They won't update any of those plastic bezels around the clock, door/window switches or the hard plastic center console. We're stuck with it until the next gen gets even cheaper.

It's sad that they won't use the money from a cash cow like the ES to offer as high of quality of materials like a 2006 ES330 had for the price.

Unless its a LS, LX or GS, Lexus is quickly cutting corners and diverging from their brilliant starting offerings. That's not to say performance, handling, tech, engineering, safety and efficiency haven't gotten better, but the luxury aspect is quickly disappearing.

 

I agree with you that the last-generation 300 was unimpressive in its fit/finish and material quality (using a lot of cheap parts), but have you checked out the newest one? Some cars do change over time, and, believe me, the new 2Gen 300, along with several other recent Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep products, are delivering.

 

Absolutely. Some folks can't get over the past and actually just either think nothing's changed because of a badge and/or they've just never sat in the actual car itself and go off internet pics and reviews.

Most every automaker these days knows they can't produce "crap" so to speak cause people won't buy it. Look at the Civic before the emergency refresh.

 

Last year's 2012 Civic isn't the only disappointing new vehicle today. VW, IMO, also over-economized on some versions of its latest Jetta.

 

On that note, a brand new Nissan Versa is pretty impressive for a 12k car. The cloth actually feels better than in more expensive models like the Ford Focus. And it also has lots of room to boot!

Out of the chrysler group, i think Jeep is really doing the most to change. Comparing a 2000 grand cherokee to the one that is produced now makes you wonder if "quality" was even on the mind of the 2000 execs.

My aunt did have her 2000 GC hit 230k miles though. So it is pretty safe to say that the engine in that particular SUV was good.

 

The straight-sixes used in some older Jeeps were actually pretty durable engines, having been developed by AMC (American Motors) back in the 1970s, and with decades of experience and improvements to them. The Jeep AWD systems, though, especially final-drive units, tended to be unreliable.

 

The engines were fine, it's the transmissions you need to watch out for. Growing up my family had a GC and the tranny was replaced twice. We still loved that ute though

Right, Civic was just one example. New Jetta is also a victim of cost cutting in material quality vs the last model.

 

I agree, most vehicles are not crap today. Most vehciless will perform well but the reliabilty is crap on a lot of automakes.

GM is terrible, Jeep and Dodge suck and forget about long terming a Ford.

Japan still make the best vehicles.

 

I drive a lifted Jeep Wrangler very very often and I just love the vehicle It isn't crap and people love it, it just drops jaws. The NAV is fine, the build is actually better than expected and for its intended market its great and sells like crazy. The Grand Cherokee is awesome as well.

Many people long term forms and a super-mod here has a Ford Explorere and seems happy with it.

GM isn't terrible as well, Caddy has made a true resurgence and even their small cars are much improved.

This isn't 1992 anymore

 

On the topic of cloth, you can still buy the top of the range VX-R 5.7 Land Cruiser with cloth seats in the GCC.

If you do opt for the cloth you lose the ventilated seats

 

Perhaps the first time we've ever agreed

Reliability on most cars (non japanese) are pretty equal these days. The only reason Germans/Euros get a pass over their American counterparts is because they are more plush

Japanese makes still have some of the finest assemblies today which has shown through both ownership and CR over the years.

My manager just sold off his XTerra for a Wrangler Rubicon. He's literally in love with it hah. Actually he's going four wheeling today.

** I also have a 2003 Explorer. Never had any issues. Runs like a champ still, 100K on the clock

Yup. Move on people

In the MIddle East, ventilated seats seem like a must for me

 

Who cares...what is your point. The Tundra comes with cooling seats and the Tundra can also be had with cloth seats as well.

 

American cars are good and solid for 1-3 years, from thereon that is where the issues start.

 

Lol, am i sensing a little bit of edginess in that post?

Originally, i brought up the topic of cloth in luxury vehicles, and UZJ posted pics about the Land Cruiser, which costs a very luxurious 78.5k, getting equipped with cloth.

 

Ford is probably the most common brand in our extended family, and we have all long-termed them. So to say you can't long term one is BS. Our 92 F350 has sat for over a year at a time and fired right up with a fresh battery and driven just fine. Never has left us on the side of the road, never had any problem except a few direct effects of very harsh treatment. It seems to me that a lot of the domestic bashing comes from very finicky people or people who don't regularly drive them.