The Bottom Line: If you don't want to get caught up in the crazy world of increasingly overweight SUVs and their correspondingly necessary power increases, this is the SUV for you.
Due to an impending baby on the way, we decided to give up our rusting 1988 Legend coupe and purchase an SUV in its place. We ended up buying a 2001 Acura MDX from my parents when they purchased their new Lexus RX330. See my review on the Acura MDX at http://www.epinions.com/content_105053064836
In 2001, the Acura MDX received many accolades for what was apparently a breakthrough SUV. Back then the main Japanese competition was the Lexus RX300. Since then several new luxury model SUVs have come into the fray - the Lexus RX330, and the Infiniti FX35.
I had the opportunity to drive the RX330. This one was made in Japan. Actually, all RX330s built before mid September 2003 are built in Japan. Between January and August, Lexus has sold 60,000 of these. Demand is so high that they only keep a 5 day inventory. Cars are generally kept at a 60 day inventory. The first Canadian built Lexus rolled off the plant this past week (September 22nd). It took them a while because Toyota had to retrofit the existing plant to accommodate the new vehicle.
By the way, good luck getting any sort of deal.
Exterior Appearance
My parents picked Crystal white and I hate it. An argument can be made that the silver colored rear lights blend better with white but I think it looks much better with Silver metallic or Breakwater Blue Metallic. Somehow white makes this car look less expensive. And considering that you're paying serious coin for this....
The RX330 has a much sleeker appearance than the RX300 it replaced. It feels and is significantly smaller than the MDX weighing in at 4065 pounds versus 4420 pounds for the MDX. Initial models including the one I drove are made in Japan. Subsequent models will be built in Ontario, Canada. The previous RX 300 weighed in at 3715.
My opinion is that the RX330 is currently the most elegant mid-sized SUV design out there. Sure the FX45 is cutting-edge aggressive design but the RX330 has a more refined look to it with more balanced proportions. A trend that seems to be emerging with the Chrysler Pacifica, Infiniti FX45 and Lexus RX330 is lower rooflines. A look that makes other SUVs including our MDX, boxy in comparison. The front is a slight improvement over the old RX300 with a cleaner appearance. My only criticism of the exterior appearance would be the rear tail lights. Not horrible, but the clear look clashes with darker body colors. Jeep Cherokees, Pathfinders, and Explorers are beginning to look extremely boxy in comparison. Boxy looks should be reserved for minivans. Lexus and Infiniti are certainly taking advantage of the fact that SUVs most certainly don't have to be as practical as minivans and designing the appearances accordingly.
One thing I've noticed on the MDX, and it's becoming more popular with newer vehicles is the absence of a power and easily breakable antenna. In its place is a 6 inch thick fixed antenna on the roof. The Lexus takes this a step further and allows you to tilt the antenna parallel to the roofline for those carwashes of the non touch-less variety.
Interior Aesthetics and Ergonomics
The RX330 is the epitome of gadgets. If you want an SUV with a lot of gadgets, this would be the venue. It will be amazing if Lexus can retain its #1 position in JD powers for defects per 100 vehicles with this many electronic gadgets in the RX330. If you are not a gadget maniac, I suggest being prepared for a steep learning curve. Even the lighted vanity mirrors on the sun visors have dimmer switches.
I don't think I've felt better leather in any other vehicle outside of another Lexus. I had the same experience with the IS300 I sat in. I suggest Lexus stick to their same supplier for cow hides. I don't know how it holds up to young kids or inclement weather, but this is supple leather. It makes our MDX feel like it is wrapped in vinyl. This is definitely a more luxurious feeling vehicle (and also a more expensive vehicle).
Rear seats recline, slide, and split-fold. You can also fold only the middle seat for ski pass-thru. And, there is tons of legroom in the back. Then again, if our MDX had 5 seats the second row would have even more legroom. But the Lexus is a smaller vehicle.
Leather, wood and brushed aluminum looking accents are tastefully applied to the doors, dashboard and center storage console. Although the front center storage console which has a push-button for sliding door storage also slides back and forth, I don't see any practical application for this.
With the package my parents purchased, the RX330 came with a power rear door. I see two advantages to this. One, I can have the rear door automatically open when my hands are full of groceries. Two, I can close the door without getting my hands dirty. The rear cargo cover also retracts and closes with the operation of the door. Whether or not this is worth the extra dollars is another story.
The MarkLevinson sound system equipped in this vehicle is very clear. Unlike the boomy Bose in the MDX, bass response is tight, not muffled. This sound system does not actually sound like car sound systems which are usually limited by the speaker enclosures.
Will this break?
Aside from the $35,650 FWD or $37,050 AWD package you have several packages which will complicate your buying decision as well as your pocketbook.
Premium Package $2145 includes Leather Interior, power tilt and telescopic steering column with memory, roof rack, power tilt-and-slide moonroof with electric sunshade.
Premium Plus Package $3440 includes everything in the Premium Package plus power rear door, High Intensity headlamps, wood and leather trim steering wheel and shift knob.
Navigation System/Mark Levinson $6770 includes Premium Plus Package and Lexus DVD Navigation system with Camera backup system and an 11 speaker Mark Levinson sound system.
Performance package $5455 includes Premium Package plus Air Suspension, larger wheels, Power rear door and HID with Adaptive front lighting system (AFS). AFS will turn slightly as your vehicle turns to shed more light around corners.
Moonroof package $4220 is the same as the Premium package except you have a multipanel moonroof that extends to the back instead of the regular moonroof and a power rear door.
There are numerous other individual options such as Dynamic Laser Cruise Control and Rear Seat DVD entertainment system with wireless headphones $1840 and RCA Video/Audio Input Jacks for god knows what, and rain sensing wipers $125 which should be standard since it is in much less expensive vehicles. More of these options can be found at http://www.lexus.com/models/rx/price_options.html.
By the way, replacing one of the remote entry keys will cost you $250.
These packages are way too complicated. One concern I have is with the reliability of all these gadgets. If Lexus didn't top JD Powers for reliability....
Driving experience
I drove the AWD RX330 with the Nav/Mark Levinson package.
As soon as you put the vehicle into reverse, the on-board rear camera automatically comes on and you can see if there's any objects behind your vehicle. I'm still used to turning my head around.
This Navigation system is quite something. There's a separate full range speaker on top of the dash just for the NAV system so it doesn't interrupt any music playing on your audio system. I entered in an address and off we went. You have the option of just using a map or having a route planned out for you. A voice will come on with plenty of notice before the next turn. If you make an incorrect turn, it will automatically plan a new route and act accordingly. You can also see in blue the routes and turns ahead.
You'd better get used to the NAV system before you start driving though because if you don't know what you're doing it can become quite a distraction. It would defeat the purpose if you got into an accident as a result of fiddling around with the LCD touch panel display.
Cruise Controls is found on a separate stalk behind the steering wheel. The stalk turns with the wheel so you can make adjustments even when the steering wheel isn't centered.
SUVs have recently gotten bigger and bigger (wait until the new Pathfinder comes out). As a result engine size and power has also gotten bigger. I don't think this is the path I want our vehicles to take. You wonder why North America has such a dependence on foreign oil. Thankfully Lexus has decided not to participate in all this insanity.
Based on Toyota's Camry, on center feel is good and quiet ride comes to mind, not exhibiting the road noise found in our MDX. Because of the less portly curb weight, the Lexus also feels less uneasy on hard cornering and braking and although slightly less powered, does not seem inferior in acceleration times. NOTE: My MDX has the 240hp engine. Later ones have 260hp and 2004 models MDXs will have 265 hp. I can't make acceleration comparisons with the later MDXs.
The 400 pound weight difference between the RX330 and our 2001 MDX is noticeable. The MDX's tires, although wider feel like they have their work cut out for them compared to the Lexus. Did I do the slalom? No. But you can definitely feel the difference accelerating around an on-ramp to a highway. The RX330 definitely inspires a little more confidence.
Final Thoughts
My parents were deciding between the Lexus RX330 and the Infiniti FX45. Although the FX45 has MUCH more power but the ride was harsh. It's almost a rice rocket SUV. Incidentally, I read somewhere that Infiniti is improving the ride on the FX35/45 for next year. Whether that affects performance is another story. Although the base price for the FX45 is $44,225, the technology package $7,600 includes everything the Lexus Nav package has plus the Lexus rear seat DVD entertainment system option and laser cruise control which adds up to $9210. The FX35 has a base price of $34,200 but the tec package is an extra $9400 because it includes upgraded wheels.
So you're basically looking at AWD Lexus with the works at $46,260, the 280 hp FX35 at $43,600, and the FX45 with the 315hp V-8 at $51,825 before taxes. I personally feel the FX35 is a better deal but the RX330 has a more elegant appearance and the Lexus name still seems to carry more prestige.
With the Lexus you're paying partly for the brand and luxury, for the Infinitis you're paying for the mechanics.
But if you're in favour of not getting carried away with increasingly larger SUVs and the corresponding power increases that have to go with that, this is actually a practical vehicle.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 50,000
Condition: New Model Year: 2003 Model and Options: NAV/Mark Levinson Package
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