Consumer Reports - AWD Mid-Luxury Comparison

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08-07-05, 10:27 PM

#61

doug_999

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Quote:

Originally Posted by mmarshall

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Having said that, though, it IS hard to justify ranking the GS300 last if quality is a major factor.....which it often is with CR.

Actually, the GS gains a "recommended:" which the second place Audi does not. That said, it is not up to the standards of handling and "accident avoidance" that the other cars are.

Personally, I find the new GS to be one of the nicest looking vehicles out there with one of the best interiors out there. Unfortunately, they are missing the other 3rd - driving dynamics.

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08-07-05, 11:45 PM

#62

bitkahuna

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Quote:

Originally Posted by doug_999

Just got my Consumer Reports. The ranking went like this:
1. M35 (their new top-rated sedan)
2. A6 ("overall it's composed and comfortable")
3. STS ("... very quck and responsive")
4. RL (43' wide turning circle)
5. GS300 ("we didn't find it particularly exciting to drive")

Ouch, when Consumer Reports finds a car "lacking feel and isn't agile" you have a problem.

Hey, at least the GS 300 is "recommended".

I drove an 06 GS430 and it was 'nice' but the tranny still seemed slow to downshift so it didn't feel as quick as I know it is. Now that's a GS430. A GS300 with added AWD load and weight must feel pretty porky. And because Lexus vehicles are so refined, quiet, smooth, etc., there may be little difference in driving feel between driving a GS300 and an Avalon!

And the thing I struggle with on the new GS are its proportions - the wheelbase is HUGE yet rear leg room still doesn't even seem to come close to an LS430 and what's with the TINY turnk opening? It's like they went for a nice design on paper and in the wind tunnel without making it as functional as it could be.

So if it lacks some practical function and it's not as exciting as it might be, there you have it, it isn't going to win comparos.

Lexus is sort of playing the "jack of all trades, master of none" way with the new GS.

And as far as AWD, this is the first Lexus AWD sedan, so there may be a bit of skepticism. If I really wanted AWD in a sedan, I think Audi would be a good place to look simply because they've been doing it so long. Yes, the reliability is questionable but not everyone focuses heavily on that or they wouldn't sell any Chrysler, Ford and Chevy sedans!

Anyway, some late night rambling...