'04 LS430 review from UK
10-05-03, 01:12 PM
#1
Lexus Fanatic
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'04 LS430 review from UK
http://www.autocarmagazine.com/First...p?RT_ID=204169
As usual, the European writer feels the need to downplay the LS430 where it counts. The Sport Package is dismissed as only "making the previously superb ride a little more brittle and fidgety" whereas everyone I've heard who's test-driven the Sport Package said the package enhances the ride in every way while not hurting comfort at all. The conclusion looks like a convenient way to make the sentiment towards the car sound negative too. Oh well...to each his own.
As usual, the European writer feels the need to downplay the LS430 where it counts. The Sport Package is dismissed as only "making the previously superb ride a little more brittle and fidgety" whereas everyone I've heard who's test-driven the Sport Package said the package enhances the ride in every way while not hurting comfort at all. The conclusion looks like a convenient way to make the sentiment towards the car sound negative too. Oh well...to each his own.
Last edited by XeroK00L; 10-05-03 at 02:03 PM.
10-05-03, 07:39 PM
#3
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I have heard that "lack of soul" refrain so many times it makes me want to scream. Those tired automotive journalist hacks, especially the snotty ones in the UK, slag everything that isn't trendy, while personally driving and owning little hatchbacks.
If "lack of soul" means that your car isn't in the shop more than on the road, like any Jaguar you care to name, then I will take soul-less. If "lack of soul" means you don't have to deal with a car that is so technically over-sold, like the I-drive BMW pile of junk, then I will take soul-less.
I used to own an older restored Mercedes, from the sixties. Lovely old car, well built by hand, everything fit. Just closing the door would make me smile. I love machines that WORK.
As it turns out, the Lexus makes me smile when I hear that beautiful little gear reduction starter motor. And when the transmission moves into gear and locks up without any clunk. And when the engine pulls the car around like a big silent electric motor. And when I press the brake pedal and the car just glides to a perfect, jerk free stop, without any drama at all.
You can't do that in a ten year Jag. Or a ten year old BMW. Or a ten year old Benz. They are too busy dismantling themselves in your driveway.
And this is my gentle opinion on the subject.
For punishment for not being objective enough in that article, the writer should be condemned to driving a Rover 3500 AND paying for its repairs. I am sure it will have enough "soul" for him.
If "lack of soul" means that your car isn't in the shop more than on the road, like any Jaguar you care to name, then I will take soul-less. If "lack of soul" means you don't have to deal with a car that is so technically over-sold, like the I-drive BMW pile of junk, then I will take soul-less.
I used to own an older restored Mercedes, from the sixties. Lovely old car, well built by hand, everything fit. Just closing the door would make me smile. I love machines that WORK.
As it turns out, the Lexus makes me smile when I hear that beautiful little gear reduction starter motor. And when the transmission moves into gear and locks up without any clunk. And when the engine pulls the car around like a big silent electric motor. And when I press the brake pedal and the car just glides to a perfect, jerk free stop, without any drama at all.
You can't do that in a ten year Jag. Or a ten year old BMW. Or a ten year old Benz. They are too busy dismantling themselves in your driveway.
And this is my gentle opinion on the subject.
For punishment for not being objective enough in that article, the writer should be condemned to driving a Rover 3500 AND paying for its repairs. I am sure it will have enough "soul" for him.
10-06-03, 05:33 AM
#4
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hey everyone,
i read that article. my guess is that when the writer talks of lack of soul he is
refering to the lack of uniqueness in the LS. the german brands have carved
out their own niche while Lexus seems to follow in design and performance.
think about it this way.....when anyone talks about the Land Cruiser they generally
feel they are talking about a vehicle with heritage and also a vehicle that defined it's class.
so when a new luxury off roader is introduced by another manufacturer it will in many
ways be compared and judged against the Land Cruiser.
the same can be said of the LS. it is being judged against other vehicles that
define the class that it is. it seems that Lexus is intent on following and not
leading in the luxury class. they seem to take a very conservative approach with
the LS.
before everyone melts down....i like the LS.... a lot. i like the 04 very much.
i really think the changes on the 04 make much more desirable.
i read that article. my guess is that when the writer talks of lack of soul he is
refering to the lack of uniqueness in the LS. the german brands have carved
out their own niche while Lexus seems to follow in design and performance.
think about it this way.....when anyone talks about the Land Cruiser they generally
feel they are talking about a vehicle with heritage and also a vehicle that defined it's class.
so when a new luxury off roader is introduced by another manufacturer it will in many
ways be compared and judged against the Land Cruiser.
the same can be said of the LS. it is being judged against other vehicles that
define the class that it is. it seems that Lexus is intent on following and not
leading in the luxury class. they seem to take a very conservative approach with
the LS.
before everyone melts down....i like the LS.... a lot. i like the 04 very much.
i really think the changes on the 04 make much more desirable.
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