the new '14 Avalon
Lexus Champion
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Illinois
well, not it actually has its own platform unlike before... it is still variant of MC but its different enough than Camry.
Of course, what I laugh about is that ES and RX are based on Avalon and Highlander, which is not true - if we look at production numbers, ES and RX double the sales of Avalon and Highlander, so the platform is designed for them first and then Toyota variants.
Of course, what I laugh about is that ES and RX are based on Avalon and Highlander, which is not true - if we look at production numbers, ES and RX double the sales of Avalon and Highlander, so the platform is designed for them first and then Toyota variants.
Thru November Avalon 64.7k, ES 64.6k. Highlander 115.2k and RX 90.8k.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Feb 2006
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From: Michigan
Are you driving them with the recommended tire PSIs in them? 
Any car will ride a little smoother if you let a few pounds of air out of the tires or put a soft pillow on the driver's seat. But there is no denying that, if not what YOU would consider rough (though I respect your opinion) 
, the 2013-14 Avalon, with its redesigned suspension and lower-profile tires, is noticeably less compliant in bump-absorbing than its predecessors, especially the nice 1Gen model. Reviewer after reviewer after reviewer in the auto press, Consumer Reports, and my own review when I drove it, all came to the same conclusion.
Any car will ride a little smoother if you let a few pounds of air out of the tires or put a soft pillow on the driver's seat. But there is no denying that, if not what YOU would consider rough (though I respect your opinion) , the 2013-14 Avalon, with its redesigned suspension and lower-profile tires, is noticeably less compliant in bump-absorbing than its predecessors, especially the nice 1Gen model. Reviewer after reviewer after reviewer in the auto press, Consumer Reports, and my own review when I drove it, all came to the same conclusion.
Pit Crew
Joined: Jul 2010
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From: NY
Are you driving them with the recommended tire PSIs in them? Any car will ride a little smoother if you let a few pounds of air out of the tires or put a soft pillow on the driver's seat. But there is no denying that, if not what YOU would consider rough (though I respect your opinion) , the 2013-14 Avalon, with its redesigned suspension and lower-profile tires, is noticeably less compliant in bump-absorbing than its predecessors, especially the nice 1Gen model. Reviewer after reviewer after reviewer in the auto press, Consumer Reports, and my own review when I drove it, all came to the same conclusion.
Any car will ride a little smoother if you let a few pounds of air out of the tires or put a soft pillow on the driver's seat. But there is no denying that, if not what YOU would consider rough (though I respect your opinion) , the 2013-14 Avalon, with its redesigned suspension and lower-profile tires, is noticeably less compliant in bump-absorbing than its predecessors, especially the nice 1Gen model. Reviewer after reviewer after reviewer in the auto press, Consumer Reports, and my own review when I drove it, all came to the same conclusion.
Lexus Fanatic
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So in the end, Lexus versions double sales of Toyota versions.
Lexus Champion
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From: Illinois
Lexus Fanatic
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From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
I wouldn't say the Avalon ride rough at all. But it definitely doesn't ride as plush as the older models. I would liken the difference between this generation and the previous ones to being more of a controlled ride. It's a tighter, more controlled ride, not necessarily rough or harsh.
OK...I'll agree with some of that. It's not typical sports-car firm, but definitely firmer and less bump-absorbent than in past models. And that's where I think the car has gone downhill (along with good-looking but cheap flimsy hardware inside). Avalons are supposed to glide over bumps, even if some people would consider that "floaty" They aren't supposed to be tight, well-controlled sports sedans....there are plenty of other cars today that do that.
Pit Crew
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From: NY
Lexus Champion
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Illinois
OK...I'll agree with some of that. It's not typical sports-car firm, but definitely firmer and less bump-absorbent than in past models. And that's where I think the car has gone downhill (along with good-looking but cheap flimsy hardware inside). Avalons are supposed to glide over bumps, even if some people would consider that "floaty" They aren't supposed to be tight, well-controlled sports sedans....there are plenty of other cars today that do that.
I've read a number of reviews on the new Avalon (as well as the new ES) and most of them have pointed out they don't ride like they used to. On the other hand the Avalon is selling VERY well. Thru November sales are nearly 65k +165%. It seems like actual buyers don't mind, and are snapping them (ES too) up.
New Impala,maybe.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
I've read a number of reviews on the new Avalon (as well as the new ES) and most of them have pointed out they don't ride like they used to. On the other hand the Avalon is selling VERY well. Thru November sales are nearly 65k +165%. It seems like actual buyers don't mind, and are snapping them (ES too) up.
Without a detailed breakdown of age/car-buying history/preferences. etc..... my hunch is that many of the Avalon buyers are new takers who have not owned the car before, and that a number of the traditional buyers are avoiding it. Where will they go?....my bet is over to either the all-new 2014 Chevy Impala or Kia Cadenza...both of which provide noticeably more cush-tush in the suspension, and with the Impala combining that nice ride with excellent steering-response as well.
Lexus Fanatic
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From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
IMO, it's cushy compared to the new Avalon's, but not quite as soft as the new Impala's (I've recently reviewed all of them, BTW). The Impala's new suspension, combining excellent ride and steering response both, is nothing short of remarkable.....IMO one of the best I've ever seen on a non-BMW/Mercedes product. The Germans, of course, have long-excelled at that.
Last edited by mmarshall; Dec 17, 2013 at 11:39 AM.
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Without a detailed breakdown of age/car-buying history/preferences. etc..... my hunch is that many of the Avalon buyers are new takers who have not owned the car before, and that a number of the traditional buyers are avoiding it. Where will they go?....my bet is over to either the all-new 2014 Chevy Impala or Kia Cadenza...both of which provide noticeably more cush-tush in the suspension, and with the Impala combining that nice ride with excellent steering-response as well.
well, with sales up so much (crazy 330% increase last month) it means Toyota has made a good choice with 2013 Avalon.