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Consumer Report's Top Picks for 2008

LexusKindaGuy12 submitted on 02/29/2008 Official AutoSpies Timestamp: 1:47 PM
from: www.news4jax.com

[109] user comments | category: Misc News

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Consumer Report's Top Picks for 2008

This year's Consumer Reports Top Picks are:

Small Sedan: Hyundai Elantra SE
Midsize SUV: Hyundai Santa Fe
Pickup Truck: Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab
Luxury Sedan: Lexus LS 460L
Family Sedan: Honda Accord
Upscale Sedan: Infiniti G35
Fun To Drive: Mazda MX-5 Miata
Minivan: Toyota Sienna
Small SUV: Toyota RAV4
Green Car: Toyota Prius

just an additional small blurb from somewhere else:

"LUXURY SEDAN: Lexus LS 460L. With a score of 99 out of 100 in CR's road test, the LS 460L ($77,000) is CR's highest rated vehicle. It provides a no-compromise environment of comfort and roominess, coupled with an isolating quietness. It also delivers quick acceleration and relatively good fuel economy. While it's brimming with electronic amenities, its controls are easy to use. Read Article

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richard112360 - 2/29/2008 2:04:37 PM

-1 Boost

Hmmmm where are the German cars on this list??

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pushrod27 - 2/29/2008 2:35:12 PM

0 Boost

Germans makes cars. They don't make ladies' roadgoing transport appliances. Lexus does that.

JRobUSC - 2/29/2008 2:47:42 PM

+10 Boost

I know where two of the German cars are. Here was the OVERALL ranking of car quality by Consumer Reports:

1) Honda 78
2) Toyota 75
3) Subaru 72
4) BMW 71
4) Mazda 71
4) Nissan 71
4) VW 71

So BMW and VW are up there, tied for fourth and ahead of... Lexus. Interesting. I don't subscribe to Consumer Reports, that's as far as I could get the list.

JRobUSC - 2/29/2008 3:17:12 PM

+4 Boost

actually VW and Audi were brought down by the fact that their reliability has been below average. They both tested well but they brought down the rankings. Mercedes tested extremely well, but finished dead last in reliability. I don't know where they finished in overall ranking.

So it's not a German sweep here or anything, there were plenty of warts. I just wanted to point out that BMW (fourth) and VW (tied for fourth due to rounding up) were still highly ranked since Richard was obviously trying to imply Japanese cars ruled all and German cars sucked.

Willis - 2/29/2008 8:18:56 PM

0 Boost

Can someone please ban GoObama? He has nothing constructive to say. All his posts are about how great Lexus is and how other car brands are crap. Idiots like him should be banned for lack of contribution to the forum.

Homer008 - 2/29/2008 10:04:47 PM

-1 Boost

screw you Willis whiner boy, you wouldn't say that about EL34 or whatever this retard's name was. What a hipocrate you are son.

Agent001 - 3/3/2008 7:52:44 PMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

You have to remember that the Consumer Reports methodology is to pick the best car/truck for the money based on numerous factors, not the out and out BEST car or truck, hence why the Germans don't normally get on the list.

They have two things CR hates...premium pricing over the the others and reliability not as strong as the Asians.

001

MichaelTaylor - 2/29/2008 2:33:51 PM

-13 Boost

Does it matter? You're looking at the most beautiful car ever made.

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Porschinator - 2/29/2008 3:33:31 PM

+2 Boost

I guess Taylor never seen a Aston Martin...lol. I would say that the LS is the best looking Top End Sedan next to the MB S.

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S4cabriofoxone - 2/29/2008 3:42:31 PMView My AgentSpace

-3 Boost

Yeah, sure, if the Audi A8 didn't exist.

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audirevolution - 3/1/2008 1:00:31 AM

+3 Boost

GoObama, I can say that the LS looks like a bigger version of the camry. Heck, even the interiors look similar. So stop it with your worthless posts. Get out of this site if you can't appreciate other brands.

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S4cabriofoxone - 3/2/2008 11:18:55 AMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

Putting your childish comments aside, I honestly did once see an LS from a distance and think it was a Camry, and the same thing happened to me when I was seeing a Camry (thought it was an LS). They have very similar side profiles and rear end styling.

The A8? It's pretty much accepted that that car is beautiful. It's timeless and still stunning, inside and out.

reply to this comment

LexusKindaGuy12 - 2/29/2008 3:21:17 PM

-2 Boost

was that even in the article?

reply to this comment

audirevolution - 3/1/2008 1:01:28 AM

+2 Boost

I bet you've never even driven a car.

reply to this comment

DROOPYSAKK - 2/29/2008 2:22:40 PM

+1 Boost

this list is fixed.

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autopro - 3/1/2008 7:07:42 PMView My AgentSpace

-1 Boost

I have an 08 gs350 I only have 1000 miles,but I love it,and so farno dash rattles.

PlanB - 2/29/2008 2:41:11 PM

+5 Boost

Congrats to Hyundai for getting not just one, but TWO cars on the list.

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85bmw745i - 2/29/2008 10:02:13 PMView My AgentSpace

+5 Boost

Underperforming, the v6 rav 4 with well over 200hp ( I think its around 250 or so) blows the doors off of all other competitors in its segment, so I wouldn't call it underperforming.

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85bmw745i - 3/1/2008 11:01:10 AMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

Yeah 0-60 in the low 6 seconds is slow. Sure 269hp and 246lb/ft torque with a 5 spd auto is weak and slow. Yeah the handling isn't the best but it is by no means slow. what else in that class even offers that kind of power?

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tecnopolis - 2/29/2008 3:00:26 PM

+4 Boost

This sounds like last year's choices

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LexusKindaGuy12 - 2/29/2008 3:20:46 PM

-3 Boost

its not. the luxury sedan was won my the M45 infiniti last year

JUGNU - 2/29/2008 3:20:32 PMView My AgentSpace

-3 Boost

LS460 is just perfection. Till now it's got so many awards, good media coverage...etc. Love it.

JUGNU

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S4cabriofoxone - 2/29/2008 3:46:36 PMView My AgentSpace

-2 Boost

Except for one thing: it elicits no passion. I try to want this car, but it's hard, when I could get an A8, M5, etc instead.

It has lots of luxury features, but this is one of those cars that is less than the sum of its parts.

TurboSpyder - 2/29/2008 4:02:32 PMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

Fifth Place: 2007 Lexus LS460L
Fourth Place: 2006 Jaguar Super V-8
Third Place: 2006 BMW 750Li
Second Place: 2006 Audi A8L Quattro
First Place: 2007 Mercedes-Benz S550

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparison_test/sedans/chauffeur_showdown_comparison_test

From Dan Neil's Review of the LS460:

"Compared to luxury brands like Mercedes-Benz, Cadillac, BMW and Audi, Lexus has the emotional appeal of a public golf course."

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/09/10/MTGH1L2AHG1.DTL

enthusiastx11 - 3/1/2008 2:05:20 AM

+2 Boost

jugnu:

i'm assuming you're a 62 year old woman who's semi-retired and lives somewhere in suburbia. she certainly loves her LS. can hardly tell she's driving. ahhh perfection.

S4cabriofoxone - 3/2/2008 11:21:47 AMView My AgentSpace

0 Boost

"i'm sure the expensive german sedans stir a LOT OF PASSION every time some electronic gizmo or other craps out, and another unscheduled visit to the dealer becomes necessary."

Well, let's see.

I have a friend. We both had 2000 A6 2.7T's. When the 2004 A8L came out, he picked up a three-year lease on it. When the honeymoon was over, he realized that like most first-year A8s, the car was not reliable. His was worse than most, and he was very close to getting it lemon-lawed.

When his lease was up in 2007, he bought a Lexus LS460.

As reliable as the car is, he's unhappy with his decision. I asked him how he liked it, because I've toyed with the idea of getting a luxo cruiser, and all he could say was that it "bored him to death." I'm not making this up. He wishes he could've gotten an S-Class, or another A8, instead.

0to60 - 2/29/2008 3:24:59 PM

-1 Boost

how did VW make it to the top of the list for reliability. I would have put them at the bottom.

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800over - 3/1/2008 12:12:44 PM

+2 Boost

It's not reliability....it's initial ratings.

EL34 - 2/29/2008 3:29:19 PM

+1 Boost

If that was the only cars I could buy I would quit driving and ride a bicycle.

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_43LE - 2/29/2008 4:02:25 PM

+8 Boost

Excellent...hitting you would be how many points?

answer - 2/29/2008 4:24:10 PMView My AgentSpace

+7 Boost

Depends on if you give bonus points for training wheels.

_43LE - 3/1/2008 12:21:04 AM

+1 Boost

LOL, touche!

TurboSpyder - 2/29/2008 3:36:43 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

Overall it's a great list for people who hate cars.

Small Sedan: Hyundai Elantra SE
Midsize SUV: Hyundai Santa Fe
Pickup Truck: Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab
Luxury Sedan: Lexus LS 460L
Family Sedan: Honda Accord
Upscale Sedan: Infiniti G35
Fun To Drive: Mazda MX-5 Miata
Minivan: Toyota Sienna
Small SUV: Toyota RAV4
Green Car: Toyota Prius

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S4cabriofoxone - 2/29/2008 3:48:21 PMView My AgentSpace

+3 Boost

Except for the G35 and the Miata.

LexSucks - 2/29/2008 10:47:49 PM

+1 Boost

Great list? What's so great about the Hyundai Elantra? LOL!

Being a Poser is one thing but standing behind B.S cars?

I'd rather be a Poser. At least they have decent cars.

I'll see you in your Hyundai. I'll make sure to beep my horn in acknowledgment of your superior machinery.

Whelan - 2/29/2008 3:42:54 PM

0 Boost

My personal List

Luxury Sedan: Mercedes C saloon
Family Sedan: Nissan Altima
Upscale Sedan: Lexus IS350
Fun To Drive: Subaru WRX
Minivan: Honda Odyssey
Small SUV: Saturn VUE
Green Car: Toyota Prius

I guess you cannot argue with the Prius as VW does not have it's new diesels here yet, and it is still the #1 selling hybrid of all the others.

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Porschinator - 2/29/2008 3:45:07 PM

+3 Boost

I know there has been controversy over CRs Top 10. I would like to get more insight on their pool of new car buyers. First you have to be a CR subscriber and if that pool of subscribers are majority of Japanese car drivers then the list is biased. Results also come from less than 2,000 adults!!! Simply rubbish.

For sometime CR would simply recommend Toyotas without any supporting evidence and if that is not bias then what is? Of course this has changed recently, most likely due to Toyotas quick expansion resulting in more cars being built and greater chance of failures.

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Porschinator - 2/29/2008 3:50:04 PM

+3 Boost

Good to see my Chevy Silverado on there "surprising" for CR. Def the best truck out there. Not nearly as fun as my Porsche but has the best ride of any truck I have tested (all fo them). Tundra edges it in looks.

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answer - 2/29/2008 4:27:09 PMView My AgentSpace

+4 Boost

I'll never understand why what's on somebody else's list causes such an uproar.

If you like it and it's not on the list, you can still buy it. And if it is on the list and you think it sucks, you still don't have to buy it if you don't want to.

A lot of you people here seem to give way to much concern over what others think.

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theoptimisticpessimist - 2/29/2008 4:29:43 PM

+1 Boost

The top ten cars, brought to you by the people who review toasters, refrigerator, and garbage disposals.

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theoptimisticpessimist - 3/1/2008 12:30:18 PM

+1 Boost

I trust the Automotive writers more, because I am a driving enthusiast. I want a car thats fun to drive, not a rolling appliance

macker83 - 2/29/2008 8:18:23 PM

-2 Boost

i see all the german fan boys are debosting as usual please give credit where credit is due. the LS460 is an awesome car and its ahead at the moment and until the next s class or the next 7 series comes out just take your beating like men. Not children!

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Willis - 2/29/2008 8:20:24 PM

0 Boost

How is the LS ahead of the S class or A8? These three cars are about all on the same level here. Cut the fanboy talk.

Willis - 3/1/2008 11:04:11 AM

+2 Boost

Didn't JD Power recently recommend the S class and not the LS? Or was that Consumer Reports? Because I am confused now...

S4cabriofoxone - 3/2/2008 11:23:42 AMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

Yes, the S-Class and A8 were rated by J.D. Power as having the best quality of any sedans.

Homer008 - 2/29/2008 10:07:21 PM

+1 Boost

POINT IS THIS: MOST SATISFYING CAR BUILT IN THE WORLD IN GENERAL TERM: NO OTHERS COMES NEAR JAPANES PRODUCT EITHER IN TERMS OF ELECTRONICS OR CARS, PERIOD. If you disagree go googling and stop whining you cry babies.

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LexSucks - 2/29/2008 10:54:39 PM

-1 Boost

Don't you wish that were true. LOL!

The Hyundai Elantra SE? Now that's a true display of Automotive Excellence at its very best. HAHAHAHAHAH

enthusiastx11 - 3/1/2008 11:45:32 AM

-3 Boost

95% of japanese cars are about as satisfying to drive as a shoebox. get a clue. and stop drinking the kool aid.

macker83 - 2/29/2008 11:00:37 PM

+3 Boost

willis the LS is ahead of the consumer report in the luxury segment it got 99 out of 100 did you read the article!thats what this whole column is about. you just proved my aboue comment thanks.

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LexSucks - 2/29/2008 11:19:16 PM

+2 Boost

The LS460, Miata, and G35 are the only cars that are worth anything on that list imo.

The majority of vehicles on that list are cars, that are designed and engineered for people who don't care about cars. Cars for people who are looking to just get from point-a-to-point-b (read:basic transportation). It amazes me that people are actually standing-up and defending these automotive appliances. Wow!

Anyone who puts any value into CR's car reports, would be the last person I would ask for car advice.

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enthusiastx11 - 3/1/2008 2:02:12 AM

-1 Boost

consumer reports reviews: toaster ovens, washing machines, health insurance, dvd players, TVs, etc. oh, and cars.

nice data point, but certainly not who i'd look to for advice on what to buy. notice how boring most of the cars are?

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autopro - 3/3/2008 7:43:23 PMView My AgentSpace

+1 Boost

Too bad your mother didn't use one and abort you.

enthusiastx11 - 3/1/2008 2:28:29 PM

+1 Boost

you're right. nobody offers more comprehensive toaster oven testing.

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Htay7500 - 3/1/2008 9:44:22 AM

+1 Boost

who follows CR? I have a passion for cars but a guide from those who review appliances, etc isn't gonna cut it. I buy what I think is best for me. This list doesn't mean anything unless you try out the cars here.

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StickShiftCamry - 3/1/2008 11:08:43 AM

+1 Boost

Loser spellchecker001, Toy Sienna = 3.5 V6 fastest in class, can be had w/ HID's, AWD, Laser Cruise...

RAV 4 is ugly, but V6 is faster than all, as fast as an X5 4.8.

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JRobUSC - 3/1/2008 1:01:57 PM

+3 Boost

I don't think the speed of the Sienna means a whole lot, if fast minivans were important the MB R-class wouldn't be such a sales disaster.

StickShiftCamry - 3/1/2008 8:40:26 PM

+1 Boost

R 63 is very limited, the R 350 is very slow.

huu76 - 3/1/2008 12:17:17 PM

+2 Boost

spellchecker,
Read the EPAs 2008 review of the E320 Bluetec and GS450h.

E320 23/32/26mpg (not the 29mpg claimed)
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/compx2008f.jsp?year=2008&make=Mercedes-Benz&model=E320%20Bluetec&hiddenField=Findacar

GS450h 22/25/23mpg
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/compx2008f.jsp?year=2008&make=Lexus&model=GS%20450h&hiddenField=Findacar

And the MB E350 only gets 19mpg combined.

Considering the GS is heavier, larger, has a bigger displacement engine and is significantly faster, 3mpg isn't less isn't a huge tradeoff. It was also never intended to be a fuel miser (Performance Hybrid).
The GS450h simply destroys the E430 CDI in every category.

The Yaris is slow and doesn't handle well. Big surprise there. I wonder if they mentioned the Yaris and BMW 128i have the same quality rear seats?

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Rupert - 3/2/2008 5:15:07 PMView My AgentSpace

+2 Boost

It's a pity then that the E430cdi doesn't exist, and never has, and the fact that the E320cdi emits 194 g/km Co2, just 8 more than the Lexus.
And you lie once again, the current 116i (not the terrible old model) emits 139g/km CO2, far less than the Lexus, and the 118d emits just 119g/km, which will make it FREE for the congestion charge in London.
All the large German 3.0 diesels emit less than 225g/km, as do some 3.0 petrols (in BMWs mainly), but not Lexus's cars. No, the IS250 manual, GS300/350/430/460, RX300/350, SC430 and LS460 are all over that limit...

bmwfan1513 - 3/1/2008 7:37:00 PM

-3 Boost

There should be a BMW somewhere on that list.

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MPowerDK - 3/2/2008 3:03:12 PM

+1 Boost

Maybee the new 7 series will get higer on that list?

Pics of it here:

http://www.carpoint.com.au/car-review/2900122.aspx

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snatchandgrab - 3/3/2008 11:40:06 AM

+1 Boost

Is this a site for 12 year olds?

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Trabi - 3/6/2008 11:53:43 PM

+1 Boost

Hey Obama,

I have a question for ya.

Where in US you can buy new 116i and 120d… (was it) from BMW, so you comparing them. BMW USA has 2 models, brand spanking new and they as follow are 128i and 135i. I have not driven them as there is a line. Shouldn’t you be comparing them instead 116i that is nowhere to be found around here, fairness brother.

PS. Problem with the “European crap” that breaks easy, (by words of my friend) lay in American “grease monkeys” and their incompetence. End of quote. VW is much more reliable then an Opel in Germany, should I mention who owns that company. Apropos… we will start having more Opels here in US and pretty cheap as well, I’m curious to see how they would be as reliability.

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