- Consumer Reports has removed the "Don't Buy" label from the Lexus GX 460.
- Toyota released a software update to its Lexus dealers last week to correct a stability issue.
- The problem with the stability control is what prompted CR to initially mark the GX a "Don't Buy."
TORRANCE, California — The Lexus GX 460 sport-utility vehicle is no longer being labeled "Don't Buy: Safety Risk" by Consumer Reports. The automaker had earlier suspended sales of the vehicle while it updated software for its electronic stability control system to address the publication's complaints.
In April, CR said that in its test of emergency handling, the GX 460's stability control system didn't intervene quickly enough to prevent the vehicle from sliding in a test of lift-off oversteer, in which the driver quickly lifted his foot off the accelerator pedal in a turn.
Toyota had announced on April 19 that it would stop selling the 2010 GX 460, call back the 9,400 already sold and update Vehicle Stability Control software to improve traction in turns and reduce wheel slip. Dealers received the updated software last week.
A statement by Consumer Reports issued Friday said "recall work corrected the problem." The publication explained that it had anonymously taken in its own GX 460 for the recall, then retested it.
"The GX 460's handling is ultimately secure but is still ponderous and ungainly," said CR.
Inside Line says: GX 460 back on sale, dodges the CR bullet but is still damned with faint praise. — Laura Sky Brown, Correspondent
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mrjost55 says:
05:22 PM, 05/08/2010
"jeremy_c says:
10:38 AM, 05/07/2010
stringray454, is there any SUV that looks cool? SUV are mini vans for people who are too ashamed to buy one!"
There are a lot of SUVs that are actually appealing to me. New Porsche Cayenne, 1st Gen X5 4.8L, current Acura MDX, 1st gen Infiniti FX just to name a few...
jonthecarguy says:
10:13 PM, 05/07/2010
That's true. It takes TLC to keep a car looking good. I guess my wording could have been better. My point was that a Lexus that was taken care of over the 10 or so years (give or take) would reward it's owner with better (on average) reliablity and a better resale at trade time then most other cars out there. IMO.... A Lexus that is taken care of has a better chance of holding up and looking like new (not brand new) (I'm talking paint, interior, etc. I realize that any vehicle with a 150,000 miles on it will show some signs of age). While they may be dull to some, in my experiences, at the end of ownership, choosing a car like a Lexus pays off.
deadviper says:
05:47 PM, 05/07/2010
"I will absolutely have to see a car drive and look like new with those numbers on it before I believe it. "
Its not impossible, just extremely unlikely without serious TLC. We've still got model T's - the progenitor of the car species - rolling around out there. Any car can survive X miles being driven, but don't be fooled: the elements, wear and tear, oil seepage (something ALL motors WILL do as no sear is 100% closed for 100% of the cars life) and dirt in the engine bay are all things that need to be dealt with in order to keep the car in showroom condition forever, and thats going to cost you about half a day or so a week of effort forever to keep it that way.
Without out that TLC, expect it to look like your usual dirty, tired, faded paint, interstate warrior after that much time and mileage, lexus or no.
tbone85 says:
03:50 PM, 05/07/2010
"I take it, you've never owned a Lexus??? "
Nope, I've ridden in more than a dozen mostly low mileage units, and one near 100k, but never one with 150k and ten years of use.
The Lex I drove with nearly 100k was in very good condition, but clearly did not look or drive as "new". While I do not say it's impossible, I will absolutely have to see a car drive and look like new with those numbers on it before I believe it.
niss2 says:
12:08 PM, 05/07/2010
All Toyota and Lexus's belong on the don't recommend list right now. Maybe if in five years they get their act together they can earn their way back on the list.
jonthecarguy says:
11:35 AM, 05/07/2010
"I have never been in any vehicle with 10 years/150k miles on it that either looked or drove like it was new--and I've been around a bit."
I take it, you've never owned a Lexus??? I've seen a few come through the dealership I work at, and at the auctions. Mine's 5 years old with 90,000 miles on it (I live in the SE, I know that cars up north don't hold up as well), and it does drive like it did when I drove it off the lot. Not and dent on it...paint stills shines like it always has. I get compliments on it all the time. The only thing I've done to it is put gas in it and change the oil.
tbone85 says:
10:41 AM, 05/07/2010
"Dull yes, but after they drive it for 10 years/150,000 miles, it will still look and drive like it is new"
I have never been in any vehicle with 10 years/150k miles on it that either looked or drove like it was new--and I've been around a bit.
jeremy_c says:
10:38 AM, 05/07/2010
stringray454, is there any SUV that looks cool? SUV are mini vans for people who are too ashamed to buy one!
deadviper says:
10:18 AM, 05/07/2010
Looks like the GX 4-drifty is out of the doghouse
jonthecarguy says:
09:08 AM, 05/07/2010
Dull yes, but after they drive it for 10 years/150,000 miles, it will still look and drive like it is new, and they'll be able to trade it in and still get $15,000 for it. Can't do that with a Tahoe, Navigator etc.