was a complete lemon and Lexus refused to deal with the problems. In contrast, I have been very happy with the BMW X5 and the BMW support team.
13th Feb 2006, 05:02
The person who complained about his 2001 RX330 never owned one because there is no such vehicle. In 2001 Lexus only built an RX300. An RX330 wasn't built until 2004. This person has posted a lie, and this calls into question the reliability of other comments posted on Car Survey. Too bad.
13th Feb 2006, 10:50
This is an open forum where people aren't screened. Sometimes people get designations mixed up. And other times it's just people are posting from their own viewpoints/place in the world. For example, Hummer owners who claim their vehicles get great gas mileage.
31st Jul 2004, 18:22
I'm the one that just wrote this review, and I have to apologize for some of the typos and bad grammar. I should have checked it more carefully before I submitted it.