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Car and Driver May 07 issue: GX470 5th place

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Old 04-13-07, 06:48 PM
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nate579
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Default Car and Driver May 07 issue: GX470 5th place

I didn't see a previous post on here thought I would share a snippet. GX was tested against (winning order)

1. Acura MDX
2. BMW X5 3.0
3. Cadillac SRX
4. MB ML350
5. Lexus GX470
6. Volvo XC90
7. Volkswagen Touareg V-6
8. Land Rover LR3 HSE

I am generally pleased with the outcome. GX is long in the tooth and really doesn't hav passion but a great vehicle for family use. Lucky its my wifes, because probaly would have went for a BMW X5 5.5 or Acura MDX if I was to purchase a SUV. Any the write up is generally good except they didn't like the ride. Surprised Cadillac was up in the list. Oh Well, as long as my baby is happy I am happy.

C&D take:
Pros:
Solid Platform
Fearless Off Road
Full Luxo Interior

Cons:
Scattershot Switchgear (I agree) Shifters are too close together.
Still not enough power (I disagree 0-60 in 7.2 sec, Come on)
Undisciplined Body motions (I disagree, drive it like truck not a sport car)

The Verdict:
Still the Luxury SUV for Body On Frame purists. But it's feeling a little old.

Scanned page is for stats only not order of comparison

Old 04-13-07, 07:54 PM
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shodog
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I'm not surprised by the ranking. C&D is more sport oriented so it goes without saying that they would choose a more sporty SUV. The thing is that I would never take one of those suv's off roading.
Old 04-13-07, 10:13 PM
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stiles_s
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I eagerly awaited the new MDX, but was seriously underwhelmed after driving one. Bought the GX shortly thereafter. The MDX felt way too similar to our Pilot, and seriously lacked torque. that, plus I finally realized that my inner truck-gene needed feeding.
Old 04-13-07, 10:44 PM
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LexusChris
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https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=273084

Anyway, knowing C&D they prefer sporty. The MDX however sure is a nice looker.. But the GX 470 has the nicer interior and simpler to use which is more important to me. The MDX has that I-Drive like **** that is just such a fuss to use imo.
Old 04-13-07, 10:45 PM
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RXSF
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looking at the other competitors, wouldnt an RX350 been a better choice...?
Old 04-14-07, 06:18 AM
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Gromulus
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Originally Posted by RXSF
looking at the other competitors, wouldnt an RX350 been a better choice...?
Exactly. As mentioned earlier, C&D evaluates and prioritizes ride and handling above all else. They do not place any emphasis on utilty, off-road prowess, towing ability, or anything else that most people who buy true SUVs value.

Usiing their criteria, then of course the GX and LR3 will rank lower than other models.

The GX won Peterson's off-road 4WD face-off two years in a row. There is no other platform (with the exception of the TLC/LX) that can combine the GX's balance of on and off-road ability, not to mention quality and reliability.

Want a car with higher seating height, more cargo room, and some moderate level of all-weather worthiness - buy an MDX. Want a truck-based SUV that can do it all day in and day out - stick with the GX.
Old 04-14-07, 06:35 AM
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The G Man
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The MDX, Touareg and the SRX are entry level luxury SUV, they are not in the same class as the GX. C&D's also doesn't take reliability, built quality and dealer service into account. Most buyer already know that if you want a hot rod for a SUV, then GX should not be on your list. GX is more of a cruiser and has a more comfortable ride than most of those SUV above.
Old 04-14-07, 06:56 AM
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StevenS
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Default Audi Q7

Did you read why they did not take Q7 to the test even it is in the price range? Because "it is longer than 195""! How do you like it?
Old 04-14-07, 08:02 AM
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The G Man
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What about the Saab 9-7X, Infiniti FX and the Porsche Cayenne. Those SUVs are shorter than 195".
Old 04-14-07, 05:23 PM
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jjbodean
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the caddy 3rd? thats funny
Old 04-14-07, 05:47 PM
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GFerg
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I dont care for the Caddy either, but it has always ranked very high in comparison tests.
Old 04-14-07, 05:48 PM
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Originally Posted by Gromulus
Exactly. As mentioned earlier, C&D evaluates and prioritizes ride and handling above all else. They do not place any emphasis on utilty, off-road prowess, towing ability, or anything else that most people who buy true SUVs value.

Usiing their criteria, then of course the GX and LR3 will rank lower than other models.

The GX won Peterson's off-road 4WD face-off two years in a row. There is no other platform (with the exception of the TLC/LX) that can combine the GX's balance of on and off-road ability, not to mention quality and reliability.

Want a car with higher seating height, more cargo room, and some moderate level of all-weather worthiness - buy an MDX. Want a truck-based SUV that can do it all day in and day out - stick with the GX.
Exactly. Not taking anything away from the winners but its ridiculous how much sport is prefered in a SUV and these are not FX 45s or Cayenne's, etc (X5 is included).

I read it a couple weeks ago and felt C&D is lost and has no clue what they really are used for.

A lot of their reviews recently, I think 4 year olds write them.
Old 04-14-07, 08:48 PM
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rj4510
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Originally Posted by nate579
The Verdict:
Still the Luxury SUV for Body On Frame purists. But it's feeling a little old.
I'll still be driving mine, when you won't even be able find any of the others in the Junk yard. I canceled most of my car magazines, because in most cases they have no clue what they are talking about.
Old 04-15-07, 10:30 AM
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Lexus usually doesn't do well in C&D. Just look at the comparison with the LS 460 they had recently. I don't consider C&D to be a creditable source, they just look for sportiness. Sure Bmw's have great handling but I wouldn't want to test it's limits on a public road just running to the grocery store. They miss the point about why we buy cars and how normal drivers would use them. JMO
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