Reviewer slams the new Lexus GS-series

They gave the link to the entire article, which is just as good.

007 and Mr. X sound upset. But I knew what Mr Jeremy said all along, Lexus, any Lexus, is just a bland take on the German establishment. They have no flair, no character, you cannot fall in love with them. They are stale.

Sure, this topic will cause huge controversy, and I bet 'Will' will put in his two cents on how wonderful Lexus are, and how he adores boring cars. But I don't care. Because as long as the Europeans make cars, there will always be hope.

Because without the European car industry, Japanese automotive firms would be lost. Nothing to copy you see, and that is the sad truth.

Get used to it.

This guys sounds like he is an idiot. He is down on the Japanese and is transending this to his review, in which his conclusion belies the facts he states about the vehicle. I think he meant to say that the Lexus is not really exciting, it just works really well for a lot of years, is dependable as death and taxes and has a great dealer network. Sounds pretty good to me?

Why do you print such garbage? Do you think we care what this guys thinks?

Autospies cut and paste the worst part of the article. If you read the full article, he’s really not putting down Lexus as much as I thought. All he’s saying is that the Japanese are so technologically advanced that, he expected way more than just the typical, already been done, plain old car like Mercedes, BMW, or Jag. With all their advances he was expecting like a hover car, or something revolutionary. Soulless car or not, Lexus is doing something right, beating out all those other luxury manufacturer’s. Plus, I dunno how it is in Europe but I think Mercedes and Cadillac is more for them “ho’s” and “gangstas.”

Actually, I do not live in the states. And yes, I have seen many of those Japan-only models you speak of. Yes they are original, but they are also crass, vulgar and tacky, which is probably why they don't sell them outside Japan.

"But I'd rather have a boring car that freaking starts than an exciting one that won't"

Obviously not someone who cares much for cars, but treats them more of a A-B appliance. And I think European quality issues have been somewhat overhyped. We've always owned European cars, from Italy, France, Sweden, and have never had any serious issues with any of them. We've looked in Lexus dealerships and simply walked out not feeling any compelling reason to buy one. They are just a car, nothing more.

And about the so-called 'racist' comments made by the genius Clarkson, I'm sure the Japanese would have no problem in putting down American cars because they were American (Big, crude, rolly-polly cars), but you seem to have a problem with the Brits having a bit of harmless fun.

Lighten up, that's why you all drive Lexus'.

Mr. Clarkson writes articles to show his readers how smart and clever he is first, and second, he's an automotive critic. In other words, he has chosen to take the role of finding fault and criticizing cars. He calls the GS a Mercedes clone except that it's boring (so,it really isn't a clone than, right?), then in his article on the E350 writes that he doesn't like it either for the same reason, it's boring too (so I guess the GS is, in fact, a clone of the M-B). Furthermore, he's an automotive snob, he drives an SL55 and plans to order a Ford GT, so apparently anything below the level of supercar just doesn't measure up.
I would take anything the self absorbed Mr. Clarkson writes with a grain of salt, in fact a whole handful.
BW

I like how people love to bash M-B, BMW, Audi, and any other European brand, but when the reverse happens it's heresy. Mr. Clarkson was spot on in is review. Lexus cars do not allow the driver to become engaged in the driving experience. They never have. However, as some people have stated, that is fine with them. Most of the customers looking for a car in this segment do want to be part of the driving experience and that is evident in the sales figures. Yes, I know as a brand Lexus is at the top of the luxury segment is sales, but it's because of the Camry station wagon, er I mean the RX330. It alone outsells the ES, GS, and IS combined!!! Considering the ES is the volume leader in that company by more that double tells you how few GS cars they sell. I will admit they are pretty reliable, but not without fault and I would rather drive a car that puts a smile on my face than one that puts me to sleep!!

Did you past the 6th grade or just 5th? It's amazing how people cannot seem to express themselves on this site without sounding like a little kid. I know the ES is cheaper than the GS. My point is the GS is behind the E-Class and the 5 series in sales because it is not as good a car. Since the S-Class at the end of it's current chassis the LS does outsell it, but wait until the new S-Class is available. As fas as the SC, the SL DOMINATES that segment and it's alot more money. Lexus does not dominate in the areas where people are concerned about driving performance, period.

Reviewers can slam new Lexus but here are the facts that this little author cannot slam.

Toyota was worth more than GM, Ford, and Daimler Chrysler combined. And Toyota probably could buy GM outright right now with the operating profit it made last year ALONE-roughly $16 billion. <--reported by Angus Mackenzie.
Toyota begins to chase down that 15% share of the global market: Lexus now has its own design, development, and engineering resources and is being sold as a brand in its own right in Japan; new diesel engines and a new low-cost small car, the Aygo, will accelerate sales in Europe; hybrid power trains are being pushed upmarket to become a premium vehicle technology; the site of a seventh North American assembly plant will be announced by the end of teh year; and plans are already in place for an eighth. Even the Toyota Formula 1 team is looking seriously competitive this season. Toyota's already achieved plenty. But I get the feeling we ain't seen nothin yet.

This is where toyota exceed: Build a quality cars people are used to..not extreme or dull.

Reviewers can slam new Lexus but here are the facts that this little author cannot slam.

Toyota was worth more than GM, Ford, and Daimler Chrysler combined. And Toyota probably could buy GM outright right now with the operating profit it made last year ALONE-roughly $16 billion. <--reported by Angus Mackenzie.
Toyota begins to chase down that 15% share of the global market: Lexus now has its own design, development, and engineering resources and is being sold as a brand in its own right in Japan; new diesel engines and a new low-cost small car, the Aygo, will accelerate sales in Europe; hybrid power trains are being pushed upmarket to become a premium vehicle technology; the site of a seventh North American assembly plant will be announced by the end of teh year; and plans are already in place for an eighth. Even the Toyota Formula 1 team is looking seriously competitive this season. Toyota's already achieved plenty. But I get the feeling we ain't seen nothin yet.

This is where toyota exceed: Build a quality cars people are used to..not extreme or dull.

Although I find some truth in Clarksons article about the GS430 I think those of his ilk that believe that Japanese automakers can't give us a car that measures up to "the Europeans" are wrong at times. What about the Miata? MG and Triumph only wish they could have built a car this good. And the Japanese answer to the Boxster, BMW Z3 and Audi TT is the Honda S2000, a truly superior car in all respects for much less money (I own one after test driving all of the above). The purist sports car money can buy(yes,I would take 3 of these over a $95,000 Porsche).

I agree with ya Mr X..Its true.
Fundamentals of Toyota from the gicko was not to build anything wild..Their primary goal was to build "Main Stream" cars. Majority of the World Population falls into this category. And they stuck with it and currently profiting $16 billion a year! Enough to buyout GM, Ford and Chrysler with a single years worth of profit!

You are very right about cars being an A-B appliance. And you said" I want a car that starts and is comfortable, and if I have to sacrifice a little bit of excitement to ensure that it works, that is fine with me." and I can't agree with ya more.

Finally $16 Billion per year and current 9 million cars sold worldwide (only 2nd to G.M.) and its hybrid leap frogging in sales (100,000 hybrids sold by Toyota alone as of this year) it is unwise to criticize soon to be #1 Automanufacturer in the Planet!

I agree with ya Mr X..Its true.
Fundamentals of Toyota from the gicko was not to build anything wild..Their primary goal was to build "Main Stream" cars. Majority of the World Population falls into this category. And they stuck with it and currently profiting $16 billion a year! Enough to buyout GM, Ford and Chrysler with a single years worth of profit!

You are very right about cars being an A-B appliance. And you said" I want a car that starts and is comfortable, and if I have to sacrifice a little bit of excitement to ensure that it works, that is fine with me." and I can't agree with ya more.

Finally $16 Billion per year and current 9 million cars sold worldwide (only 2nd to G.M.) and its hybrid leap frogging in sales (100,000 hybrids sold by Toyota alone as of this year) it is unwise to criticize soon to be #1 Automanufacturer in the Planet!

001Buster you always have something against either Japanese cars or Korean cars on every single blogs! This is such a bulls..t statement that you wrote ----->"The Japanese cars are incipid andboring. You don't seem to be able to reverse that because it is beyond a perception. It is an unshakeable fact. Until they pay attention to 'small things' like suspension and steering lively feelings, communicative braking and road feel, good cornering, good seating and not plush sofa-like seating and throatier harder engines, they'll never be able to take off in Europe." <----Which planet do you live in? Infiniti, Acura and Lexus rated top 3 spots on Car and Driver's tests!
Are you saying that Toyota alone selling close to 9 million cars world wide(and increasing) are a success without above mentioned criteria??? I want your reply on this one Buster001.
Lexus, Infiniti and Acura brands are fairly new and you must know this don't you Buster001? Their commencement year was in mid-80's if Im thinking right...anyhow..so how can you tell people that they'll NEVER take off in Europe??? How can you make such a novice statements? You haven't even given these guys a chance! Toyota alone (not counting Lexus or scion) made profit of $16 billion dollars! in a single year! This amount, I'm pretty positive equals morethan BMW, Audi and Mercedes profit combined total! To counter what you've stated about Japan .. (you are full of contradictions btw).. Have you been to Japan Buster001? If you haven't don't even try your usual bulls..t statements on us, please!
Also, Jeremy Clarkson is an idiot bigot and you know that!
Don't keep the stones unturned!

001Buster you always have something against either Japanese cars or Korean cars on every single blogs! This is such a bulls..t statement that you wrote ----->"The Japanese cars are incipid andboring. You don't seem to be able to reverse that because it is beyond a perception. It is an unshakeable fact. Until they pay attention to 'small things' like suspension and steering lively feelings, communicative braking and road feel, good cornering, good seating and not plush sofa-like seating and throatier harder engines, they'll never be able to take off in Europe." <----Which planet do you live in? Infiniti, Acura and Lexus rated top 3 spots on Car and Driver's tests!
Are you saying that Toyota alone selling close to 9 million cars world wide(and increasing) are a success without above mentioned criteria??? I want your reply on this one Buster001.
Lexus, Infiniti and Acura brands are fairly new and you must know this don't you Buster001? Their commencement year was in mid-80's if Im thinking right...anyhow..so how can you tell people that they'll NEVER take off in Europe??? How can you make such a novice statements? You haven't even given these guys a chance! Toyota alone (not counting Lexus or scion) made profit of $16 billion dollars! in a single year! This amount, I'm pretty positive equals morethan BMW, Audi and Mercedes profit combined total! To counter what you've stated about Japan .. (you are full of contradictions btw).. Have you been to Japan Buster001? If you haven't don't even try your usual bulls..t statements on us, please!
Also, Jeremy Clarkson is an idiot bigot and you know that!
Don't keep the stones unturned!

Car and Driver's Best Sedan was Acura RL for year 2005.

With 300 horsepower it’s definitely up to speed, and in typical Acura fashion, it puts a fresh spin on an existing mechanical system, specifically, all-wheel drive. Not only does the RL’s Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive (SH-AWD) apportion added thrust to the rear wheels as road conditions dictate, but it also sends extra power to the outside rear wheel during fast cornering to counter the understeer inherent in nose-heavy all-wheel-drive vehicles.
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Car and Driver's Best sports car was Acura TSX for 2005

"Precision crafted performance” was Acura’s original marketing mantra, and even though the slogan has long since been replaced, it accurately describes this little jewel of a sports sedan. Back for its second 10Best term, the TSX is a symphony of painstakingly perfected details that add up to feline agility enhanced by a bevy of luxury features that come standard. The only option is a DVD-based nav system that includes voice recognition.
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Car and Driver's Best family Sedan for 2005 was Honda Accord as usual

Renewed in 2003, the Accord hasn’t changed much for 2005—aside from a new hybrid version. However, this is not an aside to be taken lightly. Using the same Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) technology as the Civic hybrid—an electric motor sandwiched between the engine and transmission for extra punch on demand—the Accord hybrid is actually a little quicker than other Accords with V-6 power. And with IMA boost, cylinder deactivation at low engine loads, regenerative braking, and reduced aerodynamic drag, it’s also thriftier: 30 mpg city, 37 highway, according to the EPA, versus 21/30 for a conventional Accord V-6.
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Car and Driver's Best sports coupe was Mazda RX-8 with Rotary engine.

The RX-8 doesn’t provoke facial distortion or nosebleeds at full gallop, but it has plenty of other sports-car virtues. The chassis is as stiff as a double shot of Dewar’s, the steering is laser accurate, the suspension hits the sweet spot between firm and punishing, and the weight distribution is about as close to perfect as perfect gets. We’re talking about the ingredients that distinguish automotive athletes from the plodders—traits that make the car an extension of the driver’s will.

Car and Driver's Best Sedan was Acura RL for year 2005.

With 300 horsepower it’s definitely up to speed, and in typical Acura fashion, it puts a fresh spin on an existing mechanical system, specifically, all-wheel drive. Not only does the RL’s Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive (SH-AWD) apportion added thrust to the rear wheels as road conditions dictate, but it also sends extra power to the outside rear wheel during fast cornering to counter the understeer inherent in nose-heavy all-wheel-drive vehicles.
-----------------------------------------
Car and Driver's Best sports car was Acura TSX for 2005

"Precision crafted performance” was Acura’s original marketing mantra, and even though the slogan has long since been replaced, it accurately describes this little jewel of a sports sedan. Back for its second 10Best term, the TSX is a symphony of painstakingly perfected details that add up to feline agility enhanced by a bevy of luxury features that come standard. The only option is a DVD-based nav system that includes voice recognition.
---------------------------------------
Car and Driver's Best family Sedan for 2005 was Honda Accord as usual

Renewed in 2003, the Accord hasn’t changed much for 2005—aside from a new hybrid version. However, this is not an aside to be taken lightly. Using the same Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) technology as the Civic hybrid—an electric motor sandwiched between the engine and transmission for extra punch on demand—the Accord hybrid is actually a little quicker than other Accords with V-6 power. And with IMA boost, cylinder deactivation at low engine loads, regenerative braking, and reduced aerodynamic drag, it’s also thriftier: 30 mpg city, 37 highway, according to the EPA, versus 21/30 for a conventional Accord V-6.
---------------------------------------------
Car and Driver's Best sports coupe was Mazda RX-8 with Rotary engine.

The RX-8 doesn’t provoke facial distortion or nosebleeds at full gallop, but it has plenty of other sports-car virtues. The chassis is as stiff as a double shot of Dewar’s, the steering is laser accurate, the suspension hits the sweet spot between firm and punishing, and the weight distribution is about as close to perfect as perfect gets. We’re talking about the ingredients that distinguish automotive athletes from the plodders—traits that make the car an extension of the driver’s will.

Hey. J C just doesnt know what he's saying. I think he woke up on the wrong side of his bed and wrote a load of bull shit about Lexus. Just because hes European, drives a European car it doesnt japanese becomes inferior. Japanese were the first to take out hybrid and MB will sooner or later just copy them which basically means that MB arent innovative at all. And it is a fact that Japanese are the best!!! This article is like as if a moron told an even bigger moron to write it!!!

If only, I had an option to seal your every blog entries w/black-and -yellow tape, I'd do it! It's a damn crime-scene!

So what yer sayin is that "N.America is the only market that they are doing extremely well"<---yer statement 001Buster...

Do the math idiot! If you have Toyota alone selling close to 9 Million cars on a single year! well, i tell you what 001Buster, I'll let you figure it out yourself.

Another thing: No I don't wear a skirt but While I was in Operation Iraqi Freedom did see awfully lot of Nissan, Toyota and Honda models on the roads to Iraq. Infact that is pretty much all you'll see in entire middle east! i.e. Bahrain, U.A.E., Kuwait, Oman and Iraq.

001Buster..ye like nippos? Get yer self a VW with picture of elephant's nippo painted on the hood and it'll make ye happy for a day or two before you gotta dump it in the junkyard!

If only, I had an option to seal your every blog entries w/black-and -yellow tape, I'd do it! It's a damn crime-scene!

So what yer sayin is that "N.America is the only market that they are doing extremely well"<---yer statement 001Buster...

Do the math idiot! If you have Toyota alone selling close to 9 Million cars on a single year! well, i tell you what 001Buster, I'll let you figure it out yourself.

Another thing: No I don't wear a skirt but While I was in Operation Iraqi Freedom did see awfully lot of Nissan, Toyota and Honda models on the roads to Iraq. Infact that is pretty much all you'll see in entire middle east! i.e. Bahrain, U.A.E., Kuwait, Oman and Iraq.

001Buster..ye like nippos? Get yer self a VW with picture of elephant's nippo painted on the hood and it'll make ye happy for a day or two before you gotta dump it in the junkyard!

Acura, Infiniti and Lexus will dominate European market soon. Toyota swallowing world's 15% market very soon! If they can unseat G.M. who dominated world market for over 73 years and own slew of European car makers, I might add...its going to be a piece of cake in Europe. Bring in the Hybrid and get rid of nasty Diesels!

Acura, Infiniti and Lexus will dominate European market soon. Toyota swallowing world's 15% market very soon! If they can unseat G.M. who dominated world market for over 73 years and own slew of European car makers, I might add...its going to be a piece of cake in Europe. Bring in the Hybrid and get rid of nasty Diesels!

Car and Driver's May Results

Jaguar S-type 4.2 VDP Edition (8th Place)
Highs: Supple ride, smooth powertrain, elegant interior.
Lows: Not that fast, not that roomy, not that young.
The Verdict: Still a charming car for those with subtle sensibilities.


Cadillac STS V-8 (7th Place)
Highs: Punchy motor, plenty of room, friendly ergonomics.
Lows: Polarizing looks, sofa-like seating, relentless understeer.
The Verdict: Tries to pass for European, and almost makes it.

BMW 530i (6th Place)
Highs: Amazing interior space, exemplary chassis calibrations, good balance.

Lows: Weak performance, pigheaded manumatic, quirky cup holders, iDrive.

The Verdict: Still a driver's car.


Audi A6 4.2 Quattro (5th Place)
Highs: Attractive styling, detailed interior, four-wheel traction, good power.

Lows: Controversial nose, overly sensitive throttle and brake responses, a tad sterile.

The Verdict: A paragon of all-season high-performance luxury.

Mercedes-Benz E350 (4th Place)
Highs: Effortless engine torque, great roadgoing poise.

Lows: Overly managed chassis, resists being chucked around.

The Verdict: A good, solid, safe, rewarding car with mainstream attributes.

Lexus GS430 (3rd Place)
Highs: Exquisitely smooth mechanical interface, refined operations, excellent performance.

Lows: Too much sensory deprivation for some.

The Verdict: Almost too subtle for the talking primates who buy cars.

Acura RL (2nd Place)
Highs: Nimble handling, strong high-rpm thrust, comfy seats and ride, great value.

Lows: Not much low-end torque, wide gear-ratio stack, rear seat could be bigger.

The Verdict: A bit of everything in this artful concoction.

Infiniti M45 Sport (First Place)
Highs: Kick-ass engine, telepathic transmission, athletic chassis, voluminous interior.

Lows: Sport package gives a firm ride, interior décor lacks finesse.

The Verdict: Puts the sports back into sports sedan—with a sledgehammer
Here it is, folks: Infiniti's take-no-prisoners assault on the sports-luxoid segment. More power, more space, more right-now response to the driver's wishes. It's a heady cocktail of rumbling V-8 thrust, clawing big-tire grip, and let's-go chassis exuberance.
What's not to like? For us, hardly anything. Out here at the Lunatic Fringe Café, the customers are all looking for extreme involvement with vehicles that are fast and responsive, cars with tons of grip and tautly cinched ride motions. That's not to say the M45 is incapable of conveying sensitive passengers into town for tea, or whatever, because it can. The 335-hp V-8 has ample torque and abundant civility and will rumble about politely running chores. The five-speed automatic plays along, too, slurring smoothly from one ratio to another as needed.

Car and Driver's May Results

Jaguar S-type 4.2 VDP Edition (8th Place)
Highs: Supple ride, smooth powertrain, elegant interior.
Lows: Not that fast, not that roomy, not that young.
The Verdict: Still a charming car for those with subtle sensibilities.


Cadillac STS V-8 (7th Place)
Highs: Punchy motor, plenty of room, friendly ergonomics.
Lows: Polarizing looks, sofa-like seating, relentless understeer.
The Verdict: Tries to pass for European, and almost makes it.

BMW 530i (6th Place)
Highs: Amazing interior space, exemplary chassis calibrations, good balance.

Lows: Weak performance, pigheaded manumatic, quirky cup holders, iDrive.

The Verdict: Still a driver's car.


Audi A6 4.2 Quattro (5th Place)
Highs: Attractive styling, detailed interior, four-wheel traction, good power.

Lows: Controversial nose, overly sensitive throttle and brake responses, a tad sterile.

The Verdict: A paragon of all-season high-performance luxury.

Mercedes-Benz E350 (4th Place)
Highs: Effortless engine torque, great roadgoing poise.

Lows: Overly managed chassis, resists being chucked around.

The Verdict: A good, solid, safe, rewarding car with mainstream attributes.

Lexus GS430 (3rd Place)
Highs: Exquisitely smooth mechanical interface, refined operations, excellent performance.

Lows: Too much sensory deprivation for some.

The Verdict: Almost too subtle for the talking primates who buy cars.

Acura RL (2nd Place)
Highs: Nimble handling, strong high-rpm thrust, comfy seats and ride, great value.

Lows: Not much low-end torque, wide gear-ratio stack, rear seat could be bigger.

The Verdict: A bit of everything in this artful concoction.

Infiniti M45 Sport (First Place)
Highs: Kick-ass engine, telepathic transmission, athletic chassis, voluminous interior.

Lows: Sport package gives a firm ride, interior décor lacks finesse.

The Verdict: Puts the sports back into sports sedan—with a sledgehammer
Here it is, folks: Infiniti's take-no-prisoners assault on the sports-luxoid segment. More power, more space, more right-now response to the driver's wishes. It's a heady cocktail of rumbling V-8 thrust, clawing big-tire grip, and let's-go chassis exuberance.
What's not to like? For us, hardly anything. Out here at the Lunatic Fringe Café, the customers are all looking for extreme involvement with vehicles that are fast and responsive, cars with tons of grip and tautly cinched ride motions. That's not to say the M45 is incapable of conveying sensitive passengers into town for tea, or whatever, because it can. The 335-hp V-8 has ample torque and abundant civility and will rumble about politely running chores. The five-speed automatic plays along, too, slurring smoothly from one ratio to another as needed.