I have a 2004 RX330 and I love it! I am what some people would call a car junkie i go through cars quickly, i usually get bored from a car and want a new one with in 6 months. However with this car I think it may be a keeper for me. I don't have any rattles, or strange noises yet and my car has 60K on it! I have experience the down/upshifting that was mentioned but it is (at least for me) not really a problem. When i really need the power its there. It for me is very comfortable, reliable, beautiful, and spacious for a crossover. I have owned many kinds of SUV's, RX300, Infiniti, Mercedes ML350, Nissian Armada, Lincoln Navigator and the RX330 is my favorite. I think you would love it!