Is Toyota's quality-control slipping?
09-23-17, 11:25 AM
#31
Lexus Test Driver
I get Kia rentals all the time. Many are brand new with a hundred miles on them. You can’t convince me it has higher quality than the Lexus I drive. Haha. 35k HARD miles and not a single rattle on my Is350. Amazing quality.
09-23-17, 11:51 AM
#33
Lexus Fanatic
On the same note. U.S. News & World Report (which compiles information and data from a variety of sources) says the Avalon's interior is "premium and high tech". It received a higher score than the ES. It seems there are no glaring issues with the interior, but as often discussed it's an area that's highly subjective and there will never be agreement. Personally, if I were I the market for an Avalon the interior quality would not be an issue at all.
Some of the comments from the site about the Avalon:
From upscale materials and handsome styling to spacious seats, it has one of the best cabins in the class.
a premium cabin with comfortable, supportive seats and plenty of room
#1. Toyota Avalon
#2. Toyota Avalon Hybrid
#3. Buick Lacrosse
#4. Nissan Maxima
#5. Chevrolet Impala
From what I posted above, I really don't see how the title of this thread makes any sense.
Last edited by Toys4RJill; 09-23-17 at 12:25 PM.
09-23-17, 12:09 PM
#35
Lexus Champion
09-23-17, 02:38 PM
#37
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
09-23-17, 03:08 PM
#39
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
I'm not saying it shouldn't necessarily have a V8 option. I'm just questioning if it needs one.
09-23-17, 03:17 PM
#40
Lexus Champion
Thanks. Did not know that this website existed. I just looked at it. The 2013 said that the pros were a well built upscale interior. So I am not buying the argument that the 2013 interior was poorly done. No evidence has been provided to support that. So, I just looked at that website for the large cars:
Some of the comments from the site about the Avalon:
From upscale materials and handsome styling to spacious seats, it has one of the best cabins in the class.
a premium cabin with comfortable, supportive seats and plenty of room
#1. Toyota Avalon
#2. Toyota Avalon Hybrid
#3. Buick Lacrosse
#4. Nissan Maxima
#5. Chevrolet Impala
From what I posted above, I really don't see how the title of this thread makes any sense.
Some of the comments from the site about the Avalon:
From upscale materials and handsome styling to spacious seats, it has one of the best cabins in the class.
a premium cabin with comfortable, supportive seats and plenty of room
#1. Toyota Avalon
#2. Toyota Avalon Hybrid
#3. Buick Lacrosse
#4. Nissan Maxima
#5. Chevrolet Impala
From what I posted above, I really don't see how the title of this thread makes any sense.
09-23-17, 05:20 PM
#41
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by LexsCTJill
2013 Toyota Avalon
Car and Driver certainly liked it
Car and Driver certainly liked it
....my guess is no. Here are two of them:
I checked out both MKZ hybrid and Avalon and the Avalon interior quality is nowhere as nice. Check out the thin doors and other places in interior and compare that to MKZ. There's no way you could conclude this is better. Yet it's priced exactly same way if you compare hybrid.
I do think seats for MKZ really need improvement. The Avalon look cheaper but overall shape is at least better.
I do think seats for MKZ really need improvement. The Avalon look cheaper but overall shape is at least better.
You would think this would compare to the GS or LS460 since the Avalon is such a large vehicle, but how come the Maxima isn't in its top competition? The Maxima down here in Georgia out sells the Avalon like i said in Georgia I can not speak for anywhere else. Otherwise I've driven the new Avalon it's nice and rides smooth, but that interior is a real pain Toyota went a step forward in the exterior for the Avalon but took a big step back on the interior. I do like the fact that they have a hybrid Avalon but only 39/40? The Chevrolet Malibu and Nissan Altima(Yes I know sometimes their MPG doesn't always match) but I mean if they don't always match what the brands say then their hybrid Avalon needs improvement on the MPG, if a non-hybrid vehicle can almost match you're hybrids MPG? that to me is an area for improvement, but I don't come to bash any brand or car. I've loved the Avalon for years but come on man don't just sell us a Lexus knockoff.
09-23-17, 07:57 PM
#42
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (20)
Funny reading about avalon here. Friend's 2015 just had one of the trunk arms break today somehow... makes a bad noise when closing, so it's going in for a fix. this is his third avalon ('10 '13 '15). This newest one is nicer inside and rides nicer than the 13 (same gen) one which was noisier, stiffer, and just not pleasant to be in, confirming what mmarshall said. The '10 was the marshmallow boat 
09-23-17, 09:10 PM
#43
Lexus Fanatic
Funny reading about avalon here. Friend's 2015 just had one of the trunk arms break today somehow... makes a bad noise when closing, so it's going in for a fix. this is his third avalon ('10 '13 '15). This newest one is nicer inside and rides nicer than the 13 (same gen) one which was noisier, stiffer, and just not pleasant to be in, confirming what mmarshall said. The '10 was the marshmallow boat
Here is an except from CR:
But there is much to like about this sedan. In fact, the interior has stepped it up, with rich materials and fine design touches. There's lots of room inside and you get a comfortable cabin for transporting full-fledged adults
Yet you said, and just not pleasant to be in
I must say that I do value your friends opinion as he as owned one.Also, the suspension has not changed, the difference is that Toyota has now added a softer riding version.
09-24-17, 12:51 AM
#44
Lexus Test Driver
I've driven and owned a lot of cars in the past twenty years, and I still come back to the premium German brands creating and building the nicest, highest quality interiors. Specifically Audi, which are totally solid all around and do not show any signs of obvious cost-cutting. Having owned and tested many newer Lexus's in the past five years, I have not seen a dip in interior materials or quality control. I believe the 2007/8 Camry was knocked most for a cost-cutting interior, but the last two generations have greatly improved. Considering such a car opens in the low $20's, that's a fair deal and decent achievement. My dad's newer Hyundai Santa Fe costs more and the interior quality is several notches down from a Camry. So I'd say Toyota is actually gaining ground in this area, not falling.
While on topic, I was just in a friends new ES hybrid over the weekend for an extended trip, and was really impressed with the interior trim, colors, and layout.
While on topic, I was just in a friends new ES hybrid over the weekend for an extended trip, and was really impressed with the interior trim, colors, and layout.
09-24-17, 03:13 AM
#45
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
I believe the 2007/8 Camry was knocked most for a cost-cutting interior, but the last two generations have greatly improved.
My dad's newer Hyundai Santa Fe costs more and the interior quality is several notches down from a Camry.
While on topic, I was just in a friends new ES hybrid over the weekend for an extended trip, and was really impressed with the interior trim, colors, and layout.