CR comparo: RL, A6, STS, M35, Avalon
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Lexus Test Driver
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CR comparo: RL, A6, STS, M35, Avalon
Apparently, Consumer Reports is going to do a comparo between the RL, A6, STS, M35, and Avalon next month.
They really should test the GS300 instead of the Avalon, or at least include the GS300 and leave the Avalon in there if need be.
Given CR's affinity for the "practical", I bet the $35k Avalon wins against the $50k sedans. They'll say something like ... "just as luxurious and powerful, more room, and better in snow, for 2/3 of the price!!!"
They really should test the GS300 instead of the Avalon, or at least include the GS300 and leave the Avalon in there if need be.
Given CR's affinity for the "practical", I bet the $35k Avalon wins against the $50k sedans. They'll say something like ... "just as luxurious and powerful, more room, and better in snow, for 2/3 of the price!!!"
Lexus Champion
Joined: May 2002
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From: Connecticut
I'm anxious to see how CR likes the STS.
Honestly - it's the only American-built sedan that makes me want to leave the whip I'm with, and start a new relationship at that kinda money.
(I know you guys remember that song ...)
M.
Honestly - it's the only American-built sedan that makes me want to leave the whip I'm with, and start a new relationship at that kinda money.
(I know you guys remember that song ...)
M.
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Originally Posted by jrock65
Apparently, Consumer Reports is going to do a comparo between the RL, A6, STS, M35, and Avalon next month.
They really should test the GS300 instead of the Avalon, or at least include the GS300 and leave the Avalon in there if need be.
Given CR's affinity for the "practical", I bet the $35k Avalon wins against the $50k sedans. They'll say something like ... "just as luxurious and powerful, more room, and better in snow, for 2/3 of the price!!!"
They really should test the GS300 instead of the Avalon, or at least include the GS300 and leave the Avalon in there if need be.
Given CR's affinity for the "practical", I bet the $35k Avalon wins against the $50k sedans. They'll say something like ... "just as luxurious and powerful, more room, and better in snow, for 2/3 of the price!!!"
Now...in snow it probably WILL beat the RWD STS and M35, even with those cars' traction and stability control. Again, it depends on exactly what kind of tires are put on these cars at the factory....CR tests with stock rubber.
Lead Lap
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From: WY
DAYUM they are gonna test the Avalon with those cars?!?!! Im surprised they are considering avalon as a sport sedan to be included int he comparo. I think the avalon is a fantastic car for almost every category there is - but im still a GS fan..lol 
However is surprising to know that it wil be included along with those other high end cars over 45K.
Id like to read this review.
However is surprising to know that it wil be included along with those other high end cars over 45K.Id like to read this review.
Lexus Test Driver
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From: North Carolina
maybe they'll test the Avalon touring with these other models, but gotta give my teo cents about the M from Infiniti, nice car and all but i will never consider getting one, not because im a lexus fan, but i still think that infiniti has more to do with their cars than just large engines. and nice roaring sounds when u floor the accelerator, but i really do like the G lineup, other than that, if i had a choice between the avalon and the M i would pick the avalon. and the steering wheel in the M feel rough
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Lead Lap
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From: California
Seems like a dumb comparo. I mean, the avalon is NOT a luxury make like the others....no where near the same class. It should have been the gs300. I dont see the point of this comparo unless toyota payed them to put the avalon in there to possibly make it seem like a better buy then the competition. Of course it would since its way cheaper. But in all honesty, who would cross shop between an avalon and an a6, RL or whatever else is in that class of cars? If someone was looking for a car in this segment, they would look at the gs300, not the avalon. If i was looking at an accord or a maxima, then id look at an avalon.
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Avalon?!?! Come on, give me the GS with those guys. Maybe it was a Lexus PR thing 
.
Anyway, both inside and out, I've come to realize that the A6 is the best looking IMO. The M looks great, but it looks cheap and certain interior portions (the wood, draped leather on the door sides) make it look older than it really is, although that interior still is very nice. The RL is bloated, suprisingly underpowered (needs a bit more torque, HP is just fine), and quite bland. It's interior is the best fitted and finish in the class IMO, VERY nice, and also has an unbelievable Navi and SH-AWD. The GS for me is just too plain. It's striking, but plain. The interior is very well done, but lacks character for me. The STS's interior doesn't do it for me, but the exterior is very classy. As for the 5 and E, with all these choices, I'd rather skip BMW and MB.
.Anyway, both inside and out, I've come to realize that the A6 is the best looking IMO. The M looks great, but it looks cheap and certain interior portions (the wood, draped leather on the door sides) make it look older than it really is, although that interior still is very nice. The RL is bloated, suprisingly underpowered (needs a bit more torque, HP is just fine), and quite bland. It's interior is the best fitted and finish in the class IMO, VERY nice, and also has an unbelievable Navi and SH-AWD. The GS for me is just too plain. It's striking, but plain. The interior is very well done, but lacks character for me. The STS's interior doesn't do it for me, but the exterior is very classy. As for the 5 and E, with all these choices, I'd rather skip BMW and MB.
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Lexus Test Driver
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The Avalon interior is very nice (except the fake wood) and its power would put the GS300 to shame. But its FWD setup and soft suspension means that it won't hold a candle to the other cars in handling and fun-to-drive factor.
If they're gonna include the Avalon, why not throw the ES in there for good measure? I mean, the ES has an even better interior than the Avalon.
It's not that big a deal to pit the Avalon against these cars... but why does that mean that the GS300 has to be EXCLUDED?
If they're gonna include the Avalon, why not throw the ES in there for good measure? I mean, the ES has an even better interior than the Avalon.
It's not that big a deal to pit the Avalon against these cars... but why does that mean that the GS300 has to be EXCLUDED?
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Originally Posted by jrock65
Apparently, Consumer Reports is going to do a comparo between the RL, A6, STS, M35, and Avalon next month.
They really should test the GS300 instead of the Avalon, or at least include the GS300 and leave the Avalon in there if need be.
Given CR's affinity for the "practical", I bet the $35k Avalon wins against the $50k sedans. They'll say something like ... "just as luxurious and powerful, more room, and better in snow, for 2/3 of the price!!!"
They really should test the GS300 instead of the Avalon, or at least include the GS300 and leave the Avalon in there if need be.
Given CR's affinity for the "practical", I bet the $35k Avalon wins against the $50k sedans. They'll say something like ... "just as luxurious and powerful, more room, and better in snow, for 2/3 of the price!!!"
1. RL is based on an Accord.
2. The A6 FINALLY has its own platform.
3. The STS has its own platform
4. The M35 is based on the 350Z.
5. The Avalon is based on a Camry.
Sounds like a fair comparison to me.
Speaks French in Russian
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Oh man, there is going to be a lot of pissed off readers across all Car Forums the day this review becomes available. Not a good look. "While they are at it, they should compare the E55 to the Town Car". 
uh-oh......
uh-oh......
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Lexus Test Driver
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The Front Midship platform is much more of an Infiniti platform in the U.S., the G35, G35 Coupe, FX35/45, M35/45 use it. The 350Z, a specialty car that sells 2500 per month, is the only Nissan to use it. Big deal.
Again, why was the GS excluded? It's less than one year old, just like the RL, A6, STS, and M35.
Again, why was the GS excluded? It's less than one year old, just like the RL, A6, STS, and M35.