2008 Lexus RX 400h Consumer Reviews

Safety

Written by: strokedoc on 09/30/2008

Vehicle

2008 Lexus RX 400h 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

My wife and 18 month old were just in a severe accident an run off the road into a telephone pole that completely crushed the car. My wife and baby left with only a slight bump on her head. We are going to get another one immediately. Safety is everything.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

A little wider driver armrest.

4 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Not worthy for the money you paid!

Written by: Jacobs on 09/17/2008

Vehicle

2008 Lexus RX 400h 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

Driving this car is fun and comfort. Operating the functions are most difficult certain times. No voice activated dialing. Cannot dial phone numbers on the move. No override function.

Favorite Features

None

Suggested Improvements

Activate voice dialing or restore dialing on the move.

0 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Disappointed

Written by: VA Beach on 08/04/2008

Vehicle

2008 Lexus RX 400h 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

Purchased this vehicle because it is a hybrid--low emissions and better in-town gas mileage than our MB E320. We do most of our driving around town. We are very disappointed in the city gas mileage which is 21 to 22 mpg. Not the 26 mpg we expected. The dealer and Lexus blows our complaints off. We live in a coastal area meaning the closest we come to a mountain is a bridge. Our city driving meets Lexus' statement for the 26 mpg. However, we do get 26 mpg on the interstate. Go figure. Otherwise, we very much like the vehicle.

Favorite Features

Comfort, backup camera and nav system.

Suggested Improvements

Ability for the passenger to use the nav system/bluetooth phone book while the driver drives. Lexus Link.

14 out 16 people found this review helpful

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The Current Logical Choice

Written by: sawjai on 07/08/2008

Vehicle

2008 Lexus RX 400h 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

Lexus has always been cushy rides, but definitely not on the sporty side of the equation especially since our everyday vehicles are a C230 and G35. The steering is a little vague steering into curves. Acceleration is good at all speeds, but you'll need to get used to the way the engine buzzes from the CVT. Gas mileage has averaged 27 mpg w/cruise control active even around 70 mph on the freeway. On a recent road trip on very hilly terrain we still averaged over 27 mpg, light on the gas. Brakes are a little difficult to modulate because of the regenerative system. We preferred the ML styling and driving dynamics to the RX, but so far find that the RX400h is a very nice ride indeed.

Favorite Features

Fuel economy for this size vehicle is very impressive with the hybrid system. The backup camera is awesome. The navigation system takes some time to learn but a very powerful tool.

Suggested Improvements

The lack of an aux input and iPod adapter standard is a real put off. Dealership wanted $700 to install adapter, I demanded and got a lower price. More center console open storage for cell phones and misc. stuff. Noise level. Passenger use of nav system. Center stack looks a little cheap.

9 out 9 people found this review helpful

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Great Vehicle

Written by: RX400 on 06/17/2008

Vehicle

2008 Lexus RX 400h 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

This vehicle is one of the best vehicles I have ever owned. Perfect size for active sports oriented people who need an SUV but drive alone with occasional passengers. Gas savings is a plus but the real perk is the V8 power with 4 cylinder mileage. Lots of personal storage space and excellent ergonomics. Nav and stereo system are great. This car will retrain you on how to drive properly. I came from a BMW 550 sedan and GX 470 and didn't realize how wasteful I was on the pedal. Highly recommend this vehicle. Great for long distance travel with small family. Best commuter car I have owned. Engine stops from 0-30 mph so no wasting gas but AC keeps running cold as ice.

Favorite Features

Electronics, touch screen nav, personal storage, comfort, quietness, power on demand, great mileage,actual utility in a sports utility vehicle. Love the fact you can use AC without engine since it runs on electrical circuit so no wasting gas during stops.

Suggested Improvements

Restore function of all nav and bluetooth functions on the nav unit. Little better handling on the twisties maybe use wider tires for better handling. Overall not bad though in the curves but could be better.

16 out 16 people found this review helpful

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RX 400h Review - Great Car

Written by: jimr on 06/08/2008

Vehicle

2008 Lexus RX 400h 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

Very happy with this car after 2500 miles. Fast, responsive, luxurious interior, great build quality, very comfortable. Great mileage if you learn to drive it properly. So far getting 29.5 mpg in town, 27 mpg on highway/freeways. I pulled my 2500 lb boat for 700 miles on the freeway with no problem and still got 20 mpg. Seamless transition between gas and electric. Plenty of fun gadgets.

Favorite Features

Power. Great mileage. Comfortable seats. Luxurious interior. Nice warranty.

Suggested Improvements

Armrests are useless and not adjustable. No other problems. Avoid Goodyear tires - I specifically asked for Michelins.

11 out 12 people found this review helpful

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Best Car Buying Decision for us

Written by: Robert on 04/28/2008

Vehicle

2008 Lexus RX 400h 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

We drive this car on bumper to bumper traffic daily about 30 miles round trip. We are averaging about 28 MPG on it. It has been a real pleasure to drive. We currently have 5000 miles on it and use it almost exclusively anytime we need to go anywhere. Has good pep and the gearless transmission is very smooth. Lexus provided the first 2 maintenance free. I looked at the book however nothing needs maintenance other than the traditional engine. The batteries are warranted for 9 years.

Favorite Features

The performance between 30-70+ MPH is awesome. Love the fact that the car runs on battery anytime you are under 40 MPH and not gunning the engine. A real gas saver. Love the navigation system and AC unit. Very luxurious.

Suggested Improvements

XM standard on this please. Get rid of the tape player. Lexus is dead on with everything else but I thought this was odd. Had it installed aftermarket and works fine with navigation

43 out 44 people found this review helpful

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Lexus RX 400h Excellence

Written by: TJG on 03/16/2008

Vehicle

2008 Lexus RX 400h 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

While the RX 400h comes standard with Goodyear RSA tires, it is best to negotiate for Michelin Energy MXV4 S8, b/c of ride improvement, superior wear, better gas mileage by 5% or more. Michelin Energy on the RX make a big positive difference in ride quality and quietness. Don't bother with the Mark Levinson stereo; but do opt for the built-in GPS with Bluetooth and rear view camera. Acceleration at all speeds is impressive; w/a light foot, gas mileage can be 29 mpg+ in city and on a good day 27 mpg+ on the highway w/cruise control active. Expect 25 mpg+ avg. Very nice set of wheels.

Favorite Features

Wood trim mixed with the brushed metal finish on the inside lends to a classy interior. Ride quality in 2008 has improved over the 2006 RX 400h. Blue interior courtesy lights add a neat touch.

Suggested Improvements

Sound insulation could be improved especially around the doors - while road noise is not overly intrusive, the RX 400h is not as quiet as an Avalon, e.g. Buttons for heated seats could be bigger. Slight rattles from plastic-on-plastic can still exist, but seem to have improved from 2006.

57 out 57 people found this review helpful

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Lexus RX 400h 2008

Written by: Syed Warsi on 02/26/2008

Vehicle

2008 Lexus RX 400h 4dr SUV (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

On the road it is a master. Complete grip on the road. Very quiet except for small tire noise. Variable transmission system does not gives a smooth takeoff from stop.

Favorite Features

Bluetooth, GPS system, 6 CD changer, automatic rear door open/close.

Suggested Improvements

If they can reduce tire noise then it will be fully noiseless SUV.

17 out 20 people found this review helpful

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Going Green

Written by: VA on 02/15/2008

Vehicle

2008 Lexus RX 400h 4dr SUV AWD (3.3L 6cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

We enjoy driving our new RX 400h. However, we have not experienced the gas mileage we expected. We are averaging 22 mpg in the city and 26.5 on the highway. This is backward for a hybrid. This is after putting 2300 miles on the vehicle. We hope this gets addressed better by the service folks than we did by the sales folks.

Favorite Features

The sound system and bluetec connection is terrific. Also, the adjustable backseat comfort for our passengers.

Suggested Improvements

Add Lexus Link and the ability for passengers to use the nav system while riding. It is very annoying to have to ask the driver to pull over while inputting a destination address of selecting a phone number.

26 out 28 people found this review helpful

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