Lexmex

Not too long ago, I ran a poll about if the RX300 never existed what vehicle would everyone had bought instead. Most of you mentioned the MDX as I recall.

Well let us suppose the entire RX line never existed.

Which Lexus model line would you consider instead...or would you have chosen another vehicle brand entirely?

For me, I have always had a fascination with the IS.

anulex

i would have chosen another brand. BMW X5 or Acura MDX

dzell81

Although I accidentaly just voted for the GX, I love the GS line. Actualy, not the GS line - but the GS400, 430, and 450H. I don't know if any of you have driven one, but they are so fast, handle well and still feel like a lexus. I would have trouble going for the GS300 or even the new GS350, because I feel like that engine is ment for the IS line and is way to small for a full size car. Here I am with a 3L in a SUV, saying that I don't think it is big enough for a full size car - but you get the idea.

Also, it has to come with 17-18" wheels and the spoiler, without them it almost looks worse than the ES.

salimshah

I am with dzell81.

When you add sedans to the list, we are changing types/class.

But then ppl would be mortified if I say GX and LX are in the same class as RX.

My picking order is:
RX, GX and LX

GX: Proportion wise a bit too tall. (looks)
LX: Really dated ... but very desireable [Money wise, I would have to be wreckless as the price differential does not buy that much more than RX]

Based on our family of Lexus:
SC (old) is by far the prettiest car. Proportions, styling is ageless. Very limited trunck space.
GS (2nd gen) looks appeal took a time to grow. With 17"wheels, lowered, tighter suspension is a blast to drive.
RX (without the angle choped rear) appeals to me. Vehicle of choice to drive most of the time.

Salim
ps: My comments are not intended to offend any one.

bob2200

If the RX didn't exist, I would not have/will not buy a Lexus.

I haven't done any shopping around, but maybe the Honda Pilot or the 2007 Honda CR-V. Of course, maybe the Toyota Highlander. The 2007 Honda CR-V has a shape similarity to the RX300 IMO.

I've had one luxury car previously, a Mercedes Benz, but am not committed to not returning to the mainstream brands.

rxdriver

The thing that attracted me to Lexus in the first place was the innovation of the 1999 RX 300. I've always thought of Lexus as a high-priced Toyota with a fancier dealership; I'm not necessarily a luxury brand shopper. Heck, it says "Toyota" all over the parts!

The RX 300 was truly unique at the time. I traded in a Mitsubishi Montero for the RX. While the Montero was a really nice SUV, I liked the smaller (relatively) RX that was still AWD, had a much more car-like ride, and had the trick amenities like the auto-on headlights, heated seats, side airbags, DRL's, and much better gas mileage.

I'm not sure what else compared at the time. I've never been impressed with the Acura MDX, and of course the Highlander didn't exist yet. If it wasn't for the RX 300, I probably would have kept the Montero longer, and then considered another Japanese SUV.

Carver

I specifically wanted a luxury mid-size SUV and the RX300 is the original of the genre so I headed there first. If it didn't exist I'd probably scoop up an X3 or maybe a Northstar Cadillac SRX.

yoon

this is my first suv, and i'm actually quite pleased with the way it drives. i really had no choice with this car as it was the first thing available once i sold my previous audi . it was a really big change for me. haha. but if i could do it again, i'd most likely go with a ls430 or a sc430. hopefully i can upgrade to one of those in the near future. on another note, i was actually quite impressed with the new mdx. one of my good friends just picked one up and its a really nice all around car.

parula

An interesting question, and I answered GS because I always LOVED that design, but on seeing the results of the poll that many would look to another vehicle I have to say I might have had to look that way too, but glad we have these RX babies!!!

EZZ

It seems members on this board are very loyal to Lexus compared to some other brands. I have bought Honda, Nissan, and Toyota but I always chose the car based on attributes rather than the name itself. The RX represented a good value but there were several competitors that were also really good (such as the MDX, Murano, Pilot etc...). I'm just glad the RX doesn't rattle

willard

BMW X3, no question.