The Tenth Annual Automotive Loyalty Award Winners

Toyota Emerges as New Leader in Overall Make Loyalty

R. L. Polk & Co., the automotive industry’s premier tracker of consumer loyalty among new vehicles presented the 10th Annual Polk Automotive Loyalty Awards yesterday at the 2006 Automotive News World Congress.

Toyota won the Overall Make award for posting the highest make loyalty to an automotive division. The division also boasted two model loyalty awards and Lexus, the luxury division of Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc., also secured two model loyalty awards within their vehicle segments.

"The success of Toyota in this year’s loyalty awards ceremony mirrors the increasing national sales and market share trends for Toyota," said Stephen R. Polk, chairman, president and CEO of R. L. Polk & Co. "Toyota has succeeded in providing a product portfolio that enticed a growing number of customers to remain loyal to their vehicles when presented with numerous choices when returning to the marketplace."

General Motors continued to outpace the rest of the industry in terms of manufacturer loyalty, winning for the sixth consecutive year in the Overall Manufacturer category. Sixty-three percent of GM owners returning to market in 2005 opted for another new GM vehicle.

Other brands capturing loyalty honors for the 2005 model year, which ended September 30, 2005, are Chevrolet, Chrysler, Ford, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mercedes-Benz, Mercury, Saturn and Subaru.

Toyota, Domestic Vehicles Dominate Segment Categories
The Detroit-based “Big Three” claimed seven loyalty awards among the fourteen vehicle segment categories, with Ford Motor Company accepting honors for its Ford F-Series, Ford Mustang, Lincoln Town Car and Mercury Grand Marquis and the F-Series and Mustang being repeat winners from 2004. General Motors collected awards for its Chevrolet Suburban and Saturn ION, while Chrysler’s Town & Country took top loyalty honors in the Minivan segment for the fifth consecutive year.

Driven by Toyota, five vehicle segments had Asian models emerge as leaders of their respective categories, the highest number of awards captured by Asian automakers since the inception of the Polk Automotive Loyalty Awards. In addition to the Overall Make award, Toyota Motor Sales took home loyalty awards for two cars and two truck-based models: Toyota Camry, Toyota Tacoma, Lexus LS 430 and Lexus RX 300/330/400h. Subaru Forester won in the Compact SUV segment for the third consecutive year.

Among the European winners, the second generation 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class took home the loyalty award for Prestige Sport Car category. Land Rover secured the Prestige Sport Utility Vehicle category for the second consecutive year for its Range Rover nameplate.

Polk Manufacturer Loyalty Excelerator™ Report
Polk’s Manufacturer Loyalty Excelerator™ Report, which is the basis for the Polk Automotive Loyalty rankings and annual awards, is the latest insight into consumer loyalty. This report was introduced to the automotive industry in 1995 and was created to provide household loyalty information to manufacturers at many different levels. It is now used to provide loyalty percentages for the entire automotive industry and allows for cross-industry comparisons of loyalty behavior. The report measures loyalty throughout the entire model year so that manufacturers may keep abreast of loyalty trends as they occur in the industry.

The Polk Automotive Loyalty Awards recognize manufacturers for superior owner loyalty performance. Loyalty is determined when a household that owns a new vehicle returns to market and purchases or leases another new vehicle of the same model or make.

Homer008 - 1/19/2006 8:11:58 PM

+1 Boost

In the days of Muscle car war between Ford Mustang and Pontiac Trans Am, I remember a Car called Toyota Celica. It was small and good looking Japanese built sporty car to compete againest all-mighty Ford Mustangs...!
Problem with American cars were abysmal life expectancy of the cars. As an example: we owned a car called Eagle 4x4 built by AMC which lasted 3 years and engine blew up. Cars didn't last long before ending up in for major repairs but If you drove Toyota it was known it would last. Famous quote started back then on Toyotas which was "just do an oil change and it'll run forever". Back to Celica..I tell ya folks..It was amazing car. Years of long drive and throughout notorious 80's winters in Michigan roads and with over 120k, the Celica kept running and drove past highway 131 Auto junkyard doing 70mph right past piles of old rusted Ford Mustands and Chevy Camaros and Pontiac Trans Ams and likes:) The very cars and owners mocked so much because it was a just a Toyota.
Respect is earned, not given. Toyota certainly has earned it. BTW, I was owner of that Celica. I eventually got rid of it while still in very good running condition and here is the surprise folks, "not a single drip of water leaked on every window sill including a sunroof! Just like the very first day, I drove off the lot in 1979".

Homer008 - 1/19/2006 8:11:58 PM

+1 Boost

Homer008 - 1/19/2006 8:34:41 PM

+1 Boost

Back in 80's again folks...BMW and Mercedes Benz ruled.

Homer008 - 1/19/2006 8:34:41 PM

+1 Boost

Back in 80's again folks...BMW and Mercedes Benz ruled.

Matthew1 - 1/19/2006 11:05:49 PM

+1 Boost

Ahhh, the honesty is refreshing.

my entire encyclopedia of feelings and opinions on the subject summed up in only a few words.

MercBasher - 1/19/2006 11:17:20 PM

+1 Boost

Apparently Audi, BMW and Jaguar did not get mentions - no surprise. Was surprised to see Mercedes get an award however - but it was for the hairdresser special . . . the SLK.

Chip - 1/20/2006 5:03:19 AM

+1 Boost

Where were you when I needed you???

I have expressed your exact statement for the past month.

No Lexus or Infiniti can even compare to zee germans.

They try again and again, but fail miserably.

So let the honesty refresh these guys.

The JAPS suck and they know it.

Trade in your GS, IS, M, G, LS, Q, and buy a car worth your pennies.

Because until youve driven the real thing, you dont know what youve been missing.

Say all you want......Your comments still reek of someone who hasnt experienced the real thing.

Personal preference aside.......The big three will kick your JAPS to the curb.

And then some.

Chip - 1/20/2006 5:03:43 AM

+1 Boost

JUGNU - 1/20/2006 5:32:23 AM

+1 Boost

Contiroane,calm down calm down.

Accept it,

Toyota is the BEST

JUGNU

JUGNU - 1/20/2006 5:32:23 AM

+1 Boost

Contiroane,calm down calm down.

Accept it,

Toyota is the BEST

JUGNU

rack - 1/20/2006 9:03:40 AM

+1 Boost

More than just car preference I feel there is some Racial undertones being thrown out by these 80 IQ club members..

So in defense of "the Japs" can we call the german cars "Nazi mobiles"? Japan has been a huge support for the USA while Germany continues to increase in Hatred for the USA (this started under Clinton BTW, so dont run to blame bush, who didnt help mend fences".

The bottom line is, if BMW's are so great, why aren't they #1 in brand loyalty? If their "dynamics" are so appealing why dont BMW owners run to buy another one? Because according to people here these "dynamics" are so impressive every other car would be a major let down. Lets face it, in a 2 day car magazine test BMW may reign supreme, but in a 3 year lease, people are looking for something different.

Homer008 - 1/20/2006 10:09:11 AM

+1 Boost

My friend's father immigrated to the U.S. back in 50's and had to change their family last name. Why? b/c, name was too germanic and knocklehead like you also existed back then also. (This was during WWII BTW) It went from something like Hawkinstadt to Hicks. Hawkinstadt sounding too Germanic obviously! If Knocklehead like ContiRoane met his father in person and used words like Nazi or Japs, I guarantee he'll shove his combat boot up your ass so deep you'ld taste boot leather in your mouth.

Homer008 - 1/20/2006 10:09:11 AM

+1 Boost

Chip - 1/20/2006 1:37:13 PM

+1 Boost

Give me a break ladies.

The cars are JAPANESE and I can call them whatever I want.

I assure you there was no racism in my comment.

And Byung, thanks for your family tree story.

And If I met whoevers father and we were discussing CARS, I would still call them Japs.

WE ARE DISCUSSING CARS....NOT HUMANS..... OR THE WAR ?????

What a little girl you are for threatening me with someone else's fist.

Go get in your Lexus and use the touchscreen to type in CHICKEN SH*T.

Dayton - 1/20/2006 1:44:13 PM

+1 Boost

I can't blame any of you who praise Toyotas for their reliablity and those of you who think that makes them the best cars on the planet.

But clearly you have never owned a BMW. If you had, you'd understand. Nothing drives like a BMW!

German car owners always say "Japanese cars lack soul and passion." Quite frankly, THEY DO!

Japanese car owners always say German cars are in the shop every other week.
That what they say to feel better about driving something boring.

I've owned both, it's true.

Matthew1 - 1/20/2006 5:22:02 PM

+1 Boost

...Concerns me with this comment:

"Turbos are for lesser able engineer like audi who can't figure how to engineer they 1.8L engine to have more power naturally so they put in a turbo."

That is one HELL of a stupid statement.

Turbo-charged cars offer advantages a naturally aspirated car could only dream of.

For a naturally aspirated engine of similiar capacity to have the same horseower as a turbo-charged engine, it would have to red-line at some ridiculus amount, ala Honda.

Even then, it would not have the low-down torque a turbo has, it would not have the warp-speed factor when a tubo winds up, and it would not have the mid-range power on tap for when you need to overtake a line of trucks.

I thought someone who even had a remote interest in cars would know that.

Homer008 - 1/20/2006 6:26:03 PM

+1 Boost

Meaning of Suck : to be objectionable or inadequate <our lifestyle sucks -- Playboy> <people who went said it sucked -- H. S. Thompson>

Get u'r little BB brains out of your head clowns. Get some clue and bring out some factoids not your looney tune commentaries. Bark about how suck Jap cars and here you are claiming to have owned 2 Jap cars. There are echoes between your ears son! Til, somebody could explain why Jap cars does not deserve owner loyalty award..all yer bozo commentaries are full throttle, dry tank. Got it? Diaper wearing Clowns..now..go suck on your milkbottles.
p.s. If you understand english as well as any parrot, let me just say "stay off the keyboard and get a life you losers i.e. Contiroanne and Quattroman both VW blowhards"
Damn flies-

Homer008 - 1/20/2006 6:26:03 PM

+1 Boost

Homer008 - 1/20/2006 6:43:14 PM

+1 Boost

As an Super bike enthusiast-I'll race anyone of you braindeads who wants to race me...I'll pullout my Suzuki and show you "REAL PERFORMANCE" adranaline experience. If you are a true performance maniacs as you claimed to be..step out of the Toy Department and get rid of your bicycles clowns and step up to 2 wheeled stimulants. I don't care what you drive, I'll make you look like grandma knitting a sweater sitting on a rocking chair front of a fireplace you bozos. For cryingout loud..if you truely love the road try getting a Harley Davidson Softtail or a Honda Goldwing and take a month long road trip instead of getting pickled inside your little bimmers and BmWs it just might give you an orgasm-something you haven't experienced yet as an fully grown vergin A**.
Gives me a goosebumps everytime riding through pickup window with my JAPANESE superbike to pickup an happymeal Dammit! reving and all..yeah tell me if that sucks you BMW whores.

Homer008 - 1/20/2006 6:43:14 PM

+1 Boost

Chip - 1/20/2006 7:27:39 PM

+1 Boost

At least get it right.....

I'm a BMW blowhard, not VW.

And you want factoids?-----Like you dont know !!!!!

What other info do you need?

You know that 99.9% of the time, the JAPANESE cars dont perform in the same league as the germans.

You know that BMW, AUDI and MERCEDES are the LEADERS in contemporary design, performance and engineering.

You know that Lexus, Infiniti, and Acura are respected luxury divisions of cookie cutter family brands.

You know your cars arent built as well, copy others design, and overall dont perform in the same bracket as the big three.

Where's a V-12 Lexus?

Where's the Lexus' six figure supercar? ---Dont give me that concept crap. They never make it over without being radically different.

Where is the SPORT in any Lexus product?----- Or at least a sport package!!!

Where is the build quality in a Lexus? Ohh right, the Nav system is the best, the wood the shiniest, the leather the creamiest.

Is the SC430 even close to the SL or 6-series?

Which would you rather have, an A6, 550i, E500 or a GS?

Anyone who ENJOYS driving would never consider a Lexus.

Because they are Sterile. Numb. Bland. Boring.

Lexus has always been good at making Grandma mobiles

No matter how much you convince yourself that Lexus is the standard of the world, it will never happen.

Matthew1 - 1/20/2006 7:59:57 PM

+1 Boost

Turbo-charged engines are now unreliable, is that right?

A feeble, innacurate statement to try and regain ground you lost with your other unknowledgeable comment.

When engineers decide to turbo-charge an engine, they do not just shove one on an existing engine design and hope for the best. They thoroughlly re-engineer that engine, reinforce parts, lower compression ratios to allow for the extra pressures the combustion chamber experiences etc.

All Saab cars are turbo-charged, and some of the early 900 Turbo's are still going strong with over 230k on the clock.

And which is more economical? A 2-litre Turbo which produces peak power and torque lower down in the rev range, or a comparable size, naturally-aspirated engine that needs 1,000,000rpm and a different cam profile to reach the same power output?

Think about it.

Homer008 - 1/20/2006 8:16:00 PM

+1 Boost

First of all, Quattro man. Thumbing around with Nintendo Mariocarts doesn't kount and perhaps you've inspired the slogan, "A mind is a terrible thing to waste." staying up all night playing Mariocart and munching on cookies dipped in a warm milk while you should be worrying about standing in front of the soupline in the morning for breakfast.
Secondly, I didn't call you a kid. I called you a diaper wearing clown, bozo. Get it right next time retroactive birthkid. And if you are a race car driver then, I'm a crossdresser.
Thirdly, I or should I say WE are talking about owner loyalty of the Toyotas because of entire forum is based on "The Tenth Anuual Automotive Loyalty Award Winners", got it braindead? Or do I have to smack upside your skull with a flyswatter to get your attention.

Now for ContiRoane,
Listenup Snail,
(((((You know that 99.9% of the time, the JAPANESE cars dont perform in the same league as the germans.))))
Depends on what league yer talkin about...yer statement is too general.

(((((You know that BMW, AUDI and MERCEDES are the LEADERS in contemporary design, performance and engineering.)))))
What's the point if car's reliability isn't par with performance..example: 24hr lemans..most gruelling race track in the world. Primary importance throughout the race is reliability. If the engine blows after 23 hours running at fullthroattle, you go home empty handed. Hello?

(((((You know that Lexus, Infiniti, and Acura are respected luxury divisions of cookie cutter family brands.)))))
Tell that to the current owners of Rotary powered and legendary RX-7, Revolutionary exotica Acura NS-X or Performance minded IS-350 or IS-460 and upcoming Nissan GT-R. Flood gates has just opened.

((((You know your cars arent built as well, copy others design, and overall dont perform in the same bracket as the big three.))))
copy huh? Did you know BMW, MB and GM have to all work together to create an Hybrid system? still haven't made one hybrid system yet. Yeah let's talk about copying crown..it goes back to 1878 to present..its all about copying design and improving upon that design you just copyed and so on..goto school and get some education and you'd know this knocklehead. Germans copied Ford's manufacturing plants *mass production i.e. Model T. and damn i could go on and on til keyboard wears out but I'll let you google around snail.

(((Where's a V-12 Lexus?)))
Don't need'em idiot. V-12 is a waste of power, impractical and just plain irrational on a Lexus. Don't worry clown b/c Lexus is comingout with LS600h which is powered by hybrid system with power of V-12 on a frugality of V-6 on a V-8 engine, got it or do I have taser your brain to get your attention?

Damn this is like one-legged man in an ass-kicking contest. If both of these clown's brain were bird droppings, birdcage would be clean.

Homer008 - 1/20/2006 8:16:00 PM

+1 Boost

Homer008 - 1/20/2006 9:18:01 PM

+1 Boost

Actually, I'm 5'8" 205lbs, former U.S. Marine and I do enjoy eating triple-decker sauerkraut sandwich but my choice would be traditional Kimchee and Rice. So keep your silly imagination inside of yer little BB sized bird brain of yours, Doorknob.
I cannot fathom why you brought up reliability and audacity to challenge a Lexus LOL..you are a joke.
As far as your cute little story about taking a dump..lol..who wrote your jokes? Al Gore? LOL
Its so damn stupid..LOL Go play your Nintendo clown.

Homer008 - 1/20/2006 9:18:01 PM

+1 Boost

Dayton - 1/20/2006 9:21:50 PM

+1 Boost

Pauls right. People who have owned BMWs are incredibly loyal.
*The 3 series has been on Car and Driver's Top Ten list for the last 15 years!
*In the last Car and Driver comparo with 8 other cars the 3 took 1st place. Big surprise.
*And most importantly...Lexus claims to be going after the 3 Series with their current IS. Seems to me they've openly admitted the 3 is the bench mark. Or else why would they be trying to match it?

And your bad comments about Quattro Man for leasing...Smart people lease. Why buy a depreciating asset. You may not want to hear it but the majority of people in a new BMW, Audi, or even a Lexus, are leasing their cars. If you didn't know that it makes me wonder if you have a car of that caliber.

rack - 1/20/2006 9:48:39 PM

+1 Boost

"Japanese cars do lack in performance and 99.9% of Japanese Car drivers either can't afford to buy or maintain a BMW/Mercedes/Audi and therefore bitch about how unreliable those cars are."

Donkey of the year nominee. Tough competition as I can see.

Jeff Bezos the owner of amazon.com was well known (until recently) to be driving an old for escort around seattle. Jeff Bezos could afford to buy 100 of any car published on this site.

People do not buy japanese cars because that's all they can afford. There is a term called value. Getting the most for your money, getting a reliable product, that has a low cost of opertaion, at the same time providing you with the ultimate in luxury. You can't assume that someone drives a practical car, Toyota Camry, thay they cannot afford to buy a Maybach. I know several people who can, yet drive honda accord's, camries, etc.

You cannot compare a Toyota to a bmw and mercedes. That is just stupid. Comparing a Lexus would be more prudent.

"And most importantly...Lexus claims to be going after the 3 Series with their current IS. Seems to me they've openly admitted the 3 is the bench mark. Or else why would they be trying to match it?"

Nobody is disputing this benchmark. Load up a 3 with what you can buy a G35 or IS350 for, and compare performance and price, you will pair 20% more for a 3 while maybe getting 10% increase in "dynamics".

http://www.autoweb.com/content/shared/articles/templates/index.cfm/article_page_order_int/3/article_id_int/861

"In contrast to the BMW, the 2006 Lexus IS 350 provides convenience more on par with a Swiss Army knife, as evidenced by its intuitive center touch screen, useful cupholders, and handy storage spots. The significance of this accomplishment, which continues to confound BMW engineers, was captured best by one editor’s comment: “Typical for a Lexus, cupholders are well done, and compartments are well designed. To go one further, the IS proves that yes, Gunter, you can have a driving machine and good cupholders. What a concept!” Also unlike an iDrive-equipped BMW, the Lexus features radio and climate control buttons that even a primate of moderate intelligence could master. The sound system can be manipulated using controls on the dash, menus accessed through the center touch screen, or via steering wheel-mounted buttons. Secondary controls, such as the power window and door lock switches, are intuitively planted on the door panel and dash. Adjusting the cabin temperature is a simple task with clearly marked hot and cool buttons, though drivers need to jump into the touch screen menu to increase or decrease fan speed or redirect air flow."

I personally think the last IS300 came really close the the 330i, I think the new one has really outdone it. ( I was a 330i fan untill now).

I agree that lexus's designs were boring, but now they are significantly better and ready to gain market share. Also when you talk about copying, if you study the SC430, there is a lot of things done on that car that influenced their current design trend, and possibly BMW'S.

Another thing did you notice that bmw pulled a cheapie by mountin the window switches in the console instead of the doors? WINDOW SWITCHES BELONG IN THE DOORS!!!!!!!!!!!!.

Homer008 - 1/20/2006 9:50:15 PM

+1 Boost

Unlike you Quattro, I did step up from Betamax videorecorder and VHS long ago to HD Video recorder by Panasonic capable of recording 240 hours of TV programs and capability to burn directly to a CD with a touch of a button. Palm OS 5.4 cell phone is a must for me. And so are the ipod nano so don't preach me about stepping up. The fact that I own a Lexus IS250 is a admission to living in present. Time for you to step up to present bub and growup not wearing anymore diapers.

Homer008 - 1/20/2006 9:50:15 PM

+1 Boost

rack - 1/20/2006 9:52:01 PM

+1 Boost

"Flashy or conservative. Sharp or soft edges. Wood trim or aluminum. They’re each choices in the subjective category of automotive design. In this test, competitors from Japan and Germany offered two distinct interpretations of the look that should represent the entry sport luxury sedan segment, with Japan offering a bold, exaggerated form with its Lexus IS 350 and Germany going the more traditional route with the relatively conservative BMW 330i. In the end, our editors gave a slight edge to the Lexus’s aggressive, muscular stance and look-at-me styling that was just one massive rear wing shy of being over the top. But, without that hopped-up Honda Civic add-on, the 2006 Lexus IS 350 makes a powerful statement, something that should be required of any sport luxury sedan with an as-tested sticker in the $45,000 range. The 2006 BMW 330i, on the other hand, represents with a powerful stance, but the off-the-shelf look of the taillights, for example, relegates the Bimmer to the Lexus IS 350’s shadows."

If you think about it it's true, the new IS looks nothing like the old is, yet the new 3 has many carried over ques from previous designs.

Homer008 - 1/20/2006 10:10:26 PM

+1 Boost

Almost 55 percent of Toyota owners who bought a new car during the 2005 model year purchased another Toyota.

Quality and reliability are probably major reasons that Toyota owners stick with the brand, said Miller. "They don't have to worry about the biggest aspect of what's under their butt when they're driving," he said.

Vehicles with most loyal owners

Percent of owners who bought the same vehicle, by name, after selling or trading in.

Small car: Saturn Ion, 24.6 percent

Midsize car: Toyota Camry, 27.1 percent

Large car: Mercury Grand Marquis, 36.1 percent

Luxury car: Lincoln Town Car, 37.2 pct

Prestige luxury car: Lexus LS 430, 32.0 percent

Sports car: Ford Mustang, 17 percent

Prestige sports car: Mercedes-Benz SLK-class, 24.5 percent

Minivan: Chrysler Town & Country, 26.9 percent

Compact pick-up: Toyota Tacoma, 19.5 percent

Full-sized pick-up: Ford F-series, 39 percent

Compact SUV: Subaru Forester, 27.1 percent

Midsized SUV: Lexus RX 300/330/400h, 31.0 percent

Full-size SUV: Chevrolet Suburban, 21.1 percent

Prestige SUV: Land Rover Ranger Rover, 32.9 percent

Homer008 - 1/20/2006 10:10:26 PM

+1 Boost

Homer008 - 1/20/2006 10:15:15 PM

+1 Boost

Whopping 1 German model is listed!
Prestige luxury car: Lexus LS 430, 32.0 percent
As, I've stated before flies, Having a good reliability is the most important part of selling cars not 0-60 under 5 seconds, idiots!

Homer008 - 1/20/2006 10:15:15 PM

+1 Boost

Chip - 1/20/2006 10:33:52 PM

+1 Boost

My facts come from my DRIVING perspective.

I could give 2 sh*ts about what any magazine comparo or automotive journalist thinks.

Fact is: I've driven the Japanese competition and they suck. PERIOD.

Yugo rocks: For the last time....I drive BMWS, not Audis.

now Byung.... What league does any Japanese car beat a German? I'd sure like to know, And were talking US cars, not over there.

I bring up design, engineering, and performance.....your response....reliability. Enough Said.

I bring up a V-12. You say it doesnt need one? Why would any car not need a big honking V-12. Do you think Ferrari, Lambo, Bentley or Aston Martin feel this way. i think not. What a pathetic answer. People who buy V-12 engines dont car about Hybrids. A hybrid V-8 does not equal the power, sound or feel of a big V-12. People who can actually afford these engines dont want the economy of a V6. Otherwise they would of bought a V6. And EVERYONE on this site has to agree with that.

I bring up Lexus, Acura, and Infiniti......You bring up the...... Nissan GTR---gone, Acura NSX-----gone and the Mazda RX-7-------also gone. I know a new GTR is coming, but none of these cars are avilable now.....So nice try.

And finally Byung.....You drive an IS250?

Thats so funny it hurts....Your car is so frickin slow.

Couldnt you at least sprung for the IS350.

Of course not, you DONT NEED IT RIGHT.

Nobody needs a fast, great handling car right Byung?

It looks like youre taking donkey of the year. You suck.

Chip - 1/20/2006 10:39:41 PM

+1 Boost

With your IS250......the snail here is you.

Homer008 - 1/21/2006 12:06:23 AM

+1 Boost

you sound like biggest you know what also, but good luck to your best friend in the U.S. Marine Corps. Only respect for you also...Good luck to your buddy.

Semper Fidelis, Go bomb Osama bin laden!

Homer008 - 1/21/2006 12:06:23 AM

+1 Boost

you sound like biggest you know what also, but good luck to your best friend in the U.S. Marine Corps. Only respect for you also...Good luck to your buddy.

Semper Fidelis, Go bomb Osama bin laden!

rack - 1/21/2006 12:32:01 AM

+1 Boost

The IS250 is no slouch for the engine size and give the 325 a run for its money. I was impressed when I drove my friends 250 AWD.

Then again what does any of this have to do w/ customer loyalty?

Toyota has a couple, Lexus Has 2, and merc has 1 (in a very small class mind you) bmw 0, audi (which I really like) 0

Ask yourself this question though..

Would you.

A) Spend more money on a car that that has a lesser quality interiot, is less reliable, but handles very well.

B) Spend less money on a car that has a better interior, handles pretty good, and is much more dependable.

I dont think Bmw's are prone to breakdowns, the are rated as "average" by most publications as far as reliability goes. But don't you expect more than average for $40k+

I was really surprised by the range rover though. I would assume that the escalade would be at the top of that list.

Homer008 - 1/21/2006 12:47:25 AM

+1 Boost

I like you. You remind me of when I was young and stupid. I'll try being nicer if you'll try being smarter. You keep replying to me as if, I was a flypaper for clowns!?

Anyways, your comments are as usual very insignificant to what I believe in. Obviously we all have differences in what we believe in the auto world. Which you keep failing to understand and comes with smartypants sarcasms and V-12 engines, which,I don't give a damn about. Any connection between your reality and mine is purely coincidental in that, I also believe in Driving Perspective. My definetion is much differet than yours. You are 100% focused on European cars only, all-performance and bashing all Japanese cars. My Driving Perspective is owning a well-rounded, reliable, frugal, good looking and generally don't stand out as much. But you fail to understand this and use vulgar and racial words i.e. Japs to make your so insignificant point to me. Basically,Contiroane, my comments may sounds like English, but you can't understand a word I'm saying because you have a extreme bias towards Japanese cars therefore, its a waste of time for me to continue this childish verbal dispute.

Homer008 - 1/21/2006 12:47:25 AM

+1 Boost

Homer008 - 1/21/2006 1:38:16 AM

+1 Boost

I appreciate if you don't bash what I drive..that's just pure bullsh.t! BTW, its fast enough for me and very comfy..if you could only smell the leather and feel the silky engine of the IS250..you'd probably crap your diaper.

Homer008 - 1/21/2006 1:38:16 AM

+1 Boost

Matthew1 - 1/21/2006 2:16:56 AM

+1 Boost

...according to the best motoring publication in England, EVO.

"Sewing machine for an engine".

Take that. They put the car's final rating right down because of the embarrassing performance.

Chip - 1/21/2006 5:50:30 AM

+1 Boost

So now Byung decides to end the dispute that he basically started.

Fine by me. Then watch what you say about cars you have never owned or driven.

Ive driven the IS250 and felt it was WAY TOO SLOW for my taste.

A 325i runs to 60 in 6.7 seconds. The IS needs over 8.5 seconds.

The engine sounds raspy and is always working overtime.

And to disagree again, I dont think Lexus has good leather.

It feels very smooth and comfy, but it is thinly padded and not high grade. Not even close to the hides of a BMW or Audi.

But this is my opinion Byung and I'm sure you feel different. No need to dispute.

Chip - 1/21/2006 5:56:15 AM

+1 Boost

I love how you state to end this CHILDISH verbal dispute then go on in your next post to tell me I'd crap my diaper if I say your IS.

Sounds like someone else is the child here.

Grow Up Byung. And while youre at it. Get a Clue.

Contiroane has had the last word with you.

Go on your merry little way toot tooting in your Toyota.

rack - 1/21/2006 9:35:09 AM

+1 Boost

'Not even close to the hides of a BMW or Audi."

Nothing Beats a good pleater hide.

Check Jd Power, Lexus customers rate their interiors higher than MB, Audi, and BMW.

"Take that. They put the car's final rating right down because of the embarrassing performance"

204hp, and 185 ft lbs of torque is on par with the competition for a 2.5l V6. Estimated 0-60 of 7.9 ( not sure if thats awd or rwd model, and what transmission). The 325i is rated at 7.8 seconds for an automatic. So we have a .1 second gap which could be an intstrumental variance. There isnt enough information at this time on the 250 to judge every configuration head to head, but the power to weight ratios seem to be close enough to say that the performance of the 2 should be close.

Its funny how the UK magazines really Bash the Lexus cars when they first see them, then they tend to warm up to them. A lot of people wonder if they were paid to bash the lexus product, and have been for years.

But if performance is important to you why bother with the 325, is250 anyways?

rack - 1/21/2006 9:37:08 AM

+1 Boost

But if performance is important to you why bother with the IS250 anyways, get the bigger 5.6 sec 0-60 brother.

Chip - 1/21/2006 3:45:14 PM

+1 Boost

The 0-60 times are..

7.9 seconds for a Manual RWD IS250

8.5 seconds for an Automatic RWD IS250

8.8 seconds for an Automatic AWD IS250.

I'm sure not many people are buying their IS with sticks.

Regardless, its still not fast enough.

Chip - 1/21/2006 3:51:20 PM

+1 Boost

Almost every single 3-series in the USA comes equipped with the Premium package.

And with that you get FULL LEATHER.

Not surfaces, not perforated inserts, but FULL LEATHER.

And that 99% question goes to you Yugo.

If it was my opinion, I would say the Germans are better 100% of the time.

Maybe that .1% can be applied to the worthy effort that Infiniti and Lexus have applied to their new cars (G35, IS)

Chip - 1/21/2006 4:35:17 PM

+1 Boost

I never said it was standard. Read carefully next time.

99% must come from my ass.

Sure my BMWs ass. Thats all youll ever see anyway.

Nice response BTW. Lots of interesting points in that statement.

I have no response to your last comment as I cant figure out what the hell it means.

So I get my knowledge of cars from a friends friends uncle.

Thats sounds like you buddy boy.

Yugo, when you get your license, let me know.

I'll show you what a REAL car is.

BTW- Porsche does not build cars for the MASSES

And the Honda S2000 sucks so bad that they arent even doing a new one.

Chip - 1/21/2006 5:19:09 PM

+1 Boost

S2000 was only intended for Honda milestone point. It's a promotional piece.

According to who?

Do you work for Honda?

If it was a promotional piece, why has it been on the market for 6 years?

These cars are called FAILURES Yugo.

You can think of all the little excuses you want.

I'm done arguing with you. You have brought nothing to this debate.

rack - 1/21/2006 11:03:03 PM

+1 Boost

Are they not just fancy Passats's??

I mean if you use the fancy toyota logic.

The Roadster really isnt a mega profit car, Unless your boulding boutique cars, you build them to increase brand awareness.

The S2000, while the sales were not that great was a terrific car. The power to weight ratio was incredible and its engine was an engineering masterpiece. I would never own a roadster or a honda, but if BMW could do what they did I would be really inpressed.

I am really amazed that bmw and audi are still building roadsters it seems like that market is starting to dry up.

Once again still no Audi's or Bmw's on this list.

Chip - 1/22/2006 4:36:44 PM

+1 Boost

I never said that Japanese cars didnt have heritage.

And if you read the post before mine, Yugo stated the S2000 was only a promotional piece for Honda and not a real car.

I disagree. The S2000 was meant to be a fun roadster with excellent track preformance.

What Honda skipped when developing the S2000 was refinement.

The car wasnt made to be driven on a daily basis.

It didnt fit in the market at all. And it DIDNT sell well either.

Now to your TOTALLY INCORRECT statement.

A BMW X5 4.4i comes standard with Leather. I have never heard of plastic seats in a German car, yet alone a 55,000 BMW.

And to clarify my statement, ALMOST all 3-series have the premium package with leather.

Go check dealer inventories online.

It is very very rare that a base 325i comes with Leatherette.

The premium package is $2000 and is ALMOST ALWAYS the one option that 3-series owners check.

But your comment on the X5 is absolutely incorrect.

Also

Just because you personally like the S2000 doesnt mean the car was a success or milestone. It wasnt.

If it does have the heritage you speak of, then why did Honda announce years ago that the car didnt have the effect it would have liked on the market and that they were not planning on re-designing it.

The definition of heritage:

"Something that is passed down from previous generations, a tradition.

This does not describe the S2000 in the slightest.

I

Chip - 1/22/2006 8:48:00 PM

+1 Boost

"S2000 was onlhy intended for Honda milestone point. It's a promotional piece."

Their is your exact incorrectly spelled quote.

Where did I change your words?

Saying a car is a promotional piece is maybe the stupidest thing Ive ever heard.

And since the 3-series has been the best for decades now, I think that lays claim to how it will be in the future.

That is heritage. Knowing your car has been awesome for decades on end. Knowing that your model will look good for a long time too come.

Do you think Lexus and Honda models from the early 90s still look go today?

I didnt think so.

Saying Heritage is a gimmick is just a way of saying youre too stupid to understand it.

Chip - 1/22/2006 10:13:15 PM

+1 Boost

Name me one person who gets $18,000 in options on a car and doesnt check leather.

Youre just trying to find a way to be right.

An X5 3.0 starts in the low 40,000 range.

$59,000 buys you a nicely loaded X5 4.4

But if you knew anything about German cars maybe youd know that.

And yes, I think an OLD MR2, Celica and Prelude are Ugly as hell.

You guys will really reach into the Japanese vault to find a car that actually is decent. Good Luck. So far all Ive heard is CRAP.

Also Yugo, calling a car a promotional piece indicates that you dont think of it as a real car.

Do you know how much it cost to promote a car?

Now do you know how much it costs to develop a car?

The S2000 was a nice car but didnt hit the mark.

My saying that prompted you to speak gibberish.

REAL cars arent promotional pieces. And thats what you called it.

And please....Stop talking to me......Your car knowledge blows anyway.

Chip - 1/22/2006 10:15:09 PM

+1 Boost

Well said

Chip - 1/23/2006 1:07:15 AM

+1 Boost

Nice response.

Youre now a total idiot.

You have nothing to say so you resort to citing Canadian dollars and lunchboxes

And nothing could make me look as foolish as you.

At least I know what I'm talking about.

Youre just another Toyota driver with an attitude.

Jealousy. Aint it a bitch.

I feel like ive wasted too much time with these morons.

Contiroane signing off on this post.

rack - 1/23/2006 9:13:26 AM

+1 Boost

The $43,000 US X5 3.0 comes standard with leatherette, and there are a few of them at my local dealer with that package. I wouldn't think for 43k that pleather would be an option.