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You are missing the forest for the trees..and not following what situman is saying. Lexus managed to make profits in the 1990s...when they built vehicles with quality that, IMO, would put many of today's Lexus products to shame.
That was during a time of a weak yen. That's one of the main reason Japanese brands were punching above their weight in the early 90's. By the end of the decade the yen had strengthened and cost cutting beyond, something you could see most notably in the contemporary Camry generations. Luckily reliability never slipped though.
You are missing the forest for the trees..and not following what situman is saying. Lexus managed to make profits in the 1990s...when they built vehicles with quality that, IMO, would put many of today's Lexus products to shame.
Actually Lexus operated at significant losses in the 1990s while they were establishing their brand and dealer network. you also don't recognize that the incredible amount of features and technologies in Lexus vehicles today also cost money and Lexus puts them in a product that costs the same or less after being adjusted for inflation than they cost in the 90s. Lexus vehicles in the 90s barely had trip computers...they were very devoid of tech...let alone all of the driving, safety and entertainment technologies they have in them today. You also had a very weak yen back then which made it much easier for Japanese companies.
Like I said before, its a tradeoff. Would I rather drive my old 2003 ES300 or a 2024 ES350 with all of that technology, I would take the 2024 every time.
Thanks for sharing. It's not a bad new vehicle but not special either IMO. I was hoping for something more impressive because at some point, I was looking for another Lexus to replace our GX. Not my favorite design but the front end looks inline with most of their SUVs. Looks like they got the idea from QX60? Low end price is not bad but 2.4L seems not enough for this "Texas" size SUV. Higher end is too much for it IMO.
Actually Lexus operated at significant losses in the 1990s while they were establishing their brand and dealer network. you also don't recognize that the incredible amount of features and technologies in Lexus vehicles today also cost money and Lexus puts them in a product that costs the same or less after being adjusted for inflation than they cost in the 90s. Lexus vehicles in the 90s barely had trip computers...they were very devoid of tech...let alone all of the driving, safety and entertainment technologies they have in them today. You also had a very weak yen back then which made it much easier for Japanese companies.
Like I said before, its a tradeoff. Would I rather drive my old 2003 ES300 or a 2024 ES350 with all of that technology, I would take the 2024 every time.
It's true that today's Lexus vehicles have a lot more tech, but, IMHO, that simply makes them more like Star Trek's Enterprise.
Compare the 1990s/early-2000 Lexus interiors and styling with today's....I certainly know which one I would rather have.
This is getting off track, but to be fair @mmarshall , you took a picture of an old SC430, one of the most expensive Lexus of the time, and compared it to a first gen NX (not current gen), one of the lesser expensive Lexus models of today. I would compare the old SC interior to the interior of an LC today, and I know which one I'd pick.
This is getting off track, but to be fair @mmarshall , you took a picture of an old SC430, one of the most expensive Lexus of the time, and compared it to a first gen NX (not current gen), one of the lesser expensive Lexus models of today. I would compare the old SC interior to the interior of an LC today, and I know which one I'd pick.
True, but in general, Lexus interiors and bodywork back then, IMO, regardless of price-class, puts those of today to shame.
What IS better today, of course, as Steve noted, is the amount of technology in new Lexus vehicles.....but given the choice, I'd rather have the general materials and workmanship of a couple of decades ago.
BTW I agree with you that the LC has a nice interior by today's Lexus standards. But it is not typical of other Lexus products.
This is getting off track, but to be fair @mmarshall , you took a picture of an old SC430, one of the most expensive Lexus of the time, and compared it to a first gen NX (not current gen), one of the lesser expensive Lexus models of today. I would compare the old SC interior to the interior of an LC today, and I know which one I'd pick.
You beat me to it lol, absurd. Compare it with a car of the same caliber, like you just did. That LC has an interior quality that easily meets and exceeds that old SC.
Originally Posted by mmarshall
It's true that today's Lexus vehicles have a lot more tech, but, IMHO, that simply makes them more like Star Trek's Enterprise.
Just to make the point, my 03 ES300 doesn't even have a power tilt/telescopic steering wheel. No telescopic wheel at all. No traction control. No bluetooth phone. The mirrors didn't even tilt down in reverse. That tech saves lives, blind spot monitoring, backup and surround view cameras, backup sensors, cross traffic alert with emergency braking, pre collision warning and intervention, lane departure warning and keep assist, sophisticated traction and skid control, radar cruise control with lane centering asisst, Apple CarPlay and streaming audio and entertainment. I would not give up any of that technology for better plastics on the lower doors.
Even when you compared old SC and modern cheapest Lexus, I would still go with the cheapest Lexus interior. Not that I think they look good though.
Originally Posted by bitkahuna
the tx is the grand highlander in a better suit. not for those looking at a mercedes gls or something, but a tremendous value.
Almost fair but this thing gets pretty close to GLS and alike. Speaking of a toyota in a better suit... how about GX vs. 4Runner? That's a mile different IMO.
You beat me to it lol, absurd. Compare it with a car of the same caliber, like you just did. That LC has an interior quality that easily meets and exceeds that old SC.
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Wish they designed it with some wood, but I agree. Love LC interior, in that brown.
The thing is, though, back then all of Lexus had crazy interior quality, even the ESs before yours. ES300 was pretty much an LS-light.
I disagree. It's nice, but the materials are not of the same caliber.
I have no clue how you could possibly say that, but okay. LC has a very high quality interior, you just equate wood with quality. There is not one peice of cheap plastic anywhere in the LC interior.
Almost fair but this thing gets pretty close to GLS and alike. Speaking of a toyota in a better suit... how about GX vs. 4Runner? That's a mile different IMO.
I have no clue how you could possibly say that, but okay. LC has a very high quality interior, you just equate wood with quality. There is not one peice of cheap plastic anywhere in the LC interior.
Hey......you're entitled to your opinion, and I respect that. But, as for me, wood is not the only nice material inside. A good carbon-fiber job can be just as impressive, In fact, My Encore GX has a light-gray band across the dash that, although not real carbon-fiber, is an excellent substitute.....kind of like the way Lexus does NuLuxe.
And, BTW, if you have followed my posts in the past, no matter what the model-year, I have always given Lexus high marks for the NuLuxe seat-upholstery material...it was excellent from Day One, when I first encountered it in my CT200h review.
10-17-23 | 09:26 AM
