Bizarre Motor Trend Review of the Lexus LFA

For whatever reason, Motor Trend has published a half-baked editorial slamming the Lexus LFA, which they've disguised as an impartial review -- just to highlight some reasons you shouldn't even bother reading it, here are just a few of my "favorite" quotes.
Kevin · July 19th, 2011

Dan Neil Reviews the Lexus CT 200h

Auto journalist (& future TV show host) Dan Neil has reviewed the Lexus CT 200h for the Wall Street Journal, and it's hardly a positive affair -- Neil tears into the hybrid hatchback from all angles, from the handling & performance to the styling, all in the name of being a car enthusiast.
Kevin · July 11th, 2011

Motor Trend Reviews the Lexus CT 200h

As unusual as it seems, this recent Motor Trend review on the 2011 Lexus CT 200h comes to the defence of the hybrid hatchback's powertrain, and that "the Lexus combines reasonably sporty responsiveness with unsurpassed fuel economy."
Kevin · June 28th, 2011

CNET Reviews the Lexus CT 200h’s Tech

Brian Cooley from CNET has put together a thorough overview of the tech found in the Lexus CT 200h, even detailing the all the different interior controls and their functions.
Kevin · June 22nd, 2011

The First Australian Lexus LFA

The first Lexus LFA has arrived in Australia, and Car Advice had the chance to get a first look, including a full photo gallery & video.
Kevin · June 21st, 2011

Crave Online Reviews the 2011 Lexus IS F

Crave Online has published a sparkling review of the 2011 Lexus IS F, declaring that it could be "the most important model for Lexus since the original models of 1989".
Kevin · June 20th, 2011

Driving the 2011 Lexus IS 350 AWD

Last week, I picked up a 2011 Lexus IS 350 AWD from Lexus Canada HQ for a road test, and so far, I've found it a very easy car to drive fast. I don't know if it's the AWD system or the memory of the LFA driving school, but there's some serious confidence happening in this car.
Kevin · June 17th, 2011

Car & Driver Reviews the Lexus CT 200h

The Car & Driver review of the Lexus CT 200h has been posted to their website, and for the most part, it's an unflattering look at the new hybrid hatchback.
Kevin · June 1st, 2011

TTAC Reviews the 2011 Lexus IS-F

I've really been enjoying the Lexus reviews over at The Truth About Cars, and the latest review of the 2011 IS-F by Jack Baruth is no different.
Kevin · May 26th, 2011

Fifth Gear Reviews the Lexus CT 200h

UK TV show Fifth Gear included a short review of the Lexus CT 200h in their latest episode -- too bad the review is dominated by a thoroughly cranky Tiff Needel.
Kevin · May 23rd, 2011

Car Advice Reviews the Lexus CT 200h F-Sport

Car Advice is the second Australian website to turn in a review of the Lexus CT 200h F-Sport, and it’s a much more in-depth article than the first. The review points to the exterior design, big trunk space and fuel economy as the top positives, though they were decidedly less enthused about the navigation display …

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Kevin · May 10th, 2011

TTAC Reviews the 2011 Lexus IS 350 AWD

The Truth About Cars reviewed the Lexus IS 350 AWD a couple months back, and found a lot to like about the new all-wheel drive system, which they found suited the the drivetrain and chassis quite well. On the negative side, the usual complaints surface: super-small back seats, average fuel economy, and the fact that …

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Kevin · May 5th, 2011

The Motor Report Reviews the Lexus CT 200h F-Sport

Australian website The Motor Report has published what I believe is the first english-language review of the Lexus CT 200h F-Sport package. Outside of some exterior design tweaks, the CT F-Sport is equipped with a firmer suspension — too bad the review glosses over this fact, only mentioning that might be too stiff for Australian …

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Kevin · May 4th, 2011

Automobile Magazine Comparison: Lexus LX 570 vs. Infiniti QX56

Automobile Magazine recently compared the Lexus LX 570 against the Infiniti QX56 and found the QX56 to be the superior Japanese SUV based on handling, price & a drag race (?!?) — my own priorities when buying a full-size SUV would be much different (comfort, interior quality, exterior design). (This entire comparison must have been …

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Kevin · April 28th, 2011

Autoblog Reviews the Lexus CT 200h

Autoblog has published a review of the 2011 Lexus CT 200h that’s a well-balanced read for anyone newly interested in purchasing the latest Lexus hybrid. As usual, a thorough photo gallery is also included that shows off the CT the best possible light (loving the Matador Red Mica). Read the Full Review
Kevin · April 28th, 2011

New Lexus CT 200h Owner Shares First Impressions

The Kicking Tires blog has an extremely positive reader-submitted review of the Lexus CT 200h that takes exception to the Prius comparisons: “…some people say the CT 200h is an overpriced Prius. I beg to differ. Go drive a Prius, a Ford Fusion Hybrid and Toyota Camry Hybrid like I did and you’ll never want …

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Kevin · March 21st, 2011

Driving the 2011 Lexus LS 600hL

This past weekend, I made the trip to Toronto and picked up a 2011 Lexus LS 600hL from Lexus Canada for a two week road test. The LSh has a Obsidian exterior & Parchment interior, and is fully loaded with every conceivable feature, right down to the massaging rear ottoman and a whole host of …

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Kevin · February 8th, 2011

Lexus LFA Donuts with Scott Pruett

Here’s a quirky Lexus LFA feature from Autoweek Magazine, featuring Scott Pruett really hooning it up behind the wheel: Amazing to think of all the miles Scott has put on these LFA prototypes — after all that tough work, it’s good to see him having a little fun on the job. (Thanks RollaXRS!)
Kevin · January 11th, 2011

Lexus GS 450h Photos: Cryogenic

Down the street from my house is Industrial Cryogenic Enterprises Ltd., which is basically an old, (seemingly) abandoned garage out in the middle of nowhere. Not only does it make me think of cryogenically frozen Futurama heads every time I pass, but it’s also the perfect place to take grunged-out car photos — so that’s …

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Kevin · November 12th, 2010

2010 Lexus GS 450h Review

A few weeks back, I had the chance to spend some time with a 2010 Lexus GS 450h, which stands as one of my favorite models in the lineup. Now, having reviewed the 2009 model last year, my main focus this time around was trying out some new photography techniques, but I did want to …

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Kevin · October 27th, 2010

Automobile Magazine Reviews the Lexus CT 200h

Jason Cammisa’s write-up of the Lexus CT 200h for Automobile Magazine may be my favorite review of the car yet — reasoned and impartial, it also includes a great description of the driving experience: So, why would you ever choose the CT over a Prius? For every other reason, starting with the way it drives. …

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Kevin · October 14th, 2010

Car & Driver Reviews the Lexus CT 200h

Let’s continue on with Lexus CT 200h reviews, with the next instalment coming from Car & Driver, who were impressed by the exterior design and fuel economy, but not so much with the drive: In the real world, the CT200h offers three driving modes: Eco has a very lazy throttle map, Normal is slightly less …

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Kevin · October 14th, 2010

Autoblog Reviews the Lexus CT 200h

Damon Lavrinc of Autoblog also attended the Lexus CT 200h press launch in France, and today he shares his thoughts on the new hatchback hybrid: …it’s obvious the CT’s suspension tuning has been canted towards the comfortable side of sporty. Not a bad thing when trying to eat up the miles. On the highway, it’s …

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Kevin · October 13th, 2010

EVO Magazine Reviews the Lexus CT 200h

The next CT 200h review comes from EVO Magazine, who didn’t come away all that impressed with the hybrid hatchback: [The CT 200h is] Rather dull, unfortunately. For all the claims of being ‘authentically Lexus’, this is certainly no mini-iSF. You sit low – the hip-point is lower than that of an Auris, a car …

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Kevin · October 13th, 2010

Edmunds Inside Line Drives the Lexus CT 200h

Edmunds Inside Line has published their first impressions of the Lexus CT 200h — here’s some key quotes: Apart from its lack of hurry, the 2011 Lexus CT 200h doesn’t feel much like a Prius. Indeed, its character reminds us more of an A3 or a Volkswagen GTI. Like the HS 250h, the CT has …

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Kevin · October 13th, 2010

Motor Trend Reviews the Lexus CT 200h

Motor Trend has driven the Lexus CT 200h, and was plenty enthused by the experience: …this car can handle. Quite well, in fact, in spite of its fuel-economy-friendly tires. The chassis is difficult to upset and when it does lose composure, it defaults to gradual understeer, at which point the nannies step back in…The steering …

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Kevin · October 13th, 2010

2011 Lexus CT 200h: First Drive

Over the past month, I’ve had two occasions to drive the Lexus CT 200h — first time up was at the NYC stop of the CT 200h World Tour, where I found the CT 200h to be a perfect fit on the busy New York streets, easily absorbing the rough edges of city driving without …

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Kevin · October 12th, 2010

GT-R Owner Takes the Lexus LFA for a Spin

The yellow Lexus LFA is currently touring the Eastern USA, and recently made a stop at Forged Performance in Georgia, where it was driven by NAGTROC member Sharif@Forged — here’s what he had to say about the experience: I kept heading southbound on Cobb Parkway on my way to my favorite “test track” also known …

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Kevin · September 21st, 2010

Motor Trend Drives the 2011 Lexus IS F

Peter Lyons recently had some track time with the 2011 Lexus IS F, and talks up the changes in the new model year quite nicely: Although the powertrain and the car’s 3800-lb curb weight remain the same, the suspension settings have been totally recalibrated…An unexpected byproduct of this revision is the car’s more compliant ride, …

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Kevin · September 17th, 2010

Auto Express Parallel Parks the Lexus LFA

Here’s a fun review of the Lexus LFA from Auto Express that even includes a spot of parallel parking: By now, we’re all fairly used to seeing the LFA in high-performance mode, so these reviews that have a touch of the real world are enjoyable in their rareness — can hardly blame the reviewer for …

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Kevin · September 16th, 2010

NY Times Reviews the Lexus LFA

Lawrence Ulrich of the New York Times travelled down to Millville, NJ to take the Lexus LFA around the track, and he brought some very choice quotes back with him, including this info on LFA buyers: So far American buyers are exclusively men, and on average are in their mid-50s. Many have owned a Lexus, …

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Kevin · August 25th, 2010

Lexus CT 200h Reviewed by What Car? Readers

Lexus recently teamed up with What Car? to provide the magazine’s readers an advanced look at the CT 200h — here’s what they had to say: Opinions seem to vary wildly, but the balance between like & dislikes seemed fairly even — one thing that stuck out to me was how comfortable the interior looks …

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Kevin · August 18th, 2010

Automobile Magazine: Lexus LFA vs. Mercedes SLS AMG

Georg Kacher first wrote a comparison of the Lexus LFA & Mercedes SLS AMG for CAR Magazine, and now he’s expanded on his initial review for Automobile Magazine this month: The Lexus LFA and the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG are about as different in approach and ability as a muscular sprinter is from a sinewy long-distance …

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Kevin · July 29th, 2010

Red Lexus LFA at Goodwood

The folks over at Autoblog.nl had a chance to drive the red Lexus LFA at Goodwood and put together a fantastic review: There’s a real enthusiasm to the review, and at the end of the video, the presenter shows off his observed fuel economy: 5.4MPG (43.4l/100km), which isn’t all that surprising given the type of …

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Kevin · July 11th, 2010

Fifth Gear Drives the Lexus LFA

Fifth Gear host Tiff Needell spent some time in the Lexus LFA driver seat for this week’s show (watch it quick as it’s likely to disappear shortly): Now that has to be one of the most earnest and enjoyable LFA reviews we’ve seen yet — “This is mental fun,” he says while powersliding all over …

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Kevin · July 9th, 2010

Lexus Magazine Feature on GX 460

Lexus Magazine has a nice feature up on the GX 460: The freeway is white with snow. The windshield wipers can barely keep up with the endless flakes rapidly hitting the glass. Gripping the wheel, I glance down at the navigation system. Just 20 miles to my destination, but it could take an hour or …

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Kevin · June 25th, 2010

Reader Review: Lexus LS 460 Sport

TLE reader Heimdall222 has put 1,800 miles on his brand new 2010 Lexus LS 460 Sport — here are his impressions of the sport-infused flagship sedan. The 2010 LS 460 Sport is my second Lexus, following a GS 350, and I’ve also owned several Infinitis. The basic Sport Package is, of course, what converts a …

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Kevin · June 10th, 2010

Road & Track Lexus LFA Video

Seems like a day can’t go by without posting a Lexus LFA video — today, it’s a feature from Road & Track: The LFA was a laserbeam through that slalom course!
Kevin · May 21st, 2010

Driving the Lexus LFA

Picture the most intense, heart-pounding roller-coaster ride of your life, only instead of rails and a cart, you’re strapped into a prototype supercar driven by a race car driver. That was the scene two weeks ago at the New Jersey Motorsports Park, where I found myself in the passenger seat of Lexus USA’s (formerly matte …

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Kevin · May 17th, 2010

James Martin Reviews the Lexus LFA

Celebrity chef/auto reviewer James Martin recently spent some time with the Lexus LFA: I drove this Lexus LFA up London’s Regent Street and had a procession of kids following me all along the pavement as I slowly made my way. By the time I reached Oxford Circus there were about 40 of them, all glassy-eyed …

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Kevin · May 10th, 2010

AutoTrader Reviews the 2010 Lexus LS 600h L

Alexandra Straub of AutoTrader.ca recently took the 2010 Lexus LS 600h L for a test drive, and found herself indulging in the vehicle’s 5-seat Executive package rear seat.  This configuration is new for the revised LS range, being added alongside the original 4-seat Executive package. In addition to the extra center seat, the DVD rear-seat …

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Kevin · April 30th, 2010

Automobile Magazine Reviews the 2010 Lexus ES 350

Automobile Magazine has published an editor’s review of the entry-luxury Lexus sedan, the ES 350. As in their prior LS 460 L review, four editors provided their take on the best-selling sedan.  The key emphasis was on the ES 350’s concept of effortless luxury, as described by senior online editor Phil Floraday: If you’re just …

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Kevin · April 16th, 2010

Lexus LFA Video from Car & Driver

You may remember last month when Car & Driver took the Lexus LFA out on the track to compile some real-world performance figures on the supercar—well, here’s the video to go along with the stats: (I think the C&D video editor might have spent too much time watching Top Gear’s LFA feature.)
Kevin · April 14th, 2010

Lexus RX 450h Review

My three month winter road test of the 2010 Lexus RX 450h wrapped up last month, and it’s safe to say that the experience has changed my opinion of Lexus’ most popular vehicle. It’s not that I didn’t understand the success of the RXh — from a purely practical point, it’s easy to see how …

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Kevin · April 11th, 2010

Lexus IS 250C Review from Autoweek

AutoWeek has posted a editor driver log of the 2010 Lexus IS 250C, and while they gave the convertible marks for its smoothness and features, when it came to styling and and other aspects, they were not as forgiving—first off, senior editor Bob Gritzinger noted the design challenges faced by all hardtop convertibles, and concluded …

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Kevin · April 8th, 2010

Lexus IS 250C Consumer Reports Convertible Test

Consumer Reports has published a comparison test of five convertibles: the Audi A5, Infiniti G37c, Lexus IS 250C, Mazda MX-5 Miata, and Mini Cooper S. The Lexus IS and Infiniti G convertibles tied for first place, with an overall score of 77, followed by the A5 at 74—previous tests of the BMW 328i and Volkswagen …

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Kevin · April 6th, 2010

Four Wheeler Lexus GX 460 First Drive

Having named it their Four Wheeler of the Year in 2003 and 2004, Four Wheeler magazine has been a longtime fan of the original Lexus GX,  so with the introduction of the GX 460, the magazine’s reviewers were naturally eager to put the next generation model to the test and see if it could live …

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Kevin · March 28th, 2010

Automobile Magazine Reviews the 2010 Lexus LS 460L

Providing views of the 2010 Lexus LS 460 L from several perspectives, Automobile Magazine has published an editors’ review of the Lexus flagship. Four editors, ranging from online to senior positions, provide their opinions—to begin, web producer Evan McCausland described the new AWD model’s snow handling prowess: Given the LS has always been the ultimate …

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Kevin · March 25th, 2010

Inside Line Tests the Lexus GX 460

Edmunds Inside Line recently put the Lexus GX 460 to a full test, seeking to determine whether the mid-size luxury utility vehicle successfully combines off-roading prowess and multi-purpose convenience—first off, here’s their video feature: Much of the test is devoted to the GX 460’s technological and performance features, including: The GX 460’s optional Crawl Control …

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Kevin · March 9th, 2010

Journalist Reactions to the Lexus CT 200h

Here’s something new—Lexus interviewed some of the journalists attending the Geneva Auto Show to get their opinion on the new CT 200h hatchback: Best response: “The fact that it’s a hybrid will tick so many people’s boxes.”
Kevin · March 3rd, 2010

Road & Track Reviews the 2010 Lexus LS 460 Sport

Road & Track has posted their driving impressions of the LS 460 Sport, which features a sport-tuned air suspension, Brembo brakes, and the Sport Direct Shift (SPDS) transmission from the IS-F, all intended to give the Lexus flagship a more performance-oriented demeanor: Seemingly small changes add up to big differences out on the road—especially if …

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Kevin · March 1st, 2010