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The Lexus GX 460 received a rare “don’t buy” warning from Consumer Reports following performance testing by a magazine. If you are considering auto financing to get one of these, remember that the Lexus GX 460 was shown in tests to have a problem with rollover in regular driving. The Consumer Reports test of the Lexus GX 460 is the latest black mark to Toyota Motor Corp’s battered reputation that began last year with braking and unintended acceleration problems.

Lexus GX 460 earns Toyota a rare rebuke

The Lexus GX 460’s stability problems became evident when the rear of the vehicle broke away during what David Champion, the senior director of the Consumer Reports auto test division, said were “unusual turns.” Before the SUV’s electronic stability control engaged, the Lexus GX 460 skidded sideways through the turn. In an interview with the New York Times, Champion said “This is the first time we have seen it in an SUV with ESC,” referring to electronic stability control. Consumer Reports said it was “rare” for the magazine to “judge a vehicle’s performance not acceptable.”The last instance was with the 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Limited in 2001.

Lexus GX 460 is not safe for everyday driving

The rollover potential for the Lexus GX 460 goes beyond the test track. Mr. Champion told the New York Times that the car’s electronic stability control would fail everyday. As an example, speeding through a curve on a highway off-ramp. The Lexus GX 460, with a high center of gravity, could easily roll hitting a curb or soft shoulder. “I wouldn’t want anyone else in it,” Champion said.

Lexus GX 460 not as safe as dozens of other SUVs

When it comes to committing to an auto loan for your next SUV, there are plenty of safe choices. Dozens of SUV’s in addition to the Lexus GX 460 were tested by Consumer Reports. A driver taking their food off the gas in a fast, sharp turn is what causes “trailing throttle” or “lift throttle oversteer” according to consumer reports. While the Lexus GX 460’s rear end slid toward the outside of the turn, electronic stability control quickly stopped the slide in the other SUVs.

The Lexus GX 460 could mean a lot volume drop for Toyota

Before Consumer Reports called out the Lexus GX 460 for rollover danger, Toyota wasn’t selling too many of them. Starting at about $ 52,000, the GX 460 is a small-volume vehicle for Lexus, Toyota Motor Corp.’s luxury brand. Since November 2009, only 5,000 have been sold. But the warning is the last thing the embattled automaker needs as it struggles to fight a litany of bad press. The real impact will be seeing less car buyers borrowing money to purchase any SUV made by Lexus.

Citations:

New York Times

http://newyorktimes.com

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