Buick LaCrosse finishes last in latest Edmunds comparo

[funny]

Again, the new Avalon finishes on top. Surprise

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...ticleId=105147

[AdmiralViscen]

Avalon beats 300? Okay.

Why did they even do this test? 3 of the 4 cars were tested barely six months ago. Did we need another full-size test already? The only reason for the test was to jerk off the Avalon.

Wait, that might have been Motor Trend that did that comparo. Anyway:

"The perfect heavyweight sedan would feel like a luxury car but wouldn't be priced like one. Toyota's ultrarefined Avalon comes closest to fulfilling that mission."

WTF? Not priced like one? The Avalon blows right by 30,000 dollars with options.

[460ford]

What a load of crap, The avalon being a value? please its the most exspensive one if u get all the popular options. Your right it was just an oppurtunity for them to praise the almighty toyota yet again! when will it ever end?

[BigAls87Z28]

While LaCrosse isnt that fantastic, no way in Avalon #1 over the 300. Priced at over 30k, lord knows how much loaded. That has 300C writen all over it.
I will say that after every single car rag 5 star'ed the 300 up the wazoo, this is very amazing to see the Avalon post above it

[nsap]

Ughh...Since when is the LaCrosse considered a full-size sedan? Lets hold the phone edmunds, and test the LUCERNE with those cars.

Hahaha, Avalon above 300.

[AdmiralViscen]

Yea, it's ****ing ridiculous. Even if you don't factor in a 'style factor.'

If you want to talk bang for buck practicality without caring about performance (which is their reason for the Avalon besting 300) then the Five Hundred takes it. A decent 8 seconds to sixty, AWD, CVT, enormous trunk and interior, oozing with class.

Nothing wrong with the Avalon beating the Lacrosse, though.

[magneto112]

I dont see anything wrong with the Avy beating the 300 either. Besides its trendy style and it being RWD, I dont see that many advantages. Both are absolutely great cars that will more than likely swap 1st and 2nd place spots quite often in comparo tests.

[desmo9]

The Avalon has gotta be one of the most boring products on the road. Period. LaCrosse isn't much better, mind you, but Edmund's credibility is tarnished when they give so many points to such a yawner. It's articles like this that help boost Toyota's fortunes.

[MelvinJ]

Originally Posted by magneto112

I dont see anything wrong with the Avy beating the 300 either. Besides its trendy style and it being RWD, I dont see that many advantages.

This is true. In V6 form, the 300 is nothing special. Not particularly quick or economical or luxurious or comfortable or, well, you get the picture.

Although for the price they paid for their Avalon, the 300C could have been placed in the test. It would have been rock bottom for fuel economy, but at least it would have been fast.

[magneto112]

Originally Posted by MelvinJ

This is true. In V6 form, the 300 is nothing special. Not particularly quick or economical or luxurious or comfortable or, well, you get the picture.

Although for the price they paid for their Avalon, the 300C could have been placed in the test. It would have been rock bottom for fuel economy, but at least it would have been fast.

Ahh, yes MelvinJ, you do make a very valid point. They could have just tested the 300C for about the price they tested out the Avy. But considering that these cars are Press cars, companies usually want them to test the top of the line models. And since that the Avy is the newest of the group, the only cars they probably had available was the Limited model. To me I personally think they should have tested the Touring model, but I have yet to see an Avy Touring Edition tested.

Now, to me the only advantage the 300C has over the 300 Limited is the V8 engine,18in wheels, and a few cosmetic differences for example the front end with projector headlights and etc. As far as feature content they are basically the same. And as far as I know the suspension, steering, brakes etc are the same also. I believe even if they did test the V8 engine it still wouldnt provide a big enough jump to get past the Avalon. The engine alone wont be able to give it a 10+ point jump to beat the Avalon.

With the Avalon Limited, it starts out at 33K. The only options for the Avalon are Navi, VSC, and Laser Cruise which gives it a price tag of 37K. Even without those 3 options, the Avalon is heavily loaded. A 300C would have to be priced out at 38-39K just to have some of the features but still lacking in others. The trade off is however V8 and RWD.

Now in no way am I saying the Avy is the superior car, but I understand where Edmunds is coming from with the comparison. I can certainly reason with their decision. No car is perfect, there are considerable pluses and minuses about both of the cars. For example, I think the 300 is the looker of the group while the Avy is certainly not bland anymore, it's still not that tasteful at certain angles but overall a good design. The Avy doesnt have RWD and the 300 has nice features but its no comparison to the Avy at all. The V6 is considerably weak in the 300 and needs more power while the Avy by numerous test results seems to be quite the quick one .Like I said in my first post, the Avy and 300 Limited/C will be trading positions at the number 1 and 2 spot.

[powervette]

You will probably tell me that U.S ain't Europe,but In Europe the Avalon wouldn't be even taken under consideration in this kind of test.Because of Toyleta-badge and bland-look it would compete against Daewoo and Hyundai.
The funny thing is that 300C is compared here often against E-Class and 5-series and does really well.And in the U.S it losses with Toyleta.

[jinushaun]

The Avalon is basically a Lexus, so I'm not surprised.

[jinushaun]

Originally Posted by powervette

You will probably tell me that U.S ain't Europe,but In Europe the Avalon wouldn't be even taken under consideration in this kind of test.Because of Toyleta-badge and bland-look it would compete against Daewoo and Hyundai.
The funny thing is that 300C is compared here often against E-Class and 5-series and does really well.And in the U.S it losses with Toyleta.

True. Europeans have no taste for bland Toyotas, but Americans do.

[TaHoE]

No way is the Avalon 1st place, COME ON!! This review isn't even fair, how are the Full-size 500, 300 and Avalon being compared to the barely mid-size LaCrosse, this is ludicrous! Dumb ass Edmunds!

[Proetus]

Originally Posted by TaHoE

This review isn't even fair, how are the Full-size 500, 300 and Avalon being compared to the barely mid-size LaCrosse, this is ludicrous! Dumb ass Edmunds!

LaCrosse is longer and wider than the Avalon.

Dimensions