CKK

Yes, I agree completely. The cars seems to use the engine more smoothly under cruise. I believe it has other programming to improve efficiency as well. I carefully observed what I think is an interesting algorithm at work. With the cruise on, the car holds speed pretty accurately, but when you crest a hill and the engine turns off to coast, the cruise allows the speed to coast down 5mph before restarting the engine and accelerating back to the set speed. Furthermore, while it is coasting down, it runs the electric motor only (warp stealth) to try to maintain speed as long as possible before restarting the engine. To observe this, set the cruise high, 75 or so, and set the speedometer display to the energy use graphicto see speed and energy together at a glance. The system is smart. I had assumed that I could do better than any cruise system by anticipating hills and blending the speed, but this is not just a dumb setpoint only cruise control. I have taken to driving with cruise as much as possible, using the stalk to accelerate and coast within reason in light traffic. I really think this car should have a sport button that give you the engine always available for quick acceleration, and an economy button with much less aggressive software. One of the major benefits of all these computers is that it should be able to be two different cars at whim of the driver. ← I tried using the cruise control over the last two days (I've never been a fan of CC) given these experiences and the difference in mpg is DRAMATIC. I drive 20 miles to work each way on the highway, and my average mpg has been about 35! It is clear that the algorithm for the CC is done to optimize battery usage. I am very impressed. I also echo the concern of a previous poster that noticed that other drivers seem unaware of the RX400h's approach, particularly in parking lots as they back out. I have had two near-accidents as drivers glanced in the opposite direction, and because they did not hear me coming, just kept on backing up. Very disconcerting.

I read that Sprint had disabled full Bluetooth functionality on the TRE 650, but had announced plans to enable them in future releases. That was back in October 2004. Is yours fully functional? And can you upload phone numbers to the RX 400h?

I've had my 400h for awhile. I am a former 2001 RX300 owner. Here is what I've noticed: On long short trips (does that make sense?) i.e. local trips longer than around the corner, the mpg is about 31. On the highway, the mileage drops to about 26. You do need to alter your driving habits a bit (more coasting, less sudden acceleration) in order to optimize the mileage. If you watch the Energy schematic while driving, you can quickly get the technique down. I don't find this bothersome. I am REALLY happy with this car. But perhaps it's because I didn't have expectations of it being a an "mpg powerhouse" like the Prius et al. I was second on the wait list at my dealer a year and a half ago, and my sales rep kept me very well informed of status reports on the vehicle. He called about six months ago to have a discussion with me about the mileage issue - to make sure that I understood that the 400h was geared to performance as well as good mileage, thus the mpg was not going to be like the other hybrids out there. It seems to me that Lexus is trying to compromise among several factors: large vehicle, great performance and power, and luxury. At this point, I just don't know that it's possible to have our cake and eat it too. That said, I'm getting great mileage compared to my RX300 (averaged about 17), and awesome performance. I feel great about not filling the space around me with pollutants while I'm stopped at a light or driving into my garage. Frankly, I think that it's the perfect vehicle for someone who drives on the highway daily (because of the great performance), and then spend loads of time after work running kids around to local stops - in other words - most parents.

Thanks for the responses. I suspected as much about the phone being functional, but not fully functional. I called Sprint yesterday to talk with them about it, and the reaction was downright hostile . I'm amazed that these wireless companies can be so consumer-unfriendly, particularly since the technology is available. I have been a Sprint customer for years, and unfortunately have another year left on my new contract that was put in place after my daughter joined my plan. If Sprint doe not change their tune, I will switch. Perhaps voting with our dollars will change minds, who knows. In the meantime, if anyone has figured out a work-around I would love to hear about it.

I am trying to figure out whether the Sprint Bluetooth phone models will work with the 400H. I called Lexustalk, and they claim that only Cingular Bluetooth phones will work, but I don't understand why. They didn't either. Anyone out there have experience with using a Sprint Bluetooth (I'm thinking of the LG PGM-325) with their 400H, or can explain what the issues are? Thank you!