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New
2007 Lexus Cars
2007
Lexus RX 350
New
2006 Lexus Cars
2006
Lexus ES 330
2006
Lexus GS 300
2006
Lexus GS 430
2006
Lexus GX 470
2006
Lexus IS 250
2006
Lexus IS 350
2006
Lexus LS 430
2006
Lexus LX 470
2006
Lexus RX 330
2006
Lexus RX 400h
2006
Lexus SC 430
New
2005 Lexus Cars
2005
Lexus ES 330
2005
Lexus GS 300
2005
Lexus GS 430
2005
Lexus GX 470
2005
Lexus IS 300
2005
Lexus LS 430
2005
Lexus LX 470
2005
Lexus RX 330
2005
Lexus SC 430
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2006 Lexus RX
Consumer Guide Rating: Best Buy
Pros: Ride; Quietness; Passenger and cargo room; Exterior finish; Fuel Economy (400h); Interior materials; Interior storage space
Cons: Rear visibility; Climate controls (w/nav. sys.)
2006 Lexus RX 400h Specifications
Also Consider the following best buys:
Acura MDX: Cadillac SRX
Also consider the following vehicle recommendations:
Mercedes-Benz
R-Class:
Volvo XC90
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New 2006 Lexus RX
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| 2006 Lexus RX Highlights |
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"Addition of a hybrid model headlines 2006
for the best-selling Lexus. RX is the upscale cousin of the Highlander SUV
from parent company Toyota. Both are based on the Toyota Camry sedan platform,
but the RX seats five passengers vs. Highlander's seven. The RX 330 model
has a 223-hp V6 engine and 5-speed automatic transmission. The gas/electric
hybrid is the RX 400h. It teams the V6 with battery-powered electric motors
for a net 268 hp. It uses a continuously variable automatic transmission
(CVT) providing near-infinite drive ratios. Like other Toyota hybrids, the
RX 400h automatically runs on one or both of its power sources to balance
acceleration and fuel economy. No plug-in charging is required.
Both RX models
are available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive that lacks low-range
gearing. Both include ABS and antiskid/traction control. Also standard are
a driver knee airbag, front side airbags, and head-protecting curtain side
airbags with rollover deployment. The 400h has sport-suspension tuning and
features that are options for the 330, including steering-linked xenon headlamps,
leather upholstery, and power tilt/telescope steering column. Options exclusive
to the 330 include adaptive cruise control, a multipanel sunroof, and self-leveling
air suspension with driver-selectable height settings. Rear DVD entertainment
and a navigation system with voice activation and rearview camera are available
for all RXs."
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| 2006 Lexus RX News |
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"We hear the RX 330 will soon get a 3.5-liter
V6 to become the RX 350. The revised version reportedly starts sale during
the '06 model year, likely as an early-'07 debut. Otherwise, RX should see
but minor year-to-year changes until March 2008, when a replacement is expected
as a 2009 entry. Alas, no hard news yet on that one.
Due in early 2007, probably
as an early '08, is a larger Lexus crossover priced above the RX. Dubbed
VX, it's said to be patterned on the 2003 LF-X concept design and based on
Lexus's GS midsize car platform. Sources expect a VX 430 with a 4.3-liter
V8 and possibly a VX 350 with the same 3.5 V6 destined for RX. Either or
both models would compete with the likes of Acura MDX, Infiniti FX, BMW X5,
and the Mercedes-Benz M- and R-Class. Parent Toyota is scheduled to offer
a retrimmed, lower-priced VX, also in early '07, name to be determined."
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| 2006 Lexus RX Competition |
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"Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle
into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium
Midsize SUVs are similar in size and construction to Midsize SUVs.
Most, in fact, are gilded versions of Midsize SUVs; though a few are exclusive
upscale designs.
Our Best Buys include Acura MDX, Cadillac SRX, and Lexus
RX. Our Recommended picks are Mercedes-Benz R-Class and Volvo XC90.
New
or significantly redesigned models include Land Rover Range Rover Sport,
Mercedes-Benz M-Class, and Saab 9-7X."
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| 2006 Lexus RX Write Ups |
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Value
"The RX has inspired many imitators, but none offers a better blend of comfort,
luxury, and build quality. Adding to its Best Buy appeal are Lexus's strong resale
value and red-carpet customer service. RX prices soar with options, some of which
you can easily do without, and discounts are rare. The gas/electric hybrid 400h
is costlier still, and its higher price will take years to offset in fuel savings.
But any value calculation must take into account its blend of acceleration worthy
of a V8 and fuel economy and exhaust emissions associated with a V6. "
Ride
"RX 330 is firm but absorbent and controlled--nearly on par with a premium sedan.
Little rough-surface thump with either 17- or 18-inch tires. Air-suspension option
offers no detectable comfort advantage. RX 400h's stiffer suspension a bit harsher
over sharp bumps, but is never unpleasant."
Noise
"Drivetrains quiet, refined. Pleasingly low overall noise levels approach those
of some premium cars. The regular sunroof doesn't generate much turbulence or
noise even when fully open at 70 mph, but the multipanel sunroof produces more
of both."
Comfort - Front
"Seats shaped and padded for long-haul comfort; optional heated seats have variable-temperature control. Good basic driving stance with plenty of adjustments, but tall drivers may have trouble finding agreeable seat/steering-wheel relationship. Step-in a bit steep, but livable; air suspension's ""access"" mode
drops RX 330 1.2 inches from normal height to ease entry/exit. Bulky rear-roof
pillars, narrowish tailgate window impede vision astern."
Comfort - Rear
"Ample head room and foot space for adults sitting outboard. Sliding bench seat
affords generous leg room when fully aft, even behind a tall front-seater. Middle
adult slightly squeezed on harder, higher cushion with little leg space. Backrests
recline, but are hard to adjust while seated. Entry/exit OK, despite narrowish
floor passages."
Controls
"Large, legible gauges. Most controls handy, intuitive, but a few require searching, and center dashboard looks busy. Available navigation system controls some climate and audio functions. It isn't too tough to figure out, but its touch screen shows fingerprints and can wash out in some light conditions. RX 400h screen includes energy monitor and fuel-economy displays that can be distracting. The hybrid replaces 330's tachometer with a vague ""power meter."" Exemplary
cabin materials and workmanship."
Cargo Room
"Rear-seat sections fold in any combination with one easy motion and head restraints in place, but don't lay quite flat. Class-competitive load volumes with seats up or down, but limited height, sloped roofline preclude some tall or bulky cargo. Bountiful small-item storage includes nifty sliding front console and two full-width covered wells under cargo floor. Power liftgate has its uses, plus child-friendly ""pinch-protection"" sensors;
it works from switches on gate, dashboard, or remote keyfob. Standard 115-volt
2-prong outlet behind rear seat."
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| 2006 Lexus RX Warranty Information |
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Bumper-to-Bumper
"yr 4; mi 50,000; N/A"
Powertrain
"yr 6; mi 70,000; N/A"
Corrosion
yr 6; mi unlimited; N/A
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Road-side Assistance
"yr 6; mi 70,000; N/A"
No Cost Maintenance
"yr 1; mi 12,000; First and second scheduled maintenance."
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| 2006 Lexus RX Rebate |
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No rebate information available at this time
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