Consumer Reports: Don’t Buy Lexus Gx460, Best Cars 2010

ACCORDING TO Consumer Reports, the Lexus GX460 is a safety risk SUV. The magazine, which in its latest issue on cars, had rated the Best cars 2010, has boldly advised consumers to Don’t Buy the Lexus GS460, because it has a rollover risk during turns.

The Consumer Reports cars issue, claimed that when they tested the Lexus GX460, it exihibited problems in a severe handling manoever. The Lexus GX460 test showed that when the SUV was made to do a sharp turn, its electronic stability system (a system that controls brakes and accelerator) couldn’t keep the vehicle in line, according to Consumer Reports spokesperson Douglas Love. The vehicle slides almost completely sideways, a move that can lead to the car rolling over, he added.

The Lexus GX460 test by the magazine, was a specially designed test to measure how a vehicle stands against a specific emergency problem – one that happens when a driver takes his/her foot off the accelerator during a sharp turn and can cause the vehicle’s back end to slide outwards. In this test, the system did not set into work until the car was skidding dangerously.

So, Consumer Reports advised prospective customers to Don’t Buy the Lexus GX460, which was released in the market three months ago, at least until automobile maker Toyota fixes the problem. To those 5000 consumers who have already bought the SUV, the magazine stated that they call Toyota to fix the problem and be careful when on exit ramps or taking sharp turns.

On the other hand, in its 2010 Best cars lists, the Consumer Reports issue had a lot to offer over what to buy in 2010. Its first catagory was the Best Overall catagory, which was topped by the Lexus 460L scoring a 99 out of 100. The top ten best cars are:

Best Overall – Lexus 460L
Best Family Sedan – Nissan Altima
Best Small Sedan – Hyundai Elantra SE
Best Sporty Car – Volkswagen GTI
Best Small size SUV – Subaru Forester
Best Family size SUV – Chevrolet Traverse
Best Green Car – Toyota Prius
Best Sports Sedan – Infiniti G37
Best Family hauler (Minivan) – Mazda 5
Best Pickup – Chevrolet Silverado

The Consumer Reports Best cars report is available in the May issue, which not only details the reasons for the Don’t Buy tag it gave to Lexus GX460, but also lists the top eight cars in each catagory.

Tagged as: 2010, Best, Cars, Consumer, Don't, Gx460, Lexus, Reports