Avalon almost equals Lexus??

Sure. Who cares?

Look at your budget, drive all that you're considering in all conditions possible, and choose the best fit for you.

Simple.

It depends on which Lexus or BMW. The Avalon has a larger interior than the Lexus IS and ES and BMW 3 series (perhaps 5 series also). The Avalon will have a softer, quieter ride than the IS and BMW's but will not handle as well.

As witfal suggested, you should test drive some of the cars you are interested in.

If you are comparing the Avalon to a Lexus ES350, then yes it is just a step below it, which is not surprising since the price difference is only a few thousand dollars. The Avalon is a bit bigger, and unless you need the extra room, I would go with a Lexus ES350.

For all intents, a 6 cylinder Camry is equivalent to the lowest line of Lexus.

The 6 cylinder Camry XLE is similar to the Lexus ES35, although the Lexus clearly has a better interior trim level and slightly better suspension parts. So I would not use the word "all intents."

The differences get a little wider each year. The early versions of Camry/Lexes ES were very much the same.

just like Acuras have the Honda look... whatever the case...

It not a matter of "look". It is matter of shared platforms, drivetrain, and other parts.

Certain of the Acuras and Lexus models are based on the same frame/chassis and drivetrain as the equivalent Honda/Toyota models (even if the Luxury models have a slightly more luxurious interior and slightly more horsepower because of different engine timing or exhaust)..

The Camry V6 XLE is very similar to the Lexus ES350 (shares many of the same parts) and the Accord EX V6 is very similar to the Acura TL (again, they share many of the same parts). Obviously, the sheet metal is different.

Most of the Lexus SUV's are based on Toyotas, and same for Acura (based on Hondas). More Luxury trim and soundproofing in the Acura and Lexus models.

Other models such as the Lexus GS, LS have no Toyota equivalent. Same for the Acura RL.

dont they kind of want them to have the same outline though? to say "this is our luxury line..."

i mean the a for acura is not far off from the h in honda for the symbol... and the toyota and lexus symbols are both round and similar...

and the shapes of the cars have a similar appeal...

Good point. I was talking about, say, 1999 models.

The logos have a similar shape so that they fit in the same spaces on the car, like in the center of the grille, steering wheel, and engine, making the parts more interchangeable.

Avalon is made for the US market only and is more comparable to your grandfather's Buick, although the latest generation has improved a bit. An enlarged Camry chassis made to look more like a combo of LS/ GS. But reviews (an example below) seem to consider it a clunker like prior Avalons. That's why I'd suggest the Lexus ES, because the ES is a better Camry than the Avalon.

But if you need to spend more money than the ES then just get a BMW 3 series. BMW's engineering is lightyears ahead of Toyota/Lexus. To me that's not even a comparison. However, the new Cadillac CTS is considered #2 behind BMW's 3-series in luxury performance.

Avalon was just a step below a

They are three different cars, regardless of the ignorance you love to flaunt here.

Where to start...

Some 3 series are more money than some ES models, some are not. Also, the Lexus model that compares to a 3 series BMW would be an IS, not an ES. And how you would consider a Cadillac CTS to be competing against those models is just plain idiotic, even for you.

BMW 3 series is not anywhere near as large (interior space) as a Avalon, or even a Camry. No one should be buying an Avalon unless they need space for 5 adults on a regular basis--A Camry XLE V6 would be just as good, and an ES350 would be better (for just a few thousand more).

Small to medium size drivers who don't have adults in the rear seat very often, would enjoy a BMW 3 series, but the reliability is relatively poor compared to a Camry and repairs are very expensive. You would need at least a BMW 5 series to approach the interior size of a Camry, and a 7 series to approach the interior size of an Avalon.

There are certainly many factors, such as seating, cargo room, etc, to consider. But most cars aren't filled to capacity at all times. Sure so the owner should decide what's suitable.

As far as the new Cadillac CTS goes, the initial version didn't fare so well I agree. But the latest revision got high marks from reviewers. While I won't get a CTS with similar amounts of money (I'd get the BMW 3 instead), I still respect reviewers from different magazines when they agree.

People have different opinions and I respect that, and getting a Lexus is just plain idiotic.

For some people, a 3-series BMW is filled to capacity when only the driver is in it.

Well, econo vans have more room than all these, but I'm comparing cars of a price range (entry level luxury).

Of course there are different factors in purchase decisions. And I don't think Warren Buffet is going to trade in his Caddys and Lincoln Town Cars for Camrys (or econo vans) any time soon because of room or a fraction of dependability percentage.

For example, BMW/Mini held best resale value for the 2006 model year even in the picky Japanese market because people there want them (and Lexus while improved still wasn't selling well in Japan relative to Mercedes and BMW).

xxx

BMW MINI TOPS USED-CAR RESALE VALUE RANKING IN JAPAN, LEXUS NO 2.

"The 2006 model year winners of Kelley Blue Book's Best Resale Value Awards are:

2006 Best Resale Value: Brand: BMW and Mini (Tie)"

I see. You're clearly very respectful of others' opinions.

Ahead in engineering, maybe. Performance, perhaps. But what about RELIABILITY. Don't German autos require a LOT more repairs??