Consumer Reports Claims The HS250h Fails To Uphold The Lexus Name But Gives It A "Recommend" Status

Consumer Reports Claims The HS250h Fails To Uphold The Lexus Name But Gives It A
 The Lexus HS250h is essentially an upscale Prius.  It carries numerous components that are similar to those found in the Prius, but it does carry one additional detail not found on the Prius, the Lexus name. 

Lexus, a make that is synonymous with luxury, coddling the driver, and offering an isolated, serene driving experience has failed to hold true to its high standards with the new Lexus HS250.  It's not that the vehicle is a total disappointment just that is doesn't live up to the Lexus nameplate and doesn't do enough to justify its price increase over the Toyota Prius.

Consumer Reports recently published a full review of the 2010 Lexus HS250h and some aspects of the review are provided below.


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Agent63Agent63 - 1/7/2010 12:01:12 PM
+6 Boost
It's nothing we didn't know before.


theoptimisticpessimisttheoptimisticpessimist - 1/7/2010 12:22:48 PM
+6 Boost
What a turd of a car, its only redeeming feature is clean emissions. Badge engineering at its worst.


Joe_LimonJoe_Limon - 1/7/2010 12:38:57 PM
-3 Boost
Even then, even an escape hybrid gets similar fuel economy. I don't see the appeal.


Joe_LimonJoe_Limon - 1/7/2010 2:58:24 PM
+5 Boost
The reason I mentioned the Escape hybrid is because it is an suv and it too gets the same 34mpg.


XYZZXYZZ - 1/8/2010 4:21:59 AM
-1 Boost
an escape may be an suv, but it has a smaller footprint. in any case, who the heck EVER cross shops a lexus against a ford? and a SMALL ford at that?


Joe_LimonJoe_Limon - 1/8/2010 2:14:30 PM
+1 Boost
No one, I'm just stating that 34mpg out of a hybrid car that is even the fuel efficient shape of the prius is pretty lame.


XYZZXYZZ - 1/9/2010 8:26:57 AM
-1 Boost
it IS NOT "the same shape" as the prius, lame brain. the prius has one of the most efficient Cd of any cars on the market.

this lexus also has a LARGER ENGINE, and more weight to haul around. its far closer to the camry hybrid than the prius.


WimmerWimmer - 1/7/2010 12:34:14 PM
+3 Boost
I saw one in Munich a few days ago - or so I thought. Turns out it was the new Toyota Avensis.


0to600to60 - 1/7/2010 1:03:26 PM
-5 Boost
I like the HS. Didnt until I acutally sat in it. Did not drive it but I was actually impressed the moment I got in.


XYZZXYZZ - 1/8/2010 4:17:53 AM
-1 Boost
most people are also impressed when they sit in an audi or even an optioned up vw.

but in sharp contrast to toyotas and lexi, they end up SORELY DISAPPOINTED 5 years down the road with all the quality and reliability issues. these cars look good, AND endure too!


pennfootballpennfootball - 1/7/2010 2:34:42 PM
-6 Boost
They Don't like German makes at Consumer's Reports BECAUSE THE GOD DAMNED THINGS ARE NOT RELIABLE CARS


enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 1/7/2010 11:22:50 PM
0 Boost
then why are they all above average in all the jd powers surveys? please explain how massive statistically significant research doesn't line up with your commentary.

and this from an italian car driver! lol


XYZZXYZZ - 1/8/2010 3:51:04 AM
0 Boost
JDP is super superficial. 90-day reliability records???

CR is FAR MORE comprehensive AND CREDIBLE in all their testing. and they HAVE acknowledged that german cars are not as bad as they used to be, when they were unable to recommend A SINGLE MB model because of reliability issues.


enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 1/8/2010 2:01:03 PM
+2 Boost
you are mistaken, jd powers does multiple studies including initial quality, customer satisfaction and dependability.


XYZZXYZZ - 1/9/2010 8:17:30 AM
0 Boost
to the extent JDP has similar results to CR, their studies are decent.

but they just cannot match CR's database of some 1.4 million vehicle reports from owners, EVERY YEAR. this enables CR to track vehicle reliabilities for 8 to 10 years and more.

this does not even address the issue of JDP sometimes INVENTING categories so they can sell "favorable results" to mfgrs. that IS, after all, how they earn their money.


XYZZXYZZ - 1/9/2010 8:31:00 AM
-1 Boost
ent...11--


as an italian car driver, yes you prob'ly think german cars ARE reliable! lol!


WhelanWhelan - 1/7/2010 2:36:34 PM
+5 Boost
The HS is basically a sedan version of the Prius hatch. I'm not a fan having seen one or two on the road.


MSP6MSP6 - 1/7/2010 6:08:03 PM
+9 Boost
An ES hybrid would have been a better choice. The only direct competition of the HS is a fully loaded Jetta TDI, which gets better MPG, equal performances, drives better, looks better (subjective) and cost less.


XYZZXYZZ - 1/12/2010 8:47:10 AM
+1 Boost
an ES hybrid would be little different from the camry hybrid. lexus is anticipating you guys' future complaints that it would be just a rebadge! sorry you're disappointed! lol.


XYZZXYZZ - 1/12/2010 8:51:16 AM
+1 Boost
msp6-

THINKING any lexus buyer would cross shop this against a VW is even MORE ridiculous than joe_lemon's comparison of lexus vs. turd escape!


pennfootballpennfootball - 1/7/2010 2:37:59 PM
+7 Boost
Lexus listen up this thing is a pig...even though you applied an L badge of lipstick on said pig...IT IS STILL A Sloooooooow PIG...


1BadMan1BadMan - 1/7/2010 4:55:44 PM
+5 Boost
Of course it cannot hold up a name that is not real to begin with. Take a European market Toyota Avensis and mate it with Camry Hybrid drivetrain. And "poof" there is a new "Lexus". A rolling joke people!


XYZZXYZZ - 1/9/2010 8:37:09 AM
0 Boost
the TOYOTA nameplate is now more highly and favorably recognized than ALL the german nameplates, according to CR's latest survey. (it also beats out even Lexus, but that is due to the mix of factors in the study, which includes value.)

audi is not even in the Top 10, much less vw.


theoptimisticpessimisttheoptimisticpessimist - 1/7/2010 5:53:12 PM
+5 Boost
Nobody saying Lexus it self is a joke, we're saying this is a piss poor effort by Lexus.


Agent63Agent63 - 1/7/2010 6:40:19 PM
+9 Boost
Only in the US though. Globally Lexus is still a baby.


LexuriousLexurious - 1/7/2010 6:47:58 PM
+2 Boost
lexus are known as good cars globally but everyone else except us dumb north americans think lexus is the japanese-mercedes which is somewhat true. this aint a bad thing to be called the jap merc. it's a privilege.


XYZZXYZZ - 1/8/2010 4:14:13 AM
-3 Boost
in the rest of the world EXCEPT for badgewhorish status conscious americans AND europeans, the lexus nameplate is NOT NEEDED.

the people recognize the TOYOTA nameplate as fully the equal of any other brand with regard to QUALITY, RELIABILITY, and DURABILITY.

in demanding conditions, people will always choose a TOYOTA land cruiser over a stylish but fragile range rover. even the MB gelandewagen sells a mere fraction of what the LC does.


Agent63Agent63 - 1/8/2010 6:35:30 AM
+3 Boost
I don't think the MB G-Wagon was meant for high volume like the LC was. MB was making luxury cars as far as I know and Toyota was supplying the world well built economical Japanese cars. Two different markets here. I don't think you can view Toyota and Mercedes as equal. They do two different things very well. Globally Toyota has been known for their tough Toyota trucks and Mercedes has been known for their luxury cars. When you talk about luxury you can't not mention Mercedes. When you talk about good Japanese trucks you can't not mention Toyota's.


XYZZXYZZ - 1/9/2010 8:50:23 AM
-1 Boost
but MB ALSO makes LOW END, ENTRY MODELS outside the u.s. too. they just don't sell 'em here for fear of "diluting" their image in the u.s.

MB, GM, and toyota are all FULL LINE auto makers. producing everything from econoboxes, trucks, buses, commercial vehicles, luxury cars, etc.

toyota and gm spreads the products around among several nameplates. at MB, EVERYTHING carries the same logo. hence, outside the u.s., they are NOT so exceptional. hence, Lexus is arguably a more prestigious brand. (until recently, there were NO 4-banger lexuses; mb, bmw, and audi have had 4-bangers for DECADES.)

where Lexus is NOT marketed, TOYOTA retains all the prestige itself. if they did not restrict distribution of the v12 toyota century, it'd have EVEN MORE prestige.


theoptimisticpessimisttheoptimisticpessimist - 1/7/2010 9:08:22 PM
+2 Boost
Actually the X6 has surpassed sales number an is one of the hottest cars in the U.S. (I don't get it).

http://finance.yahoo.com/family-home/article/108363/most-popular-2010-cars?mod=family-autos


enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 1/7/2010 11:24:32 PM
-1 Boost
why are you comparing a $40,000 hybrid sedan to an $80,000 SUV. what the fuck is your point?


bmwdrvrbmwdrvr - 1/7/2010 9:10:42 PM
+1 Boost
Im curious to know what lexus they drove that had exciting handling, that wasnt vague??????


TexLandRoverTexLandRover - 1/7/2010 9:15:52 PM
+1 Boost
Consumer Reports never met a 'hybrid' it didn't like. Too many "tree huggers" on the staff to be really objective in vehicle evaluations. They will try to get folks to buy small (& Green) no matter what.


XYZZXYZZ - 1/8/2010 4:05:32 AM
-2 Boost
yeah, sure.

then howcum CR gave the lexus LS460 a "99" rating, the highest they've given to ANY vehicle?

between the real automotive ENGINEERS on staff (vs. mere hotfoot scribes), the cars they BUY (not borrow), and their large, private testing grounds, CR prob'ly pumps more money into their auto evaluation and testing program than all the jaded print journals.

and the jaded 'enthusiasts' here always diss them when they give asian cars favorable reviews, and praise them when they don't! LOL! seems the truth REALLY hurts for some!


enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 1/7/2010 11:20:30 PM
+2 Boost
it's a sad little car. 20mpg less for $15,000 more than a prius. and it's not even up to lexus luxury standards in terms of ride, quietness and comfort. the ultimate for a badge whore.


enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 1/9/2010 1:49:11 AM
+4 Boost
blah, blah, blah. go drive your camry off a bridge.


theoptimisticpessimisttheoptimisticpessimist - 1/9/2010 11:42:57 AM
+2 Boost
Using that same logic the Lexus LX is an "Epic Fail" selling just 385 units in December, which works out to 4620 unit per year. Just more spin from you.


enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 1/9/2010 1:45:33 PM
+2 Boost
of the EPIC failure GSh which can't break more than a couple hundred units in its BEST month! or the sad little 9-year old SC coupe which still put out a whopping few thousands cars a year.


XYZZXYZZ - 1/9/2010 9:11:03 AM
0 Boost
getting back to the subject at hand, maybe even CR has bought into STEREOTYPES of what a lexus "should be?"

since this model is based on the euro market avensis, presumably it has a more sporty suspension than regular u.s. market lexuses. real enthusiasts here should be HAILING THIS. but naturally, all who believe lexuses should ALL ride like pillows will find this a cause for criticism.

there is NEVER any lack of lexus critics. but as usual, the MARKET won't care, and will continue to choose lexus products over less reliable brands.


enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 1/10/2010 12:52:52 PM
0 Boost
i think i hear a noise...is someone still talking?


XYZZXYZZ - 1/12/2010 8:41:09 AM
+1 Boost
"Just like Lexus' GX sales matched the X6' with basically no effort..."


just saw a review of the new GX. being based on the tremendously popular toyota 4Runner, but with a V8, this should be FLYING out of the showrooms.

incidentally, in my town, the toyota dealer DOES NOT EVEN BUY DISPLAY ADS anymore. (detroit 3 dealers still harangue and plead for customers.) they've also gobbled up several other franchises, including MB. (no lexus store here; only one in the whole state.)

(i would not be surprised if many would be MB and lexus buyers simply get an Avalon instead!)


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