Taktix1

agreed with that but I wasn't talking about the rebadged part, more specifically the "sh!tty" reference. While the badges may have been the same in other parts of the world, the fit/finish of the cars are worlds apart.

The G Man

As far as I know, the GS350 have never been badge as a Toyota. The IS250 competes with the Audi A3, not the A6. I actually think the interior of the IS250 is nicer than the A3's, but handling is another story.

Taktix1

I always figured the IS line competes with the A4

Austin A6 3.2

The GS series was called the Toyota Arista in Japan until 2005.

The IS competes with the A4, and is definitely a notch below the A4 on the interior ...

Taktix1

Agreed that the interior is slightly sub par compared to the A4's. Also have to consider that the current IS has been out since 2006 though.

The G Man

If you mean the Toyota Aristo, that was 21 years ago. I would hardly call the recent GS a rebadge Toyota. If you dig back 21 years ago, the Audi reputation was even more cloudy than Lexus'.

palermo22

I agree with most of the comments made (which is why we'll be ordering a 2013 Audi A6) - but I have to comment with the above statement: I have a 2007 IS 250 - it's a nice get-around car but it's not intended to compete with a luxury car. That car cost me $29,500 (I got a good deal) and it's a great little car. In fact, after we get our Audi we will not get rid of the IS 250!

3PedalMINI

My response that the cars are sh!tty is because i cannot stand Toyota, the way they feel and are built. I have been in many lexuses and feel that they are the same only with lipstick. I hate the button feel, the steering wheel and they overall layout/ drive quality. I suppose i shouldn't hate on it until i sit in one but my guess is that its not going to be any different

It is truly my opinion, i just cannot stand a toyota/lexus. Nothing against a japanise company, I have a nissan NV work van. I also think Nissan/infinity are a much more quality vehicle over Toyotas.

Honestly, IMO kias our a much more quality vehicle then toyota and the new Hyundai Genesis gives any lexus a run for its money.

MonzaA5

How do you "pull up" to a business meeting? Do you conduct your business in back alleys and parking lots? Just what line of "business" are you in anyway?

Austin A6 3.2

The Toyota Aristo, which debuted in 1991, was sold until the introduction of the Lexus marque (in Japan) and the third generation GS in 2005. The LS used to be the Toyota Celsior in Japan until 2006. I have business partners in Japan who had both cars (badged as Toyotas) back in the mid 2000's.

There is nothing wrong with Toyota in my opinion, but the statement that many Lexi (Lexus's?) are re-badged Toyotas is not false.