Lexus Tops Consumer Reports' Reliability Survey for 2015
10-20-15, 05:39 PM
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Lexus Tops Consumer Reports' Reliability Survey for 2015
Here we go again. While Consumer Reports' car reviewers give thumbs down to several Lexus makes (notably the NX which they called one of the worst cars of 2015), CR's own subscribers tell a different story. Lexus is judged the most reliable car brand in the US once again by the thousands of survey respondents.
http://www.cnbc.com/2015/10/20/lexus...ty-survey.html
http://www.cnbc.com/2015/10/20/lexus...ty-survey.html
10-20-15, 05:49 PM
#2
Lexus Fanatic
Here we go again. While Consumer Reports' car reviewers give thumbs down to several Lexus makes (notably the NX which they called one of the worst cars of 2015), CR's own subscribers tell a different story. Lexus is judged the most reliable car brand in the US once again by the thousands of survey respondents.
http://www.cnbc.com/2015/10/20/lexus...ty-survey.html
http://www.cnbc.com/2015/10/20/lexus...ty-survey.html
10-20-15, 06:01 PM
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They called the NX one of the worst cars of 2015. What do you think they meant by "worst"? They said the NX has a "jostling ride". Jostling conjures images of instability. Unstable cars are unreliable, they might tip over at any moment.
10-20-15, 06:07 PM
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The difference between the opinion of CR reviewers and the subscribers is the sample size. One or 2 reviewers probably test drove one car for, what, a few days? Then they write their articles based on such short exposure. Meanwhile, the subscribers run in the thousands. They actually paid money to buy their cars. And they lived with their cars for at least several months. Whose opinion of the cars do you think is more......ummm.....reliable?
10-20-15, 06:32 PM
#5
Lexus Fanatic
Mechanical/electrical reliability, on the other hand, generally has nothing to do how a vehicle rides or handles, but has to do with quality and competence of design, materials, assembly, etc..... and other factors. In some cases, though, stiffly-sprung vehicles and/or those with very low-profile tires and large wheels can cause premature squeaks/rattles in the car's structure from sharp impacts and/or allow wheel-damage from potholes and rough roads.
10-20-15, 06:57 PM
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Mechanical/electrical reliability, on the other hand, generally has nothing to do how a vehicle rides or handles, but has to do with quality and competence of design, materials, assembly, etc..... and other factors. In some cases, though, stiffly-sprung vehicles and/or those with very low-profile tires and large wheels can cause premature squeaks/rattles in the car's structure from sharp impacts and/or allow wheel-damage from potholes and rough roads.
If you agree with CR, you must somehow believe that the NX is the most reliable worst car of 2015. How's that for cognitive dissonance?
10-20-15, 07:02 PM
#7
Lexus Champion
The difference between the opinion of CR reviewers and the subscribers is the sample size. One or 2 reviewers probably test drove one car for, what, a few days? Then they write their articles based on such short exposure. Meanwhile, the subscribers run in the thousands. They actually paid money to buy their cars. And they lived with their cars for at least several months. Whose opinion of the cars do you think is more......ummm.....reliable?
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10-20-15, 07:08 PM
#8
Lexus Fanatic
I suggest you reread CR's 2nd review of the NX. The items you enumerated above where the items that CR criticized the NX for. Hence, the implication is the NX is an unreliable vehicle...hence the appellation of being one of the "worst" cars of 2015.
If you agree with CR, you must somehow believe that the NX is the most reliable worst car of 2015. How's that for cognitive dissonance?
If you agree with CR, you must somehow believe that the NX is the most reliable worst car of 2015. How's that for cognitive dissonance?
Road Test
The Lexus recipe for success: Hide the Toyota mass-market roots under the Lexus logo by filling a car with amenities and luxury trappings, a more supple ride, and a quiet, soothing cabin. Even a pro can't sniff out the Camry beneath an ES sedan. But with the new, compact NX, the souffle falls. The car doesn't coddle you like the wildly successful Lexus RX -- the midsized crossover vehicle that started the whole craze. Nor does it thrill you with BMW-like handling. It just feels like an upmarket Toyota RAV4.
With a snout borrowed from a large-mouth bass and a body with more creases than a churro pastry, the NX is the most un-Lexus Lexus we've tested. From a brand that made its bones building vanilla-mobiles, the NX is a swing in the other direction.
But it's not convincing, and much of that has to do with its RAV4 underpinnings. Nothing against Toyota's super-popular small SUV, but luxury is not in its DNA.
The NX's looks promise derring-do performance, and its handling is indeed sharp. It's responsive compared with a typical Lexus, but handling and braking are a notch below competitors from BMW and Audi. And the NX doesn't deliver the quiet, calm, and serene ride you expect from a Lexus. Instead, it's as firm and controlled as an IRS audit. The performance doesn't match the looks -- like when a peach-fuzz sibling borrows his big brother's leather jacket, the appearance isn't quite right.
Inside the cabin, the NX once again falls short of Lexus standards. You're not cosseted with parlor-room luxury. Many parts and panels look and feel cheap, costing the NX points for fit and finish. The bolstered seats are supportive, but lumbar-support adjustment is limited. The rear is adequate for two. The cargo area is also quite limited, making us question the "utility" part of this SUV.
The very tight driving position is made worse by claustrophobically small windows. Sure, they look cool from the outside, but that means poor visibility from the driver's seat. A rear camera is standard, and you'll also want the blind-spot monitoring system.
The 200t marks Toyota's foray into turbocharged four-cylinder engines; the German brands have used them for a while. The 235-hp four-cylinder delivered 24 mpg in our tests; it accelerated to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds, both good numbers The NX is also offered as a hybrid, with a total output of 194 hp from its 2.5-liter four-cylinder-plus electric drive. It got the best fuel economy of any SUV we've tested -- an impressive 29 mpg overall. It can loaf in EV mode at low speeds.
Unfortunately, the 300h hybrid is weak when you need to accelerate; the engine annoyingly howls like 4-year-old denied a juice box. That stems from the nature of its continuously variable transmission (CVT), which holds engine revs, contributing to the interior racket.
The NX is saddled with a touchpad controller, included with the optional navigation system. But the user interface requires dexterous fingers to make selections -- not easy or intuitive when driving. The climate controls are packed together, and the radio's volume and tuning ***** hide beneath an overhanging ledge
. Even though pricing starts at just under $35,000, option packages quickly extend the bill past $40,000. Green-minded buyers will have to pony up more for the hybrid model; our loaded version cost a dizzying $51,000. Still, a comparably equipped NX runs about $4,000 cheaper than a BMW X3 or an Audi Q5.
The small luxury SUV field is as crowded as the motor-vehicle department after a long holiday, with more than a dozen legitimate contenders. But buyers expecting a proper small SUV from Lexus will be disappointed.
The Driving Experience
Handling: The NX handles quite nimbly. It's willing and able to change directions eagerly, and turn-in response is prompt. Through all maneuvers, the body stays rather flat and unperturbed. But that doesn't make the Lexus as rewarding to drive as a BMW X3 or Audi Q5. Those German competitors have more controlled suspensions and sharper steering.
On the track the NX achieved a modest speed of around 50 mph as the fast acting stability control kicked in early to keep the NX on course. Pronounced understeer was its default mode which made it feel secure and predictable. On the track, it was steady but devoid of any sporty character or enjoyment.
Powertrain: The 200t comes with Lexus's first four-cylinder turbo -- a well-integrated 245-hp, 2.0-liter engine that delivers a linear power delivery that's for the most part, smooth and refined. It does an admirable job, so long as you don't expect a lush and creamy V6 experience. We measured a commendable 24 mpg overall.
With the hybrid, things are less pleasant. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motor, mated to a CVT, is virtually the same setup as in the Toyota Camry hybrid and Lexus ES 300h. However, it feels strained in this heavier AWD SUV. The CVT makes climbing hills a noisy, unpleasant affair. Acceleration from 0-60 mph is a leisurely 9 seconds -- somewhat at odds with the NX's sporty styling and ride, and its steep $51,000 price tag.
That said, as long as there are no inclines the hybrid can drive on electric power alone at speeds up to around 35 mph. But the 300h's trump card is its fuel consumption: at 29 mpg overall it is the most fuel efficient luxury SUV we've ever tested.
Off road: The NX is not intended for off-roading whatsoever.
Ride comfort: The NX's ride is firm, but not over-the-top punishing. Ride motions tend to be short and quick, and impacts are fairly pronounced but not to the point of being overly stiff. Ride comfort is roughly on par with the NX's German competitors. But don't expect Lexus RX levels of plushness.
Noise: Both NXs fall short of expected Lexus qualities when it comes to hushed cabins. In fact the NX 300h is rather noisy. Powertrain differences are the main reason. The NX 200t's turbo four-cylinder/six-speed automatic pairing sounds relaxed and competitive for the class. However, the NX 300h's four-cylinder/CVT combination holds high revs and sounds intrusive at times as the powertrain digs up power.
Braking: Overall performance was on par for the most part. The only shortcoming was the hybrid in wet conditions, where it produced longer stops than we'd like to see. Neither model had very good brake pedal modulation. The 200t could use a bit more bite, and the 300h was a little grabby -- typical of a hybrid.
Headlights: You get LED low beams and halogen high beams standard. This combination provides very good visibility and is super bright. The optional full LED headlamps on our 300h reside behind stylish gem-like lenses. They are also bright, but deliver worse forward visibility. Both versions also suffer from a lack of overall light uniformity from both beams.
10-20-15, 07:08 PM
#9
Good to see Audi scoring so high in reliability. All of mine have been bulletproof. Maybe Audi will quit getting dogged in the forums for poor reliability. I know, Lexus is still better, but variety is the spice of life. :-)
10-20-15, 07:11 PM
#10
Lexus Fanatic
American-market Audi reliability (don't know about Europe) has improved drastically in recent years. The brand was known, not long ago, for being a money-pit. Today, according to CR, the Q3 is the most reliable new vehicle in its survey....beating even some Lexus models.
10-20-15, 07:11 PM
#11
Lexus Champion
As an Audi owner I was pleased to see this too. We've had our Q5 for three years next month with zero issues, only routine maintenance. I'll admit I went into Audi ownership with fingers crossed.
10-20-15, 07:21 PM
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Here is CR's road/handling rating of the 2016 NX, word for word. Nothing in here suggests unstable, tipsy, roll-over handling. Nothing.
Road Test
The Lexus recipe for success: Hide the Toyota mass-market roots under the Lexus logo by filling a car with amenities and luxury trappings, a more supple ride, and a quiet, soothing cabin. Even a pro can't sniff out the Camry beneath an ES sedan. But with the new, compact NX, the souffle falls. The car doesn't coddle you like the wildly successful Lexus RX -- the midsized crossover vehicle that started the whole craze. Nor does it thrill you with BMW-like handling. It just feels like an upmarket Toyota RAV4.
With a snout borrowed from a large-mouth bass and a body with more creases than a churro pastry, the NX is the most un-Lexus Lexus we've tested. From a brand that made its bones building vanilla-mobiles, the NX is a swing in the other direction.
But it's not convincing, and much of that has to do with its RAV4 underpinnings. Nothing against Toyota's super-popular small SUV, but luxury is not in its DNA.
The NX's looks promise derring-do performance, and its handling is indeed sharp. It's responsive compared with a typical Lexus, but handling and braking are a notch below competitors from BMW and Audi. And the NX doesn't deliver the quiet, calm, and serene ride you expect from a Lexus. Instead, it's as firm and controlled as an IRS audit. The performance doesn't match the looks -- like when a peach-fuzz sibling borrows his big brother's leather jacket, the appearance isn't quite right.
Inside the cabin, the NX once again falls short of Lexus standards. You're not cosseted with parlor-room luxury. Many parts and panels look and feel cheap, costing the NX points for fit and finish. The bolstered seats are supportive, but lumbar-support adjustment is limited. The rear is adequate for two. The cargo area is also quite limited, making us question the "utility" part of this SUV.
The very tight driving position is made worse by claustrophobically small windows. Sure, they look cool from the outside, but that means poor visibility from the driver's seat. A rear camera is standard, and you'll also want the blind-spot monitoring system.
The 200t marks Toyota's foray into turbocharged four-cylinder engines; the German brands have used them for a while. The 235-hp four-cylinder delivered 24 mpg in our tests; it accelerated to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds, both good numbers The NX is also offered as a hybrid, with a total output of 194 hp from its 2.5-liter four-cylinder-plus electric drive. It got the best fuel economy of any SUV we've tested -- an impressive 29 mpg overall. It can loaf in EV mode at low speeds.
Unfortunately, the 300h hybrid is weak when you need to accelerate; the engine annoyingly howls like 4-year-old denied a juice box. That stems from the nature of its continuously variable transmission (CVT), which holds engine revs, contributing to the interior racket.
The NX is saddled with a touchpad controller, included with the optional navigation system. But the user interface requires dexterous fingers to make selections -- not easy or intuitive when driving. The climate controls are packed together, and the radio's volume and tuning ***** hide beneath an overhanging ledge
. Even though pricing starts at just under $35,000, option packages quickly extend the bill past $40,000. Green-minded buyers will have to pony up more for the hybrid model; our loaded version cost a dizzying $51,000. Still, a comparably equipped NX runs about $4,000 cheaper than a BMW X3 or an Audi Q5.
The small luxury SUV field is as crowded as the motor-vehicle department after a long holiday, with more than a dozen legitimate contenders. But buyers expecting a proper small SUV from Lexus will be disappointed.
The Driving Experience
Handling: The NX handles quite nimbly. It's willing and able to change directions eagerly, and turn-in response is prompt. Through all maneuvers, the body stays rather flat and unperturbed. But that doesn't make the Lexus as rewarding to drive as a BMW X3 or Audi Q5. Those German competitors have more controlled suspensions and sharper steering.
On the track the NX achieved a modest speed of around 50 mph as the fast acting stability control kicked in early to keep the NX on course. Pronounced understeer was its default mode which made it feel secure and predictable. On the track, it was steady but devoid of any sporty character or enjoyment.
Powertrain: The 200t comes with Lexus's first four-cylinder turbo -- a well-integrated 245-hp, 2.0-liter engine that delivers a linear power delivery that's for the most part, smooth and refined. It does an admirable job, so long as you don't expect a lush and creamy V6 experience. We measured a commendable 24 mpg overall.
With the hybrid, things are less pleasant. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motor, mated to a CVT, is virtually the same setup as in the Toyota Camry hybrid and Lexus ES 300h. However, it feels strained in this heavier AWD SUV. The CVT makes climbing hills a noisy, unpleasant affair. Acceleration from 0-60 mph is a leisurely 9 seconds -- somewhat at odds with the NX's sporty styling and ride, and its steep $51,000 price tag.
That said, as long as there are no inclines the hybrid can drive on electric power alone at speeds up to around 35 mph. But the 300h's trump card is its fuel consumption: at 29 mpg overall it is the most fuel efficient luxury SUV we've ever tested.
Off road: The NX is not intended for off-roading whatsoever.
Ride comfort: The NX's ride is firm, but not over-the-top punishing. Ride motions tend to be short and quick, and impacts are fairly pronounced but not to the point of being overly stiff. Ride comfort is roughly on par with the NX's German competitors. But don't expect Lexus RX levels of plushness.
Noise: Both NXs fall short of expected Lexus qualities when it comes to hushed cabins. In fact the NX 300h is rather noisy. Powertrain differences are the main reason. The NX 200t's turbo four-cylinder/six-speed automatic pairing sounds relaxed and competitive for the class. However, the NX 300h's four-cylinder/CVT combination holds high revs and sounds intrusive at times as the powertrain digs up power.
Braking: Overall performance was on par for the most part. The only shortcoming was the hybrid in wet conditions, where it produced longer stops than we'd like to see. Neither model had very good brake pedal modulation. The 200t could use a bit more bite, and the 300h was a little grabby -- typical of a hybrid.
Headlights: You get LED low beams and halogen high beams standard. This combination provides very good visibility and is super bright. The optional full LED headlamps on our 300h reside behind stylish gem-like lenses. They are also bright, but deliver worse forward visibility. Both versions also suffer from a lack of overall light uniformity from both beams.
Road Test
The Lexus recipe for success: Hide the Toyota mass-market roots under the Lexus logo by filling a car with amenities and luxury trappings, a more supple ride, and a quiet, soothing cabin. Even a pro can't sniff out the Camry beneath an ES sedan. But with the new, compact NX, the souffle falls. The car doesn't coddle you like the wildly successful Lexus RX -- the midsized crossover vehicle that started the whole craze. Nor does it thrill you with BMW-like handling. It just feels like an upmarket Toyota RAV4.
With a snout borrowed from a large-mouth bass and a body with more creases than a churro pastry, the NX is the most un-Lexus Lexus we've tested. From a brand that made its bones building vanilla-mobiles, the NX is a swing in the other direction.
But it's not convincing, and much of that has to do with its RAV4 underpinnings. Nothing against Toyota's super-popular small SUV, but luxury is not in its DNA.
The NX's looks promise derring-do performance, and its handling is indeed sharp. It's responsive compared with a typical Lexus, but handling and braking are a notch below competitors from BMW and Audi. And the NX doesn't deliver the quiet, calm, and serene ride you expect from a Lexus. Instead, it's as firm and controlled as an IRS audit. The performance doesn't match the looks -- like when a peach-fuzz sibling borrows his big brother's leather jacket, the appearance isn't quite right.
Inside the cabin, the NX once again falls short of Lexus standards. You're not cosseted with parlor-room luxury. Many parts and panels look and feel cheap, costing the NX points for fit and finish. The bolstered seats are supportive, but lumbar-support adjustment is limited. The rear is adequate for two. The cargo area is also quite limited, making us question the "utility" part of this SUV.
The very tight driving position is made worse by claustrophobically small windows. Sure, they look cool from the outside, but that means poor visibility from the driver's seat. A rear camera is standard, and you'll also want the blind-spot monitoring system.
The 200t marks Toyota's foray into turbocharged four-cylinder engines; the German brands have used them for a while. The 235-hp four-cylinder delivered 24 mpg in our tests; it accelerated to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds, both good numbers The NX is also offered as a hybrid, with a total output of 194 hp from its 2.5-liter four-cylinder-plus electric drive. It got the best fuel economy of any SUV we've tested -- an impressive 29 mpg overall. It can loaf in EV mode at low speeds.
Unfortunately, the 300h hybrid is weak when you need to accelerate; the engine annoyingly howls like 4-year-old denied a juice box. That stems from the nature of its continuously variable transmission (CVT), which holds engine revs, contributing to the interior racket.
The NX is saddled with a touchpad controller, included with the optional navigation system. But the user interface requires dexterous fingers to make selections -- not easy or intuitive when driving. The climate controls are packed together, and the radio's volume and tuning ***** hide beneath an overhanging ledge
. Even though pricing starts at just under $35,000, option packages quickly extend the bill past $40,000. Green-minded buyers will have to pony up more for the hybrid model; our loaded version cost a dizzying $51,000. Still, a comparably equipped NX runs about $4,000 cheaper than a BMW X3 or an Audi Q5.
The small luxury SUV field is as crowded as the motor-vehicle department after a long holiday, with more than a dozen legitimate contenders. But buyers expecting a proper small SUV from Lexus will be disappointed.
The Driving Experience
Handling: The NX handles quite nimbly. It's willing and able to change directions eagerly, and turn-in response is prompt. Through all maneuvers, the body stays rather flat and unperturbed. But that doesn't make the Lexus as rewarding to drive as a BMW X3 or Audi Q5. Those German competitors have more controlled suspensions and sharper steering.
On the track the NX achieved a modest speed of around 50 mph as the fast acting stability control kicked in early to keep the NX on course. Pronounced understeer was its default mode which made it feel secure and predictable. On the track, it was steady but devoid of any sporty character or enjoyment.
Powertrain: The 200t comes with Lexus's first four-cylinder turbo -- a well-integrated 245-hp, 2.0-liter engine that delivers a linear power delivery that's for the most part, smooth and refined. It does an admirable job, so long as you don't expect a lush and creamy V6 experience. We measured a commendable 24 mpg overall.
With the hybrid, things are less pleasant. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motor, mated to a CVT, is virtually the same setup as in the Toyota Camry hybrid and Lexus ES 300h. However, it feels strained in this heavier AWD SUV. The CVT makes climbing hills a noisy, unpleasant affair. Acceleration from 0-60 mph is a leisurely 9 seconds -- somewhat at odds with the NX's sporty styling and ride, and its steep $51,000 price tag.
That said, as long as there are no inclines the hybrid can drive on electric power alone at speeds up to around 35 mph. But the 300h's trump card is its fuel consumption: at 29 mpg overall it is the most fuel efficient luxury SUV we've ever tested.
Off road: The NX is not intended for off-roading whatsoever.
Ride comfort: The NX's ride is firm, but not over-the-top punishing. Ride motions tend to be short and quick, and impacts are fairly pronounced but not to the point of being overly stiff. Ride comfort is roughly on par with the NX's German competitors. But don't expect Lexus RX levels of plushness.
Noise: Both NXs fall short of expected Lexus qualities when it comes to hushed cabins. In fact the NX 300h is rather noisy. Powertrain differences are the main reason. The NX 200t's turbo four-cylinder/six-speed automatic pairing sounds relaxed and competitive for the class. However, the NX 300h's four-cylinder/CVT combination holds high revs and sounds intrusive at times as the powertrain digs up power.
Braking: Overall performance was on par for the most part. The only shortcoming was the hybrid in wet conditions, where it produced longer stops than we'd like to see. Neither model had very good brake pedal modulation. The 200t could use a bit more bite, and the 300h was a little grabby -- typical of a hybrid.
Headlights: You get LED low beams and halogen high beams standard. This combination provides very good visibility and is super bright. The optional full LED headlamps on our 300h reside behind stylish gem-like lenses. They are also bright, but deliver worse forward visibility. Both versions also suffer from a lack of overall light uniformity from both beams.
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/m...2015/index.htm
10-20-15, 07:36 PM
#13
Lexus Fanatic
They did not mean it was one of the worst vehicles, period. What they meant by that phrase (although I do agree with you that they could have used a better and clearer term to describe it) was that it was a big letdown compared to what they were expecting from something with the Lexus nameplate....more so than what they experience with most new vehicles, though the Mercedes CLA was also a letdown in their sight. Given the fact that a number of other new Lexus products are not as smooth, quiet, or plushly-trimmed inside as the their predecessors, I can partly, but not totally, agree with them on the NX in that regard. However, from reviews I've been reading of the new RX (and I plan to review one myself in November or December when it is released here in the D.C. area), Lexus took steps to keep both the interior and ride comfort plush. We'll see. j
11-08-15, 10:52 PM
#14
Lexus Test Driver
How will Lexus break the top 3? Fourth place behind Mercedes, BMW & Audi. Hmm. Reliability is great and for ME I look forward to a no drama experience. However it would be nice to move the needle a few notches.
http://www.forbes.com/companies/lexus/
http://www.forbes.com/companies/lexus/
11-09-15, 01:31 AM
#15
Lexus Test Driver
Happy to hear about Audi improving. However, the Q3 has barely been on the market and has a short track record. I'd be cautious about CR's data on it so soon.