Toys4RJill

What real, well done review.

ST430

Don't know if you guys seen it, but in the latest MT or RT mag print, it cited that Toyco was content on letting the Avalon taking over the ES's territory. Seems Lexus is moving to all RWD only now...

ydooby

Don't think Lexus is moving to all RWD any time soon. Over half of Lexus's car sales comes from the ES (and over 10% is from the CT). Over 80% of the Lexus SUV sales comes from the RX, many of which are FWD too. If you take away all FWD Lexus then Lexus sales will likely drop over 60% in the short term.

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

^^ Well my point being the Avalon makes the ES almost irrelevant to its cause. Full of luxury content sure, but the luxury feel is missing. Thinly padded doors and poor quality materials are some of it's biggest flaws. Avalon even has a special ambient lighting in the cup holder rings.

spwolf

did you sit in the Avalon? Seats hard as a rock or?

Joeb427

iTrader: (1)

The review seemed to me that the reviewer wasn't excited about any of the three and just had to pick one.

07grIS350

Well, I am glad my new car beat out 2 older cars in a mag test drive
A few real world observations:
- Avalon's road maner and cabin quietness is simply superb in city driving for my taste.
- Not as smooth as my previous Lexus on bumpy highway surfaces. May have to do with having less mass.
- Seats are firm but comfortable for my middle aged behind. I have heard no complaints so far from passengers.
- Seat warmers work much better than my previous vehicles.
- Steering is one of the best I have experienced from Lex/Toy.
- Drive like a smaller car in most situations, in spite of being a large car.
- Dealer sold out his inventory (3) in Jan by the second week. He sold 2 for the whole 2012.
- The interior gave nothing up on Lexi. I was surprise to find the auto seat adjustment upon starting/stoping the car.

I am very glad that Toyota made this Avalon. The only thing I would consider changing on this car is maybe softer/taller tires to see if it helps with the highway ride.

bagwell

it works great for BMW!!!!

LexusChris

iTrader: (1)

I almost thought it seemed the Avalon was going to lose in the beginning surprised it won, congrats Toyota, I have yet to see one on the road though.

LexBob2

Last month Azera sold <800 cars. Suprising to see it that low for what seems to be a nice car. Genesis was nearly 2,500 (all models).

For comparison, Avalon 4,840 and Maxima 2,992.

spwolf

Avalon will probably sell 6k a month for a while once they have their production ramped up... personally I would rather get base Avalon than loaded Camry.

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

Did a static review briefly. Didn't have enough time to sit long. The leather was slightly harder but the whole package seemed much more refined than the ES's I sit in day in day out

97-SC300

iTrader: (17)

Lol at Ford and Lincoln not providing a car for the comparison. I think deep inside they know they have no chance anyways so that's their polite way of saving themselves the embarrassment.

TangoRed

I think the Lincoln would've done well in this comparison test. They are, however, trying extra hard to align themselves with Cadillac and the foreign luxury car makers. I would've thrown the Taurus in this mix as a sacrificial lamb (i'm sure it would've placed last) and saved face instead of just blatantly refusing to provide a car.

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

The Lincoln is too premium for this comparison. A Ford Taurus is your best suit. All mainstream automakers with full size FWD cars. Though the AWD option on the Taurus is an advantage, but It would have gotten 4th place in this comparison. The car is too heavy. Next gen should trim the fat and be lighter on it's feet, not to mention have some European driving manners.