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http://autoweek.com/article.cms?articleId=101739
There are approx. 200 voice recognition commands controlling 126 actions in six different categories. Some of the commands are redundant; for example, there are two different commands to this action: "Calculates route to home." You can say, "Go home" or "Home". Similarly, some actions have four slightly different commands.
The categories are:
1. Map Operation - example: saying "Arrow Guide" changes guidance screen to arrow mode.
2. Destination - example: saying "One" calculates route to previous destination 1.
3. Guidance - example: saying "Repeat Guidance" repeats voice guidance.
4. Volume - example: saying "Louder" turns volume up 1 level.
5. POI (Points of Interest) - example: saying "Gas" displays gas pump icon on the map.
6. Audio - example: saying "CD" changes to CD changer mode.
Destinations cannot be entered via voice recognition. You enter destinations using the navigation controller (similar to TV remote)located behind the lower hideaway door. No touch screen. You can have 6 preset destinations (home plus 5 others) which can then be accessed via voice commands.
Since I have not used this NAV system, nor any other, I can't comment on how well it recognizes these voice commmands. Perhaps someone else now using it can comment on that.
My impression is that the system is complicated. I'd be worried about the distraction of driving while looking at the map and trying to figure out what commands to give. Obviously, you wouldn't want to be entering addresses with the controller while you're driving.
I'm still on the fence about getting NAV and would appreciate any comments from users of this new system.
Is the Avalon sufficiently quiet at highway speeds so as to be able to properly appreciate the sound system?
Thanks.
"You can have 6 preset destinations (home plus 5 others) which can then be accessed via voice commands."
The ES 330 also understands the voice commands "Home" and "Go Home", but I don't think there is a way to assign a custom voice tag to the address. If that's what you mean, and if that capability is avalable in the Avalon, that's a major improvement. Are you sure you have it in the Avalon? That is, can you enter the address which you can later recall by speaking "Uncle Earnie"?
Additionally, the 6 preset destinations are just for quick access. The total number of destination points in memory is 106, I believe. I am sure it's at least as many in the Avalon.
"Since I have not used this NAV system, nor any other, I can't comment on how well it recognizes these voice commmands. Perhaps someone else now using it can comment on that."
It understands me well, even though I speak with the accent. The tips posted by the Nav users on the Web recommend that you speak normally -- don't try to pronounce the commands too clearly. Another thing is to give it a pause after pressing the microphone button -- the system takes a second or two to get ready to "listen".
"My impression is that the system is complicated. I'd be worried about the distraction of driving while looking at the map and trying to figure out what commands to give."
The system guides you by voice -- there is no need to look at the screen once you entered your destination. As you approach the exists, turns, and intersections, it will prompt you (giving you some time in advance).
"Obviously, you wouldn't want to be entering addresses with the controller while you're driving."
In the ES330, you can't enter a destination while you are driving -- you must be at a complete stop. I am sure it's the same in the Avalon.
Finally, the last note. It looks like the most enthusiastic Nav users are the Toyota Prius owners -- there is a number of discussions on the Web. Reportedly, the Prius owners are a younger bunch with the computer science and engineering degrees, more receiptive of the technology, compared to the Avalon owners who were already in their 60's when the first PCs came out in the 1980s. :-)
Seriously, I see no reason not to have the NAV in the motor vehicle, except that it's still pricey. When the price drops below $500, it'll be as common as the air conditioner.
http://autoweek.com/article.cms?articleId=101739
: )
Mackabee
P.S One thing they failed to mention at the training yesterday that no one picked up on was the Acoustic noise-reduction windshield that's standard on the Limited and not available on the other three.
The light gray may be out there now but no more are being ordered.
Mackabee
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Price: it only costs $350
Versitility: I can use it in both vehicles (although not at the same time!) with the same set of waypoints, built in routes, etc. Also, I can take it with me for non-auto uses or on a plane to use with a rental vehicle. Will run off of 12V power or about 24 hours on 2 AA batteries.
Interface with home computer: You can use your home computer or laptop to preplan routes or look for points of interest. A computer with a 19 inch screen and a mouse are eaiser to use than any device in a car is going to be. The 76CS attaches via USB to the computer for 2 way communication.
My particular model lacks the voice prompts (it has a set of distinctive beeps instead) which doesn't bother me. Other models with similar features do have voice prompts.
"Here is the fuel recommendation for the 2005 Avalon: Unleaded gasoline, Octane Rating 87 (Research Octane Number 91) or higher. For improved vehicle performance, the use of premium unleaded gasoline with an Octane Rating of 91 (Research Octane Number 96) or higher is recommended."
I believe that this is the same wording as used for the fuel requirements for older Avalons.
Right, I also considered a separate unit, but they do have disadvantages over the factory-installed Nav units:
-- much smaller screen sizes
-- no integration with the audio or climate control
-- no integration with the backup camera (this is not applicable to Avalon)
-- some have voice navigation, but I have not seen any with voice activation
-- may be hard to find the right place to mount without obstructing the view or introducing the rattles
-- no integration with the engine (my ES330 Nav checks for the mainenence schedule based on miles, must be the same for Avalon)
-- no sensory vehicle speed input (the factory installed units use it to keep track of the location if GPS signal is temporarily unavalable)
-- most units require programming (uploading the map data on the memory flash card)
The advatages are of course, lower initial cost and lower software upgrade cost and the ability to swap it between multiple cars. The modern top rated detached GPS sells for about $700. The factory installed unit in Avalon is $1,900, although it's packaged with other options (VSC, or JBL, depending on the grade and combo), which brings the price much higher.
We bought a Lexus in late December (gave our '98 Avalon to our son...recent college grad whose '96 Explorer died) that has this same Smart Key feature and yes, I can exit the car with the key in my pocket, and the car will still run. I haven't tried to see how far I can walk away....I've only done it at the Recycling Bins.
I don't think "old people" (harumph!) will forget their car is running (Avalon or Lexus or any model) but quite frankly, I do not care for the Smart Key feature.
The Lexus owner's manual says we cannot store any of the keys near flourescent lights, TV's, etc., nor should the key be carried in the same pocket or purse with a cellphone. (radio waves interfering). Neither should the Valet Key be left in the car at all times due to their sending signals, searching for each other, and would cause batteries to run down, etc. etc. etc.
That means the Valet Key cannot stay in the car all the time and use of the Valet Key must be a pre-planned event. What a pain. Just MHO.
I have a Phantom Gray Camry, and I really like the Avalon in that color. I have seen a Limited in Phantom Gray with the Graphite interior and that would be my 1st choice, except I think I want a different color than my Camry.
A color that is growing on me is the Silver Pine Mica (Light Green). This is beautiful with the ivory interior.
Titanium is OK but just doesn't do much for this vehicle for some reason. It you like black, you will like an Avalon in black. Desert Sand is a little on the bland side. The light blue will probably grow on you after a while. I have only seen one Cassis Pearl vehicle and it had the ivory interior. I would like to see it with the graphite. I haven't seen an Avalon in Indigo, but I do like that color on other Toyotas.
Those are my opinions, but everyone has different tastes and you need to view them yourself. My advise if you are in no hurry to buy is just to keep checking the inventory at the dealers near you and go checkout the colors you want to see in person when they get one in. We bought a Camry and and Highlander last year and before we bought, we attended 2 auto shows and visited 7 dealerships on Sunday afternoons when they were closed looking at color combinations.
I have one dealer in my area that has put paint stripes on all of their new Avalons. The stripes start just behind the headlights and follow the top crease along the side and wrap completely around the trunk lid. If they are done in a contrasting color to the exterior paint, this really adds something to the looks.
The pearl white colors have always been extra charge. $220.00 is no big deal when we are talking about $30k cars. I've yet to see the Blizzard white but I'm sure is as nice as the Arctic white pearl and the Diamond white pearl.
Mackabee
Legroom front: MB 41.3" Avalon 41.3
Legroom rear: MB 40.3" Avalon 40.9
Shoulder room front: MB 59.2 Avalon 59.4
Shoulder room rear: MB 58.3 Avalon 58.2
Trunk capacity: MB 15.4 Avalon 14.4
Track: MB 62 Avalon 62.2/61.6
Cabin Capacity: MB 105 cu ft AVALON 106.9 CU FT
Horsepower: MB 275 Avalon 280
Fuel Economy: MB 18/26 Avalon 22/31
Hmmmm.... Both comperably equipped:
MB $85,000 Avalon $38,000.....
Thanks!
Pinstripes, IMO, don't usually make cars look better, in part because the ones dealers usually put on aren't as nice as the ones you're describing. Dealers put them on as a profit item, pure and simple, and only care that they're not so bad that buyers want them taken off. They don't wait until the sale and ask the customer if they want pinstripes, because most likely most customers would say no. So they put them on all their cars when they hit the lot, because it's easier and more profitable to deal with the few who protest and/or go elsewhere because of them. It's a cynical decision on their part, just like putting on dealer logos.
I surely wish you the best with your recovery, because you were such a BIG HELP for me when I was looking at the Camrys back in 2002.
I can't think of a more informed salesperson in the world. Thanks for all that you do on these boards.
Even though I didn't buy the Camry, I am just grateful for ppl on these boards like you and Alpha...
Anyway, I wish you a speedy recovery and I know you will be fine.
On other topic.
I went out this evening and took a REALLY good and long look at the new Avalon.
This particular dealership had about three on the lot (Two XLS models and 1 XL) I gotta say that I was REALLY impressed with the XL for some reason. It looks really nice in person.
Now, my car, the Altima, is pretty big IMO, but this new Avalon is HUGE. Styling looks really really nice though.
I think if I didn't have my Altima, I'd be looking into a Touring model or perhaps an XLS model. I just hate the fact that you can't get heated seats on the Touring.
Either way, by the time I get my degree from Clemson (God willing), I'll be working for Toyota anyway...and I'll be able to scope one up.
I was really impressed with the interior materials and the overall design of the dashboard. As a big Nissan fan, I think Toyota has it all over Nissan as far as interior quality is concerned.
Even the basic XL model had a nice "silver" finished trim that was downright impressive.
So in a couple of years I'll be 22 and I'll be looking again...if the next Altima doesn't do it for me, the Avalon will definately be on my list.
Its a LOT of car for a good price IMO.
...all things for all people, and everyone happy doing it their way.
I feel I finally have a Lexus quality 430 but saved thousands...
I'm the person who wouldn't buy the 2005 Avalon because of Bluetooth and TPMS feature is not offered. If those features were offered, I would also be able to say "I feel I finally have a Lexus quality 430...", because those features are offered on a Lexus LS430. Those features are my requirements for my next car, everyone has different requirements, and those are mines.
Hopefully those features will be offered on the 2006 version, those are additional safety features I would like to have.
Tee
.
One decision for which Toyota should be spanked is its refusal to offer electronic stability control (which it calls Vehicle Stability Control or VSC) on all the models. Instead, it is only available on the two more expensive models, the XLS and Limited
During a media preview here, Toyota frankly didn't have a clear excuse for denying its less-wealthy owners that safety equipment, but the company suggested that the decision could change.
: )
Mackabee
"Compared to the previous generation Avalon, new high performance halogen headlamps light the road with a longer and wider beam and are standard on XL and XLS grades. Touring and Limited grades feature high intensity discharge (HID) headlamps with dynamic auto leveling for improved visibility, while reducing glare for oncoming traffic."
"Safety
The front seat-mounted side airbags have been redesigned to provide a greater coverage area, and the body structure has been strengthened to help meet the latest side impact standards."
"Toyota's first low-profile wiper blade was uniquely developed for the Avalon. The wiper blade's aerodynamic, low-profile and lower sectional height results in efficient wiping and reduced wind noise. The one-piece blade assembly contributes to the reduction of frozen blades."
Power sunshade spectacular on the ride home from outreach last night. Heading east, it was great for the rear passenger on the one hour ride.
Interesting, no coin holder, doesn't matter to me, but interesting.
Positives, too many. Negative, smart key and approaching the car doesn't turn on interior or puddle lights very often, and when it does, your already at the handle. No coin holder.
It is great.
To each his or her own.
Laser cruise control, maybe. WAIT I do know what I would have not done: NOT been tied into purchasing the Preferred Accessory Package, not worth $499, not even close.
Bottom line, I am very happy with the options on mine and would change nothing.
As for the Traction Control, unless someone else knows otherwise, I think that system is mostly software. All it's doing is sensing the wheels rotation, and plays with the ABS system to make the wheels slow down.
However, I am a giant advocate of VSC. Both our cars have it, and I will not allow my wife to drive a car without it. (Not that she listens to me I personally was almost killed in a car accident that would not have happened if the car had VSC. I wasn't hurt, but the car was totaled, and we missed a tree by about 10 feet (sliding off the road at about 75mph, and no I was not driving, my dummy friend was driving, and it was MY CAR!)
Please, please, please, dont skip the VSC. If you simply can't afford it, then I guess there isn't much you can do, but if you can, get it! VSC is not a toy, it is something that could very well save your life!
Nobody wants to slide down the highway sideways at 75 mph, take my word for it!
: )
Mackabee
p.s I was watching the Grammys on Sunday as I'm an avid music fan and sometimes drummer. There was a song by Tim McGrath I believe that's his name. It's a country music song which I like but I'm more of the old fashioned rock and roll and R&B music, this song caught my ear and the lyrics just gave me more encouragement and inspiration to beat this disease. The song is called "Live your life like you're dying"
http://www.timmcgraw.com/discog/?view=song&id=102
I don't think the Avalon is meant to be competition with any Lexus, although I think the Avalon is a better value than the ES330; certainly anything with a Lexus logo on it would cost more for essentially the same thing, particularly maintenance.
Anything taken away compared to the 2004 is more than offset by what was added, while essentially holding the price stable: 70 more HP, several improvements in the engine and AC, more and better air bags, laser cruise, daytime running lights, etc. Missing as compared to the Sienna are parking assistance and backup camera, which are needed on a minivan but not really on a sedan, particularly with good visibility like the Avalon
Compared to my 1995 Maxima SE, the ride is very comfortable, and very quiet. This was an XLS, so can only imagine that the special windshield in the Limited will make it even more quiet. Steering is very quick with good feel. Acceleration is quick without any "lag" or "hesitation" beyond what I would describe as normal "kickdown" when you tromp on it; I would expect even that to minimize as the transmission learns the individual driver's habits. Unlike some of my fellow 6'1" posters, I had plenty of headroom, front and rear. The rear seats recline at least 3". I found the front seats both comfortable and supportive. The famous doors over the radio and cassette (or Nav controller if opted) are definitely plastic, but oh well; they're not cheap looking and open with a measured pace after pushing the button, and close securely. I think Avalon beats the heck out of its true targets (Chrysler, Buick, Ford, Maxima). I never understood the logic in buying an ES330 anyway; either spend the extra money to by an LS430 or GS430, or go with Avalon or its competitors.
It may seem strange to use the words "integrity", "trustworthy", and "car salesman" in the same sentence, but when speaking of Mackabee, they apply. He and I now have my Mirage Blue Limited with Ivory interior in the pipeline, leaving MSRP in the rearview mirrow :-).
Well, there are a few reasons to buy ES330 over the Avalon:
-- Price. I paid $34,900 for the new '05 ES330, which includes Nav, stability control, heated & ventilated memory seats & mirrors, and HID headlights, among other things. To get the same equipment in the Avalon, I would need to go up to the Limited and pay about $37,000, at the current demand & supply conditions. That's $2100 more, and if you consider that ES330 has longer warranty, the net effect is that a comparably equipped Avalon costs $2500 more than ES330.
-- ES330 has a better interior and fit & finish, in my opinion.
-- The 05 Avalon seemed sportier and noiser to me, compared to the ES330, which has a vault-like driving quality. Some people prefer the extra power and the "feel of the road", but I admire the ES330 remarkable quietness and the ability to take bumps gracefully.
-- I found touch-screen navigation easier to use, compared to the joystick in Avalon
-- I was very unimpressed by the Avalon's dimensions: they seemed disproportioned to me. Along with the loss of the visual apeal, there are also practical implications. For example, I really don't care how comfortable my rear passengers are with all that extra leg space and flat floor in the back. To me, it's just a waste of my driver space and the trunk space, especially considering that I almost never have passengers in the rear.
-- It's the first year model for the redesigned Avalon: the associated risk, however small, was a consideration for me.
Despite the differences, I would actually call both ES330 and Avalon very comparable. If I were to make my decision a year or two later (when the Avalon prices hopefully drop and the shortcomings of the current model are addressed), I would probably go with the Avalon. As things are right now, however, I find the ES330 to be a better value in respect to what I am looking for in my vehicle.
As to the LS430 that you mention as an alternative, I am not sure why it's on the same list with the ES330 and the Avalon: that's another $20,000.
If you rarely have or actually don't care about the comfort of rear seat passengers, then I agree an Avalon isn't the best car for you. Most of us do care about the rear seat, and there aren't many that pass muster. For example, if all you care about is the front seat, the Acura TL is a very nice car, but you need a shoe horn to get in the back seat.
I think with a little shopping the price difference between your ES330 and a fully maxed Avalon with Nav/Stability Control/Laser Cruise Control will be at least $1000 less than the $2500 you mentioned. At the same time, other Lexus costs are higher: e.g., any routine maintenance. A 7yr/100K/0 deductible Platinum extended warranty for the Avalon can be had for about $1000, while the Lexus web site lists the same for the ES330 at $1825.
I could address other areas, but to what purpose? Bottom line, if it makes you happy, you made the right choice.