bc6152

[quote=bc6152;7977569]If I use Pandora, must it be thru a smartphone in the car with the Lexus Enform app? And while using it does one use their phone minutes?

Mike728

Yes, you need a smartphone with the app installed for all Enform apps. It doesn't use your minutes, it uses data.

Arty101

If you have unlimited data plan, this is not a problem. If not, you better watch how much it uses each month.

Mike728

It's pretty minimal. There's an earlier thread where usage was calculated. I'm too lazy to look it up right now.

SW17LS

True, but I would rate Lexus at the bottom of luxury car lines when it comes to the features, content, and implementation of their infotainment system.

For everything else sure, but Ford and Hyundai have infotainment systems that are LIGHT YEARS better than Lexus.

bc6152

Yeah, I have limited data allowance, Pandora is out... Thanks for the tips guys...

Fly4u

I completely agree with this, more so having driven the ES for 3500 miles. In every aspect other than infotainment, I rate the ES as having superb ergonomics.

IronCobra

I am a Lexus fan if there ever was one. I personally remember when buying a Lexus ment having features that most Ford, Chevy, Hyundai, and Dodge owers would say "WOW" "That's Amazing" "I See why you buy a Lexus". Unfortunatly, I don't feel that way after our new purchase. I think the car drives great, but does it really drive better than say a top end Hyunda, Kia, Toyota, or Nissan?

I had truely high hopes for this car when my wife got it. We both like the fact that we have a Lexus back in the family, but I can tell you that they really need to step up and AT LEAST include options that mid level cars come equipped with.

I just got a 2013 Ford Fusion as my company car to replace my 2010 model. WOW, this car doesn't have a nav yet I can rewind music, show the channel on my preset, and even have more voice command options than my wifes 2013 ES350 with Nav!

These are crazy times. The name Lexus isn't worth as much as it was 5-8 years ago. The Technology must be there to justify the value.....unless you just buy a car for the name.

Fly4u

Great observations, and I believe the competition has worked hard to close the gap between what it means to drive a Lexus vs mainstream sedans. Lexus will either have to improve the products or rely on buyers seeking name recognition - not a good business plan.

My prior vehicle was a 2010 Fusion Hybrid, and I was about to replace it with a '13 version, but the woefully inadequate EPA MPG was a fatal flaw. Ford indeed has a great infotainment system in the form of SYNC.

SW17LS

I don't really remember that. We got our first Lexus in 1998, and it was a fully loaded (all but nav) LS400, so it was the flagship obviously. I recall my Dad being disappointed that it lacked some of the little gizmo features that his previous Cadillac Seville had, such as headlamps that came on with wipers (which we still don't have), an oil life meter, and other functions of the driver info center. I had a 97 Explorer Limited at the time and it also had more tech gizmos than the LS. Remember that 98 was the first Lexus ever to even have a distance to empty (range) readout).

Lexus has never been on the forefront of automotive technology, quality and refinement yes...but I have never felt that a Lexus was that technologically advanced.

LexBob2

I think it's fruitless to try and chase the latest technology in a car. Some other brand is always going to have newer technology and features. The tech just moves too fast for carmakers to stay current with the long leadtimes their models require.

I recently bought a 2013 Audi with their latest MMI technology (improved voice recogniton, wi-fi hotspot, Google Maps, Street View, internet POI search etc., etc. The owners on the Audi forums are already complaining about shortcomings and features offered in offered from other brands. It's ongoing no matter what you buy.

Gtgrad95

Another thing that annoys the heck out of me is if you are on the radio (sat., bluetooth audio, etc.) screen, and you decide to make a phone call. Once the phone call ends, it takes you to the navigation screen for some reason. I have to push the Radio or Media button to get back to the audio details screen. I find that really annoying. Wonder if this can be changed?

Mike728

Yes, there's a setting for that. Can't think of it off the top of my head, though.