Do you get the feeling that the Lexus LS got a 99/100 score simply because it offers so many features that a normal luxury consumer would never need yet feels its "cool"?

Well you have to understand CR. They like for cars to be as simple as possible, and because the LS is loaded with more or less the same features found in a S-Class, A8 or 7-Series, and is easier to use...they love it. Combine that with a stellar reliability record and they're over joyed with the LS460. They readily admit that the S-Class handles better and is a more enjoyable drive, but its controls are complicated and of course (according to them) it isn't reliable enough. In short, they like driving the Benz more, but for the average Joe Consumer the LS makes more sense, in their opinion.

What Consumer Reports doesn't have a clue about is style, or the type of engineering that seperates a Benz (or any German car) for a Japanese one. They also forget that people shopping in the S/LS/A8/XJ/7 market segment are on average, not just some average joe who can't program a DVR.

With Consumer Reports is almost always about the objective, not the subjective. I say almost because the previous generation M3 is on their used car list, the list of cars that they say are ok to buy. The recommend the current 911 so they do understand some things other than reliability which is why I was pulling for the S-Class to make their list.

Could it be they're a little less critical of sporty/sports cars in their views because of their more focused mission on driving? Could be, but I'm not sure.

Until Consumer Reports publishes their whole data bank with the number of respondents for each car, what type of specific problems encountered, and other particulars I don't care anymore. Just saying that the S-Class' reliability is "below par" doesn't tell me squat really.


Any automotive source that says a car has a lousy ride, poor fit and finish, is too cramped etc. etc. and then turns around and "recommends" it because it is reliable is just plain dumb as all getout. Such a decision to buy such a car would be one of the bigger brain-dead decisions a "consumer" could make. But buying a car that is much better in those same areas that is a slightly less reliable, is a no-no. Why recommend a car like the Saab 9-3 when you think nothing of it? That is just plain dumb.

M

Nicely explained. Thanks.

I think you should apply for a job at Consumer Reports and restructure their rating methods etc.

Oh, and of course you know which cars to recommend.

Thanks. That would quite a site, me with a Consumer Reports lapel on! I'd likely get fired if they wouldn't go along with the changes I'd attempt to make. I simply wouldn't go along with a recommendation of a car that we tested and found it to be lacking in so many areas, as say they found with the Saab 9-3. A car I happen to like.

Anyway, the JD Powers results come out soon, either next month or sometime in June. Can't remember exactly. I will be waiting to see what they say about the E, SL and S since according to their earlier data these cars aced the 90 day reliability test. If they say these cars are reliable for 1 year (which is the time period that will be presented) then it will put CR even further under the bus for me.

M

Let's hope MB does well.

I'm sick of hearing all this trash-talk by diehard Lexus fanboys of how prestigeous and reliable Lexus is bla bla bla.