2003 Lexus RX330 RX review from North America
"Definitely not the quality, luxury car that Lexus claims they produce!"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The RX330 has serious transmission problems. There is a dangerous lag between gear shifts and the car doesn't seem to know when to shift. There is a whining noise from the transmission. There is a popping noise in the transmission audible to anyone in the car.
General comments?
The car has several other problems that I won't go into since the transmission problem alone is enough. The dealer admits there is a problem with the transmission, but since Lexus has not released a 'fix' for it they tell me there is nothing they can do. They tell me it is 'operating as designed'. At the dealer's suggestion I contacted Lexus about the problem. They also said it was 'operating as designed'. I have asked for a refund and they offered to send me to their arbitration company! This was during the first conversation without any investigation! They definitely know they have a problem, but will not come out and admit it. I loved the RX300 I owned, but am so disappointed in the RX330 and disgusted with the treatment received from Lexus... a company who claims the customer is so important to them!
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| First year of ownership | 2003 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | Automatic |
| Performance marks | 3/10 |
| Reliability marks | 8/10 |
| Comfort marks | 9/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 3/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 5/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 5 miles |
| Most recent distance | 5000 miles |
| Previous car | Lexus RX300 |
| Date of Entry | 22nd January, 2004 |