lexus blog
New articles:
Behind the Wheel | 2007 Lexus ES 350: If Driving Is a Pain, Here?s Your Balm
Technology: Is 8 Enough? Transmissions Meet the Need for Speeds
An Ambitious Lexus Takes on the Europeans
Past articles:
Toyota recalls 57,000 Lexus cars due to faulty seat belt 
30.11.1999.
Complete Coverage of the New York Auto Show 30.11.1999.
Luxury cars to be shown at N.Y. Auto Show 30.11.1999.
2005 Toyota Avalon - Nearly Perfect Near Luxury
Toyota Avalon (Touring) Options: moonroof, carpet/floor mats, auto-dim mirror w/compass, homelink Price: $30,779 I really like the redesign of Toyota's consummate ?Buick fighter.? Originally designed to appeal to an older demographic (readsenior citizens), Avalon?s median age has dropped a decade?at least?with this new version. Okay, perhaps it?s because I just hit my forties, but a lot of things in this car appeal to me. The sedan has a clean, crisp yet inviting interior. I like the silver and metallic-wood tones and cascading panels that cover the stereo and HVAC controls. Clean. There?s lots of storage inside, too: deep door pockets, and wells in the armrest and below it in the center console. The ride is much sportier and responsive than the previous version, helped by the 3.5-liter 280-horsepower DOHC VVT-I engine. The suspension is tighter but the ridedoes not get too harsh. The rear-seat vents look a bit cheapy?will they survive kicks from the grandkids? But there?s a nice locking pass-through in the rear seat forskis. The exterior lines and gray color exude stealth. Why buy a Lexus when you can have an Avalon for less money? There are noticeable elements on the new Avalon that Toyota added in hopes of bringing the buyer demographic down a few ticks: twin tailpipes, for example. The new Avalon has a cavernous trunk and enclosed hinges so suitcases don?t get crunched?to point this out makes me feel old. The 1/8-inch masonite trunk floor above the spare tire leaves a lot to be desired. Even the Kia Sportage has a plastic trunk floor. That said, Avalon?s full-size spare with matching wheel is a nice surprise?no driving around with that clown-car tire announcing to the world, ?Guess what: I had a flat!? The Michelin Energy MXV4 rubber provides a smooth, comfortable ride. Other complaints: Plastic door handles (a pet peeve of mine). $200 for floor mats? No standard seat heaters, except on the Limited trim (am I getting old?). To combat this: reclining rear seats. Very limousine-like. (Okay, drive me to the Shady Rest Home now.) To mention this makes me feel even older: The hood has hydraulic lifts instead of a prop rod. When closing it there is no slamming?just let it go and it closes itself. (I know you don?t open and close your car hood every day, but when you do have the occasion to crack the lid andgaze atwhat goes on between your steering wheel and the front bumper, the easy-operating hood is a nice surprise.) I?d say that sums up the redesigned Avalon?a pleasant surprise for geezers like me. --Eric Bellscheidt
Hybrid Heaven in a Lexus
The RX 400h delivers a speedy, luxurious ride without guzzling a lot of gas. No wonder it's a current vehicle of choice for Hollywood's finest
2007 Lexus LS460
Will this finally be the Lexus that competes with top-tier German sedans? Judge for yourself with our new car coverage.
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30.11.1999.
