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Auto Guide Reviews the Lexus IS F-Sport Performance Parts

Auto Guide has put together a review of the F-Sport performance accessories available for the Lexus IS 350, and came away impressed with the results—here are some of their observations: We did note the sexy new timbre to the motor’s voice [due to the F-Sport intake & exhaust], however. Tipping the throttle produces an aggressive, …

Kevin · April 16th, 2009

Jeremy Clarkson Reviews the Lexus IS 250

In a comment on my last post, TLE reader Jay wanted to know if the current Lexus IS had ever made it onto the Top Gear show. The answer, it turns out, is “No” (though their magazine counterpart did name it the Best Executive/Luxury Car in 2005). Later on, I found something much more interesting—in …

Kevin · April 14th, 2009

Classic Top Gear: 1999 Lexus IS 200 Review

In keeping with the IS theme from yesterday, here’s a throwback Top Gear segment from 1999, with James May test-driving the first-generation Lexus IS 200: James May certainly looks quite young—but still exhibits that special “Captain Slow” driving style. It does sound like IS 200 suffered the same sort of low-band power deficiency that I …

Kevin · April 13th, 2009

2009 Lexus IS 250 AWD Review

The Lexus IS has a special place in my heart. It was the first Lexus I ever drove, back in 2000. It was my birthday, and my future-wife surprised me with a lengthy test drive of a yellow first-generation IS 300, courtesy of Performance Lexus in St. Catharines. I had only just received my driver’s …

Kevin · April 12th, 2009

2009 Lexus IS 250 AWD Photo Gallery

In the time I spent with the Lexus IS 250, I only had a point-and-shoot Canon to take photos with—luckily my friend Billy Plante came out and took some picks as well. Here are the best shots: {embed=“site/gallery” gallery_id=“1083”}

Kevin · April 12th, 2009

Canadian Driver Reviews the Lexus LX 570 Interior

As part of their recurring Inside Story feature, Canadian Driver took a look at the Lexus LX 570’s interior, and it’s a fully detailed breakdown of the SUV’s internals. While extremely positive for the most part, the article is bookended by some unfortunate badge engineering rants: Before you start shouting, “well-heeled Sequoia,” there are a …

Kevin · April 6th, 2009

Edmunds Lexus RX 450h Video Review

Here’s the companion video to Edmunds’ review of the Lexus RX 450h: As with the written review, Edmunds wasn’t all that impressed with the hybrid RX, though most of the complaints seem to be against hybrids in general. I’m interested to compare the new hybrid technology against the system in the RX400h, surely there has …

Kevin · April 6th, 2009

TTAC Review of the 1992 Lexus SC 400

The Truth About Cars has posted a review of the 1992 Lexus SC 400, a car many consider Lexus’s most influential design and perhaps the greatest Lexus ever made—here’s an excerpt: Combined with the four-speed electronic automatic transmission, the engine is just plain unkillable. It can literally out-diesel a diesel when it comes to longevity, …

Kevin · April 2nd, 2009

Car Magazine’s Long-Term Lexus IS-F

Car Magazine is issuing monthly website updates on their long-term Lexus IS-F, and this month the magazine editors had their first service stop: It took an hour to get there but when I arrived at Lexus Leicester I was greeted by a smart showroom, courteous staff and a decent cup of tea. I was even …

Kevin · March 31st, 2009

Spending Time with the 2009 Lexus IS 250 AWD

Early this morning, I made my way to Toyota Canada’s corporate HQ outside of Toronto and took possession of a Lexus IS 250 for review. It’s the AWD config, an automatic, with Truffle Mica exterior and Ecru leather interior, a very flattering combination. The rest of the day was spent powering through highway traffic and …

Kevin · March 30th, 2009

Canadian Driver Reviews the Lexus ES 350

The Lexus ES 350 doesn’t get a lot of play, particularly with it in the third year of its design cycle, but this Canadian Driver review of the 2009 model is worth noting, as it manages to capture the ES’ appeal and includes a previously unheard (and likely untrue) rumor: The 2009 model retains the …

Kevin · March 23rd, 2009

Gearlog Reviews the 2010 Lexus RX

Considering its consumer gadget focus, it’s not all that surprising that Gearlog’s review of the Lexus RX centers on the technology in the newly redesigned SUV, with barely a mention of its driving performance. It’s an even-handed review, and includes some of the first criticisms of the new Remote Touch controller system: Remote Touch has …

Kevin · March 16th, 2009

Edmunds Reviews the 2010 Lexus RX 450h

With the new Lexus RX 350 now available in North American dealerships, the auto reviewers have been turning their sights on the upcoming RX 450h. Edmunds, who had plenty of good things to say about the non-hybrid version, didn’t end up all that impressed with the hybrid: The 2010 Lexus RX 450h hits 60 mph …

Kevin · March 12th, 2009

Autoweek’s Long-Term Report on the Lexus LS 460L

Autoweek has turned in their long term report on the Lexus LS 460L, and the result was just what you’d expect, they didn’t like the prospect of returning the keys whatsoever: …when it comes to extended, over-the-road, full-zoot, family-vacation luxury, our long-term Lexus LS 460 L can’t get enough. Or it couldn’t. We turned in …

Kevin · March 13th, 2008

Tiff Needell Drives the Lexus IS-F

Tiff Needell from British car show Fifth Gear got his hands on a Lexus IS-F, and despite his rather strange presentation style, turns in an enjoyable review: It’s funny, Needell’s biggest complaint is something that I thought myself — there’s an awful lot of beeping going on while driving the IS-F in its direct shift …

Kevin · March 4th, 2008

LA Times reviews the Lexus IS-F

Dan Neil’s review of the Lexus IS-F for the Los Angeles Times is entertaining from start to finish, particularly this passage about making the IS-F sing: The engine’s most vulgar feature, however, is the dual-inlet intake manifold, found somewhere inside the maze of engine plumbing. If you mash the gas in this car hard enough, …

Kevin · February 20th, 2008

Arthur St. Antoine on the Lexus LS 600hL

Perhaps as a way to counterbalance his incredibly glowing editorial of the Lexus LS 460 last year, Arthur St. Antoine took some time in this month’s Motor Trend to badmouth the LS 600hL: For many buyers, a hybrid car is nothing more than the four-wheeled equivalent of a yellow LiveStrong wristband-a conspicuous, self-satisfying, effort-free membership …

Kevin · February 18th, 2008

Lexus LX 570 Video Feature from The Driver’s Seat

Not content to present information on the Lexus LX 570 in a normal sort of way, The Driver’s Seat decided to spice up their video with an overwhelming amount of text and strobe effects: I actually had to turn away while watching, though I stuck it out just to hear what Charles Hubbard had to …

Kevin · February 13th, 2008

Car Magazine Reviews the Lexus IS-F

Car Magazine has posted their review of the IS-F, and it turns out to be a remarkably positive affair, with a very small dose of complaints and a full course of compliments: The F also rides with a fluency and poise that will leave most M3 and C63 drivers green with envy. There are no …

Kevin · February 12th, 2008

Lexus IS-F Video Review by MyRideTV

This video review of the Lexus IS-F by MyRideTV has to have the highest video quality I’ve seen online yet, it’s just full of great footage. The opening sequence from the driver’s perspective is especially nice: I don’t know why all video reviews can’t look this good.

Kevin · February 3rd, 2008

Top Gear Magazine Reviews the Lexus IS-F

Top Gear Magazine has posted up their review of the Lexus IS-F, and it’s just as sharply written and clever as you would expect. Most of their praise is a double-edged sword, as every compliment is balanced with a swipe at the rest of Lexus’ lineup: Where my keep-it-simple plan falls apart, is when a …

Kevin · February 1st, 2008

The Truth About Cars Reviews the Lexus IS-F

I have to appreciate The Truth about Cars review of the Lexus IS-F. Sure, it’s critical, but the writing is superb and full of character: Given a long, empty ribbon of road, the IS-F again reveals a sharply split personality. Flexing your right foot rips away the layers of Lexus fluff. At WOT, acceleration is …

Kevin · January 21st, 2008

Autoblog Reviews the Lexus LS 460L

Right from the start, there was something off about Autoblog’s review of the Lexus LS 460L: It’s tough to pity Lexus LS owners. After all, Executive-Class luxury sedans don’t exactly suck. We wouldn’t blame LS drivers for feeling pangs of over-inconspicuousness whenever they see a Camry, though. Understated luxury is one thing, but when you’re …

Kevin · January 9th, 2008

Evo Magazine Reviews the Lexus IS-F

Somewhere along the line, I missed Evo Magazine’s review of the Lexus IS-F, which does a fantastic job at heaping substantial amounts of praise onto the super-sedan: Before the end of the pit straight, one thing is already beyond dispute. For the way it slaughters distance and the noise it makes, the IS-F is a …

Kevin · January 7th, 2008

AutoWeek’s Preview of the 2008 Lexus LX 570

There’s a bit of a sarcastic bent to AutoWeek’s preview of the 2008 Lexus LX 570, but it still manages to fill in some blanks, including the differences between the LX 570 and the Toyota Land Cruiser: Hey, wait a second, you say, is this just a Land Cruiser with a Lexus badge on it, …

Kevin · December 28th, 2007

Popular Mechanics Test Drives the 2008 Lexus LX 570

Next up with a LX 570 test drive article is Popular Mechanics, who shower the new SUV with praise, and include some detailed information how exactly Crawl Control works: One of the technologies introduced on the LX570 is Crawl Control, which takes hill descent control several steps further. With the rollover sensing system turned off …

Kevin · December 21st, 2007

Motor Trend First Drive: The 2008 Lexus LX 570

As the Lexus LX 570 gets closer and closer to the dealerships, the test drives are starting to come in. First one to the press is Motor Trend, and it’s heavy in praise: This largest Lexus has no more business vamoosing through chicanes than it does scaling 45-degree slopes, fording two-foot-deep streams, or straddling nine-inch-tall …

Kevin · December 20th, 2007

Jalopnik Reviews the Lexus LS 600hL

The minute I saw that Jalopnik Jonny Lieberman had gotten his mitts on an LS 600hL for a week, I knew we were in for a treat, and I was not disappointed in the least: Why am I laughing like such an idiot? Seriously, my cheeks hurt from grinning. Well, the reason why is that …

Kevin · December 10th, 2007

Japanese Video Review of the Lexus IS-F

This Lexus IS-F segment from Start your Engines, a Japanese auto news show, is a pleasant switch from the norm, as it’s all subtitled in English: “It’s been a long time since I’ve had so much fun driving a Toyota”, the host says after ten laps of the Fuji Speedway. “The shifting really is like …

Kevin · December 10th, 2007

Road & Track Reviews the Lexus IS-F

It’s a little late coming, but Road & Track’s review of the Lexus IS-F is quite informative. First off, their impressions: After spending half a day lapping around Laguna Seca, we were won over by the car’s accurate steering, minimal body roll and outright grip. Its 71.2-mph slalom speed is damn impressive for such a …

Kevin · December 8th, 2007

CNet Reviews Lexus LS 460 Technology

No doubt it’s a little old, but this video from CNet detailing the technology in the LS 460 is quite entertaining: Being such a fan of the LS 460, I didn’t even get bored during the inevitable parking assist demonstration.

Kevin · December 7th, 2007

G Living Reviews the Lexus GS 450h

G Living, a lifestyle magazine/net show dedicated to living green, has posted up a very complimentary video review of the Lexus GS 450h: It’s hardly an analytical review, with host Sarah Backhouse declaring she has a crush on the car, “If this car was a bloke, it would be a stock broker, or a talent …

Kevin · December 1st, 2007

1989 Lexus LS 400 Featured in Old Top Gear Episode

It’s hard to discount the power of Youtube when you can watch a 1989 episode of Top Gear detailing the introduction of the then-newly released Lexus LS 400 (jump ahead to 1:26 to get there directly): Not a full-on review, which is a slight disappointment, but the praise is astounding, let me quote presenter Tiff …

Kevin · November 30th, 2007

Billionaire Takes the Lexus LS 600hL for a Spin

Driving.ca took a unique turn with their review of the Lexus LS 600hL, putting Jimmy Pattison, the fourth richest man in Canada, behind the wheel: Once the colourful self-made billionaire figured out how to operate the keyless ignition and push-button emergency brake on the 2008 Lexus LS600h L — and put his seat belt on …

Kevin · November 23rd, 2007

IGN Test Drives the Lexus IS-F

Can’t say I’ve ever visited IGN for auto news before, but they’ve put together a well-worded review of the Lexus IS-F as tested on the Laguna Seca Raceway: Though it’s not a lightweight car, the IS F handles with an impressively limited degree of body roll, to the degree to which it’s pretty easy to …

Kevin · November 22nd, 2007

WSJ Reviews the Lexus LS 600hL

The Wall Street Journal’s review of the Lexus LS 600hL isn’t so much a condemnation of the car, but rather the hybrid technology that spawned it: The biggest con running in the auto industry right now is the notion that hybrids represent some sort of quantum leap in green transportation. Not only is this patently …

Kevin · November 16th, 2007

The Lexus IS-F Engine Uncovered

Perhaps the most amusing part of Jalopnik’s review of the IS-F, and something I forgot to mention in my post, was their removal of the engine cover, revealing this jumbled up pile: You can check out more photos of the engine innards at the Jalopnik site. *** Another thing I missed, or rather didn’t realize, …

Kevin · November 7th, 2007

Jalopnik Reviews the Lexus IS-F

Spanning two parts, the Jalopnik review of the Lexus IS-F is a real fun read, but the most interesting aspect is how contrary it is to other published reviews. First off, whereas every other review, bar none, praised the IS-F on the track, Jalopnik came away shaking their heads: If it sounds like I wasn’t …

Kevin · November 6th, 2007

Autoweek Reviews the 2008 Lexus IS-F

The Lexus IS-F reviews keep on coming, this time from the folks over at Autoweek. As with most of the reviews so far, there was considerable praise for both the transmission and the on-track performance, but deviated from the consensus in regards to the ride quality: Coming over the terrifying crest under the bridge at …

Kevin · October 29th, 2007

Edmunds Comparison: Lexus IS-F vs. Audi RS4

Edmunds has pitted the Lexus IS-F against the Audi RS4, and in what might be the first published IS-F comparison test. The results, unfortunately, were not pretty, as this is a fairly one-sided affair, with the RS4 pulling far ahead of the IS-F in every category. Their conclusion really says it all: The 2009 Lexus …

Kevin · October 28th, 2007

Winding Road Reviews the 2008 Lexus IS-F

The thing that stands out most about Winding Road’s review of the 2008 Lexus IS-F is its attention to detail, seemingly every faucet of the IS-F is extensively covered, and is accompanied by some of the best photos I’ve seen yet. While most reviews so far have been positive, Winding Road is exuberant with its …

Kevin · October 26th, 2007

Automobile Magazine Reviews the 2008 Lexus IS-F

The Lexus IS-F reviews keep coming in, this time from Automobile Magazine. This review is similar in a lot of ways to Edmunds’, in that they loved the on-track performance but were disappointed with its ride harshness off it: The IS-F rides on nineteen-inch BBS wheels that are forged rather than cast, saving somewhere around …

Kevin · October 25th, 2007

Motor Trend Reviews the 2008 Lexus IS-F

I saved the Motor Trend IS-F review for last — not only is it the most positive, it’s written by Arthur St. Antoine, who’s become one of the automotive writers I always pay attention to. If you were thinking about purchasing an IS-F, and maybe the other reviews have you feeling a little unsure, this …

Kevin · October 24th, 2007

Auto Express Drives the Lexus IS-F Around Fuji Speedway

Auto Express’ first drive of the IS-F is different than the other reviews today, in that they travelled to Japan to try the IS-F out on the Fuji Speedway, the track that inspired the F-Performance name. However, the end result was very similar to the Edmunds review, with a key difference — Auto Express was …

Kevin · October 24th, 2007

Car & Driver Reviews the 2008 Lexus IS-F

Next up in our day of Lexus IS-F reviews is Car & Driver, who don’t really say much, yet provide some contrasting opinions when compared to the Edmunds review. For instance, where Edmunds was altogether blown away by the Sport Direct Shift transmission, C&D had some criticisms: Polished paddles put your fingers in charge when …

Kevin · October 24th, 2007

Edmunds Road Tests the 2008 Lexus IS-F

The first automotive press test drives of the Lexus IS-F were published today, so let’s go through them one at a time. First up is Edmunds, which seesawed between being impressed by the IS-F’s on-track performance and unimpressed by its on-road experience: While the kind of on-track schooling the IS-F has received is generally a …

Kevin · October 24th, 2007

Autoweek: Lexus LS 460L Long-Term Test Update

Autoweek has had the Lexus LS 460L in their long-term fleet for nine months now, and while they continue to be impressed by the car’s luxury, they have picked up on some niggling issues: Here in the third quarter, however, we’ve noticed the car showing its age, just a bit. “After getting out of a …

Kevin · October 23rd, 2007

Car & Driver Previews the 2008 Lexus LX 570

Car & Driver has posted up their preview of the upcoming Lexus LX 570, which will include a feature I don’t recall reading about: The permanent four-wheel drive incorporates an electronically locking center differential and brake-based limited-slip traction assist. Toyota has developed “crawl control,” a low-speed, off-road cruise control. Up to 10 mph, the desired …

Kevin · October 23rd, 2007

Comparison: Lexus LS 600h vs. Mercedes S420 CDI vs. BMW 745d

I would have thought that Auto Motor Und Sport’s comparison test of the Lexus LS 460 vs. Volkswagen Phaeton would be hard to beat in terms of bias, but they’ve outdone themselves, their comparison of the Lexus LS 600h vs. BMW 745d vs. Mercedes S420 CDI is a absolute gem. Posted on Autospies, the bulk …

Kevin · October 3rd, 2007

Consumer Reports Comparison: The Lexus LS 460L vs. The Mercedes S550

In their November issue, Consumer Reports has compared the Lexus LS 460L and Mercedes S550, which the LS 460L handily won, scoring 99/100 versus 86/100 for the S550. While I certainly wouldn’t argue with the outcome of their comparison, I think Consumer Reports has gone off the deep-end, listen to this logic: The Lexus LS …

Kevin · October 2nd, 2007

Lexus IS-F Released to the Automotive Press

The automotive press has finally been given the keys to the upcoming Lexus IS-F, not that it means we’ll be getting any insight into the overly secretive final specs, at least according to Arthur St. Antoine of Motor Trend: Tonight I’m in Carmel, California, in preparation for tomorrow’s test drive of the all-new, hugely anticipated …

Kevin · September 27th, 2007

Motor Trend: Long-Term Lexus LS 460 Update 2

Now five months into their long-term test, Motor Trend continues to appreciate what the Lexus LS 460 brings to the table: [Truck Trend art director] Voehringer, a guitar-playing rock aficionado, adores the 19-speaker Mark Levinson reference surround-sound system, observing that it “supplies a lush spectrum of highs, mids, and especially bass” — the ideal setup …

Kevin · September 24th, 2007

Car Magazine Takes a First Look at the Lexus LS 600hL

Car Magazine has posted up their initial impressions of the LS 600hL, and while they were impressed by the car overall, their verdict was hardly glowing: The LS could quite possibly convert gas-guzzlers to battery power, so impressive and addictive is the power pack’s extra boost. On paper the performance and economy stats aren’t too …

Kevin · August 7th, 2007

The Driving Woman Reviews the 2008 RX 350

It’s no secret that Lexus’ RX SUV is a hit with women drivers, so the fact that The Driving Woman’s review of the 2008 RX 350 is so positive really doesn’t surprise me: The first time I drove a Lexus SUV, I was so excited that I decided to put on red lipstick at a …

Kevin · July 31st, 2007

The Times Reviews the Lexus LS 600hL

I’ll admit, it was somewhat disappointing that the Lexus LS 600hL review in The Times wasn’t written by Jeremy Clarkson, but Stuart Birch gives it his best shot, including some interesting stats on the customers Lexus plans to reel in, along with a rather interesting question: Lexus says that about 10 per cent of buyers …

Kevin · July 27th, 2007

Comparison: Lexus LS 460 vs. Volkswagen Phaeton

A member of German Car Zone was nice enough to translate an article from German car magazine Auto Motor Und Sport pitting the Volkswagen Phaeton against the Lexus LS 460. (The full text appears on Autospies, if you don’t feel like signing up for GCZ account.) Now, whether it’s a case of German bias or …

Kevin · July 26th, 2007

Motor Trend: Long-Term Lexus LS 460 Update

Motor Trend staff have been driving their LS 460 for three months now, which makes it time for a seasonal update: “The first time I tried it [parallel parking], it worked perfectly. Since then, however, I’ve tried it twice more, and it’s either scared me or just refused to work at all. Undoubtedly, I need …

Kevin · July 12th, 2007

Car & Driver: Lexus RX 400h Long-Term Test

Easily, my favorite car magazine feature is the long-term test, where the magazines various writers and editors spend twelve months behind the wheel of a car then share the results. Well, not satisfied with a single year, Car & Driver enjoyed a two year-long visit with the RX 400h. The magazine’s staff managed to put …

Kevin · July 5th, 2007

Autoweek & The 2007 Lexus GS 350

Autoweek has picked up a 2007 Lexus GS 350 for their fleet, and their first impressions are decidedly mixed: Some of our drivers loved the exterior styling of the GS, while others found it amorphous. The interior also divided drivers; they called it either comfortable or eerily numbing. I have to agree with any criticism …

Kevin · July 4th, 2007

Cnet Reviews the Lexus LS 600h

The latest review of the LS 600h comes from the techs at Cnet, and although it didn’t get a perfect score like the previously reviewed LS 460L, the car still came away with an exceptionally high score of 9.7/10. Mini-marks were taken away for exterior styling: And while the LS 600h is a very handsome, …

Kevin · June 16th, 2007

Edmunds Reviews the Lexus IS 250 with X Sports Package

Edmunds has posted a road test of the IS 250 with the X sports package, and save for the gripes about the embarrassing shift stick and its rubbery gear shifts, Lexus seems to have created a sports sedan capable of competing with the best in its class: Though it’s often overshadowed by the 306-hp IS …

Kevin · June 15th, 2007

Road & Track: Lexus LS 600hL Review

Road & Track has served up a bit of a twist with their LS 600hL review by comparing it with a Gulfstream G550, the world’s foremost private jet. A strange association, and incredibly flattering to Lexus, but the justification is this: When the word “flagship” was coined, I’d bet its originator had neither $104,000 luxury …

Kevin · June 15th, 2007

Comparison: Lexus IS 350 vs. BMW 330i

It’s now almost two years old, but I’ve seen few comparisons as detailed as Autoweb’s head-to-head showdown between the 2006 BMW 330i and the 2006 Lexus IS 350. No stone is left unturned as they pit the two cars against each other, comparing them in convenience, design, comfort, and driving. The results couldn’t be considered …

Kevin · June 10th, 2007

Family Car Reviews the Lexus LS 600hL

The Family Car review of the ‘93 LS 400 was one of the articles I used to convince the girlfriend to buy our car, so I took a special interest in their fresh new review of the LS 600hL, knowing full well it was going to be all quality. I wasn’t disappointed, this is an …

Kevin · June 9th, 2007

Comparison: 2007 Lexus IS350 vs. 2007 BMW 335i

Edmunds has published a head-to-head battle of the 2007 IS350 vs. the BMW 335i, and while the results are fairly predictable (Shock! The 3-series wins again), a point must be made that the test itself was skewed in favor of Bavaria. With performance being the main point of the comparison, the 335i was equipped with …

Kevin · May 31st, 2007

Fifth Gear Review of the IS220d

Another week, another Fifth Gear Lexus review posted on YouTube. This time up, it’s the Lexus IS220d, from an episode aired in 2005: There’s a few things that stand out in this review, when Tom Ford compares it to the BMW 320d: “Do you want to be able to say, ‘My car’s faster than your …

Kevin · May 30th, 2007

Fifth Gear Review of the LS460

Tom Ford of Fifth Gear, the British car show, takes a ride in the new LS460 and really talks up the technology (most of which is not available on North American models): the advanced obstacle detection system, the car’s ability to stay in lane with no user input, driver monitoring and one of the smoothest …

Kevin · May 29th, 2007

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