2019 Toyota Avalon
12-10-17, 10:46 AM
#106
Yes. Toyota is not an economical brand, its a full on mainstream brand that has and always had some premium products. The price points of 4Runner, Highlander, Tundra, Sequoia, and of course Land Crusier can all be purchase at very high MSRP.
For those too young to remember, in the past, MR2, Supra, Cressida, were among some of the past examples of Toyota models that were considered a premium. .
For those too young to remember, in the past, MR2, Supra, Cressida, were among some of the past examples of Toyota models that were considered a premium. .
12-10-17, 11:48 AM
#107
Lexus Fanatic
I would argue that Toyota is not quite at the level of the top end of Ford or GM. The new Expedition can be loaded up to $85K which is just astonishing. Toyota Tundra is nowhere near the big three in trucks. They do offer a full line but they are behind the competition. I think its a worthwhile discussion.
Last edited by Toys4RJill; 12-10-17 at 11:56 AM.
12-10-17, 02:20 PM
#108
Lexus Fanatic
I guess we can speculate, however sales numbers are raw facts that are hard to argue with. Contrast the discussion with the Buick LaCrosse which received a redesign in 2017 yet the sales figures actually decreased from the year before in the final year of the last gen model, can we infer that perhaps GM missed what buyers really want in the new 2017? Then look back at the LaCrosse 2010 redesign which ended up doubling its numbers from the outgoing model of 2009, why has the current model not caught on? I think the 2010 design had a bit of more sporty or firm feel (but still nice riding)
I am actually surprised Toyota is committed to the Avalon for the 2019 model. I thought they would cancel the model to be honest. Sales figures are a few years away however with all this talk about cross overs and SUVs, I would not be surprised if sales were to increase as Toyota is a pretty strong brand, I will be shocked to learn if sales were double while going to a much softer suspension. I do predict an AVS type suspension this time around and big MSRP price increase. I don't expect the new Avalon sales to match the 13 sales, but I would expect at least 20K increase in units moved.
But back to the LaCrosse for a second, I test drove the 17 out of pure curiosity and all the talk and multiple threads about the car in this Lexus forum. I thought the vehicle was wonderful and definitely an excellent product. I think my comments were that the LaCrosse was much better driving than the Lexus ES. GM absolutely nailed the ride quality. But the big disappointment is that it is clearly not selling well, and generally speaking sales in the first year of redesigns should produce an increase.
generally speaking sales in the first year of redesigns should produce an increase
12-10-17, 02:24 PM
#109
Lexus Fanatic
12-10-17, 02:36 PM
#110
Lexus Fanatic
I would argue that Toyota is not quite at the level of the top end of Ford or GM. The new Expedition can be loaded up to $85K which is just astonishing. Toyota Tundra is nowhere near the big three in trucks. They do offer a full line but they are behind the competition. I think its a worthwhile discussion.
12-10-17, 02:42 PM
#111
Lexus Fanatic
12-10-17, 02:46 PM
#112
Lexus Fanatic
That former version, though, had several advantages. The build quality, though not up to the level of the original U.S.-market one in 1994, was still fairly impressive. They got the suspension and tires right......something they clearly didn't do with the 2013. The interior, though less-flashy to look at than the 2013, seemed roomier, more space-efficient, had a higher roofline, and with more-solid materials inside. And..............(Get this).............yes, it came wth a REAL spare tire.
12-10-17, 02:48 PM
#113
Lexus Fanatic
12-10-17, 02:51 PM
#114
Lexus Fanatic
But looks, on the surface, can be deceiving. Underneath the surface-flash was flimsy, Cracker-Jack materials....I've already listed the worst ones in other posts. Other reviewers can have their opinions....I respect them (and I respect yours). But my own opinion on the 2013-2015 stands.....I'm not changing it. Last year, though, for 2016, in addition to the softer-suspension option, some improvements were also made inside, and, when I did a review, I duly noted them.
And, no, I'm not just picking on Toyota here. I also criticized the original Buick Enclave SUV for exactly the same thing.....a nice rich look to the interior trim (with acres of wood-tone and chrome)....but, like the 2013 Avalon, Cracker-Jack materials underneath that surface rich-look.
Last edited by mmarshall; 12-10-17 at 03:22 PM.
12-10-17, 03:00 PM
#115
Lexus Fanatic
Just looked up the product information. The 2005 Touring model had 215/55R17 tires, the 2013 model had the exact same 215/55R17 tires.
Last edited by Toys4RJill; 12-10-17 at 03:04 PM.
12-10-17, 03:07 PM
#116
Lexus Fanatic
But from an Autoblog review:
"The Touring model ($28,875) features more aggressive suspension tuning and 17-inch alloy wheels with P215/55R17 Michelin MXV4 tires and high-intensity-discharge head lamps. Touring also upgrades to leather-trimmed seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift ****, and aluminum scuff plates."
"The Touring model is set up for sharper handling performance than the others, with stiffer shock tuning and Michelin MXV4 tires on 17-inch wheels. The Touring has quicker reflexes, at the expense of some ride comfort and noise control, and delivers a secure, on-center feeling through the twisties"
"Add the tighter suspension of the Touring model and the Avalon is decidedly sporty. "
12-10-17, 03:22 PM
#118
Lexus Champion
Originally Posted by LexsCTJill
I would argue that Toyota is not quite at the level of the top end of Ford or GM. The new Expedition can be loaded up to $85K which is just astonishing. Toyota Tundra is nowhere near the big three in trucks. They do offer a full line but they are behind the competition. I think its a worthwhile discussion.
12-10-17, 03:25 PM
#119
Lexus Fanatic
Again, pretty much what I was saying. It's hard to find 55s on that class of upmarket sedans today. Even my comfort-oriented Lacrosse has 50s on 18" wheels.. And the Lincoln MKZ comes with either 40 or 45-series, depending on wheel and option. The Genesis products I've looked at also come with 45s.
12-10-17, 03:34 PM
#120
Lexus Fanatic