2009 Lexus RX 350 Consumer Reviews Page 2

First Experience with my 2009 RX350 FWD

Written by: Johnny Mack on 01/08/2009

Vehicle

2009 Lexus RX 350 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

Purchased a 2009 RX350 FWD fully loaded with Mark Livingston sound system. I now have about 800 miles on it and so far we really enjoyed the vehicle. It is the right size for us and fun to drive. Took it to San Diego last weekend and great ride on I- 5 and off roads. Get in and out of traffic on demand. The salesman at the dealership is really professional and guide us through the leasing process in under 2-hours.

Favorite Features

Nav system, Blue Tooth systems are first rated. Interior furnishing is awesome. The sound system is by far the best we experience on similar vehicle.

Suggested Improvements

Should make the auto start and iPod connection standard. Do away with the tape deck feature. Being a light vehicle, it tends to have a slight roll over feeling making sharp turns. Should have more darker shades of interior colors. Light colors always attract dirt.

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Fits me well

Written by: gasser on 01/05/2009

Vehicle

2009 Lexus RX 350 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

My third RX. I've only had this one for one week and 500 miles. Excellent build quality, beautiful paint and leather/wood interior. Great acceleration and smooth performance. Still has the soft suspension and a bit of body roll on turns which may not suit everyone. Front seats could use a longer cushion and more fore/aft travel. I value comfort and reliability over high speed performance and sports car like handling. The Lexus RX is, for me, the best vehicle on the market.

Favorite Features

Power rear lift gate, full power adjustments on front passenger seat. V rated tires on 18" wheels provide better turning response than on earlier models but, amazingly, the suspension provides a smoother ride.

Suggested Improvements

Longer front seat cushions and more front/aft travel of front seats.

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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My new Lexus RX 350

Written by: cheryl on 12/26/2008

Vehicle

2009 Lexus RX 350 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

I have had my Lexus for three days. I am still wondering if it is the right vehicle for me. It is a better fit for my smaller size. Its easy to drive. My escalade was way to big. I love thr shape. The interior could use an upgrade.

Favorite Features

I love the back door. I like the privacy screen. I like the nav. system. It is easy to park. I like the seat size.

Suggested Improvements

What is with the cassette player? Needs a better sound system. The Nav. system is outdated. It is not user friendly. I am not sure if I will get another Lexus.

5 out 10 people found this review helpful

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Great Freeway Cruiser

Written by: Ohio on 12/17/2008

Vehicle

2009 Lexus RX 350 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

In the 4 months I've owned the RX350 it has been from Ohio to California and back, with several 700 mile days in the driving mix. Fuel economy runs around 23-24 mpg at 80 mph+ cruising speeds. It's extremely comfortable, with nice performance, being very brisk off the line, but at speed shows its weight and aerodynamic drag. The car (suv?) is very solid, and most interior features are well thought out. It feels large inside, but I came out of a restaurant at lunch to find it parked between two Suburbans; then it looked tiny! Brakes are very good, but the steering is a bit numb and the suspension is soft with resulting "average" handling. Not a single problem at 6000 miles. Great vehicle

Favorite Features

Comfort, balance of fuel economy and power, brakes, interior room, overall efficiency of package, reliability.

Suggested Improvements

Handling and steering could be a little sharper. Like most cars, the control layout is OK once you learn it, but it would be nice to have a little standardization for those of us with too many vehicles.

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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new rx 350

Written by: jmartin on 11/09/2008

Vehicle

2009 Lexus RX 350 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

1) Navigation system, with adaptive headlights, and rear camera not worth the purchase. Save money by buying a Garmin and jawbone, which work and outperform, what is on the Lexus. Lexus needs to rethink and engineer the technology with the thought in mind that less is more! 2) Lexus reliability is reason for purchase/lease and the appointments which come with the automobile are very nice. 3) Outstanding service with loaner car is a plus as well.

Favorite Features

reliability, comfort and nice appointments within the base price of the automobile

Suggested Improvements

Can the navigation system/package and start over. Cheesy floor mats for a $45K automobile.

29 out 35 people found this review helpful

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Versatility Plus

Written by: rogue-1 on 10/28/2008

Vehicle

2009 Lexus RX 350 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

Bought an IS in March, found it too small. Received excellent trade value on it and bought this RX. Interior is much more luxurious than the IS and so is the ride. The engine is not as silky, though; feels and sounds more truck-like. Everyone loves all of the cool and innovative features. Fuel consumption is amazingly low. I averaged 24 MPG on my first tank. I like how you can fold down just the center portion of the rear seats. I am told that this is the best-selling Lexus vehicle. I can see why.

Favorite Features

Self-leveling HID headlamps. Electric hatch closer. Rain-sensing wipers. Driver's cup holder next to the AC vent. Multiple adjustments of the rear seat. Extra storage under the cargo floor. Illuminated door sills. Sliding center console. Blackened wood trim. Information center.

Suggested Improvements

Holder for a handheld device. Drawer for spare change. Cupholder next to the passenger's air vent. Emergency brake should be hand-operated. Eject button for the CD player should not be so close to the "next track" button. Turn signals in the rear-view mirrors. Make it easier to wash the roof.

16 out 17 people found this review helpful

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Review of RX 350 AWD

Written by: Paul Williamson on 10/17/2008

Vehicle

2009 Lexus RX 350 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

Purchased the Lexus a two months ago and to date we have enjoyed the vehicle. Have owned MBs and Volvos for years and decided to try a Lexus. Doesn't handle as well as European vehicles. It appears to be solid and I suspect will be more reliable than the European SUVs in the long run. With only 4,000 miles on the vehicle we are averaging around 19 MPG city and 24 MPG hwy which, I think, is excellent for such a heavy vehicle. Exhibits excessive body roll in curves and to much wind noise with sun roof in tilt position. Navigation system is not as intuitive as my Garmin. Excellent sound system. Seats are form fitting but not up to par with Volvo seats. Excellent cruising vehicle.

Favorite Features

Bluetooth, sound system, power liftgate, adaptive HID lights, comfortable rear seats and fit and finish.

Suggested Improvements

More horsepower, iPod connection, ability to change navigation input while moving, ability to reset trip computer to calculate mileage vs automatic reset upon fill-up, storage bin for small items like coins, interior ambient lighting for night driving and turn signal indicators on mirrors.

16 out 17 people found this review helpful

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Tweaking of the Highlander.

Written by: John Sarkis on 09/06/2008

Vehicle

2009 Lexus RX 350 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

I've only owned the vehicle for two months, so I have little to say about it; but so far so good. I really enjoy the interior room; I'm a single person but do need the extra space from time to time. This car is based on the Toyota Highlander, which is a good vehicle to begin with; even though they both have Camry pedigrees, the car handles pretty good, and it was a bargain in contrast to other similar Lexus products.

Favorite Features

Cup holders! My previous car had horrible cup-holders, but this one is great. Also it's my first SUV ever, so I like the height.

Suggested Improvements

Could be a bit taller inside. Although interior room is excellent (especially for rear seat passengers), they could have made it at least one, two inches taller inside.

8 out 11 people found this review helpful

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Even Better than the Last RX

Written by: john0922stamps on 07/12/2008

Vehicle

2009 Lexus RX 350 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

Time to trade in my 2006 ML350. Although I agree that the Lexus is not quite like a German driving experience, the overall design of the Lexus is superior. Too many quirks in the German cars. I've had the new RX for a month. My city MPG is 21, highway 25. I'm impressed. Navi system is awesome. This is our second RX, and, Lexus has really improved the details on this SUV. I really wonder if the next gen will be able to improve on this.

Favorite Features

Navi, adaptive lights, seats, luggage space, rear camera. Fit and finish, quietness and smooth ride.

Suggested Improvements

An under-dash coin tray would be helpful. Gas tank is kind of small compared with other SUVs.

45 out 49 people found this review helpful

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Quiet & Quick/Sleek & Smooth

Written by: Michael on 07/08/2008

Vehicle

2009 Lexus RX 350 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Review

Top notch fit and finish, very quiet, surprisingly quick acceleration, comfortable handling. Useful and spacious cargo capacity. Easy to park and maneuver. Easy entry and exit (especially important for my petite spouse). Bluetooth sound quality is great. Love the navigation system (detour feature saved us on a Dallas trip recently). Family actually likes that it still has an "old fashioned" cassette along with the CD changer. We have lots of books on tape that we thought we were through using. We expect great reliability. Love the RX!

Favorite Features

Engine; navigation; bluetooth; air suspension & 18" wheels & tires; addition of knee airbag to safety equipment.

Suggested Improvements

iPod connection for stereo system; fuel flexibility to use regular in addition to or in place of premium grade.

20 out 20 people found this review helpful

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