I'm not sure I'd call the 400h or Highlander Hybrid HSD systems 3rd generation. Though they're clearly improvements/upgrades to the 2G Prius system. With the improved inverter, improved PSD, the new transaxle, and the 3rd motor (MGR) for the rear axle 4WD system I'd call it THS 2.5 or something along those lines. The system design, battery, and presumably software are essentially unchanged.

But clearly this is semantics. It's a hell of a good new system.

Evan E. Fusco, MD
'04 Prius/BC moded to the T
'06 Highlander Hybrid Limited AWD w/NAV

I haven't gotten my car yet but the salesmen said it should be in the next couple of weeks. He called this past week and said that they had one it that they are using as a demo and asked me if I wanted to come in to drive it. I may try to get there next Saturday. He said that the dealer would be getting in 22 400h"s a month and they had 175 on order. I put the deposit on mine in Feb. 2004 and I am 23 on the list.

I got mine yesterday!!!!!

Its really nice.

Got it from Lexus of Stevens Creek in San Jose California. They said it was about the 6 or 8th delivered so far. I thought I was further down the list (though I did put my deposit down in April 2004). So if the person on the list doesn't get back to them within the day, they move on to the next person. So if you are on the list make sure you check your messages!

Visit my newly-acquired website, Volconvo Debate Forums!

The dealership I work for in Canada just got it's first RX 400h yesterday (05/05/05).

I took delivery of mine on Monday, May 23rd. I really like it. It is different in a good sense. The sensation of driving just an battery is a little weird but I am getting used to it I have less than 300 miles on it so far. The other day it showed an average MPG of 27 mpg for a hundred or so miles. I was going in moderatly heavy city traffic in Washington, DC and when I got to my destination the average MPG was 27.8. I was using the electric side. The instrument panel and screens are very helpful. I am still getting used to them. I put my deposit down in Feb., 2004. It was a long wait but I think it was worth it. Regards, George

gasnyder,
I am glad to hear that you enjoy your RX 400h. 27.8 is pretty good mileage in a vehicle that large, don't you think? What did you drive before getting the RX?

Eric Powers

MHG Organizer - www.MadisonHybridGroup.com
Hybridfest 2008 - A Hybrid Electric Car Show and More! www.hybridfest.com
Madison, WI July 19 & 20, 2008

I had a 1998 Cadillac DeVille. It has 141,000 miles on it. It has been a good car. I get 25-26MPG on trips. I commute to Washington, DC, about 50 miles each way. I have an apartment in town so I don't drive every day. Somedays I'll take a bus or train. The trip is about 40 miles on interstate highways and maybe 10 miles in heavy traffic. I get about 20-21 MPG on these trips. I just filled the tank on the 400H last night so I will get a better handle on the true MPG.