Acura SLX

Price Paid:  $52000.00

Year / Model Reviewed:
1999 Lexus GS400

Strengths:
Dashboard (see above) and good seats.

Weaknesses:
Horrible Bridgestone 17" tires, incredible road noise; replaced tires at 14,000 mi with Michelins, much better. Clunking noise in brakes took 5 visits to dealer to fix. Transmission shifts funny, waited over a month for part to fix, still acting weird. Last two visits to the dealer, both times my rep had been there less than a week, really didn't know the ropes.

Summary:
Favorite part of the car is the beautiful dashboard. This is my second Lexus, but it does not meet expectations. Weird design things like the outlet for the cellphone buried way in the second layer console and no way to run the cord; side mirrors don't adjust downward when reversing like the Bimmer5 (look out for those chrome wheels!!; needs net for trunk, cannot keep items on that upper ledge. Lexus Service Dept is not what it used to be; two trips ago to pickup my car after leaving it all day, they had lost my keys!!

Similar Products Used:
I tested the TL, wish I had bought it for almost $20,000 less. Or I could have taken the matronly MB E-class, and added some fancy wheels, but I just found the seats too hard. So, I got the 400 with all the goodies, chrome wheels, etc. and it was a disappointment....still kicking myself.

Year / Model Reviewed:
1999 SLX

Strengths:
Heated Seats and retractable mirrors

Weaknesses:
Unstable at speeds over 50 mph, underpowered, uncomfortable and ill equipped

Summary:
(1999 Model) - I would not recommend this vehicle to anyone because of the instability cornering. The gas mileage is poor and the placement of things like radio controls is abysmal.

Strengths:
This is an deluxe SUV that can actually get muddy and survive; Cheap deals; warranty; and looks.

Weaknesses:
It's obscure.

Summary:
After much research, I went shopping for another Landcruiser or a deluxe trooper. (I actually take my SUV offroad.) After deciding on the Trooper, I was steered to the SLX (essentially a rebadged Trooper with a few extra goodies and a better warranty) -- and although the list was higher, I could buy it cheaper than the Trooper!!!

In respectful disagreement with the gentleman above, the power on the 1998/9 models is great, and the cabin is a true pleasure. It's huge and replete with leather and every gadget known to man.

Similar Products Used:
Toyota Landcruiser

Price Paid:  $20000.00

Strengths:
The size is great. not too big like the giant SUV's out there, and not to small like my Blazer. Great looks, the inteior is set up great and you sit well above the other traffic. It has a great turning radius too. Smooth ride.

Weaknesses:
I can't think of anything wrong with this car.

Summary:
This is my first used car I have ever bought and It is the best car I have ever owned. I would buy it again in a second. I had a full sise Bronco, a Dodge Raider, and a s10 Blazer and this car is the best by far. I would reccomend this car to my family and friends. The Isuzu Trooper is the same car that might be considerd, I have not seen many of the SLX's for sale.

Similar Products Used:
I hade a Blazer, way too small, I am glad my lease is up. Full size Bronco too big to park but nice.

Price Paid:  $30000.00 from Dallas

Year / Model Reviewed:
1998 SLX

Strengths:
Comfort, power, every electric device known to man (electric mirrors!), great off-road manners, looks great.

Weaknesses:
None.

Summary:
This truck is the great sleeper SUV of the late 1990's. I, too, was looking for a "real" SUV (one that can actually go off road), but with some serious luxery. The SLX was the ticket. It is perfect in every way at the country club, yet I've put the skid plates to the test more than once while off on a oil lease road out in the wilds of West Texas. It seats 5 adults comfortably. If you can find a used one, BUY IT!

Similar Products Used:
Land Rover Discovery