Re: the orig. Lexus/Bob Baker lawsuit in SD (Chula family driving in Santee), I think you will have to see how it turns out. IMO, Bob Baker was culpable in that its incompetent detail crew put a large heavy vinyl SUV mat over the floor of an entry-level sedan (the rental they were driving), removing the original mats. This is a fact that has already been verified by several wits.
Yes, Lexus floor mats are very heavy. But they have rings in them and are designed to be bolted under the driver’s seat to the floorboard by special clips.
I think this case spurred “copycat” cases throughout the US. Unfortunately, Toyota is now suffering from bad PR and very high attorney fees. THE CASES WILL HAVE TO “SHAKE OUT” THOUGH. It’s hardly the time to JUMP to conclusions, yet.
These cases caused Toyota to do a “peremptory strike,” IMO, to issue recalls on their own just to cover their a$$.
I agree that the new “IS” models don’t hold a candle to the older entry-sedan. They are more stripped down, lost 3-4 ft. in length, with smaller trunk eating into interior space.
Perhaps Toyota felt in recent years that it had to reduce size and std. equip. in order to compete today.
