Lexus Reviews

Lexus is particularly active in Australia at the moment as it continues to push its way into competition with Audi, BMW, Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz.The assault on the big name Europeans began many years ago with the flagship LS400 saloon. That was followed by the smaller, and significantly less expensive ES300. The latest in the ES line, the new ES350 is the subject of our review this week.Lexus ES350 has the now familiar spindle grille, a bold shape that's unmistakable thanks to its sheer size. Flanking this grille are halogen projector-style headlamps incorporating L-shaped LED daytime running lights. (The L-shape represents L for Lexus, though you do have to use a bit of imagination to see this.) LEDs are also used in the rear lights.The new ES series is referred to as a four-door sedan but has a sleek shape that almost puts it into the four-door-coupe class.The shape isn't just about style, the co-efficient of drag of drag (Cd) is an impressively good 0.27.Sports Luxury occupants can settle into ventilated front seats, with ten-way power adjustment. Climate control is spread over three zones. The rear seats are heated. Unwanted glare and heat can be warded off by rear side sunshades.We loved the dashboard styling with its wide tapered ends.This is almost a full five-seater, there's no skimping on seating space, with even the centre spot in the back being reasonably wide and comfortable.The first impression in settling into the new Lexus ES is qualityThere's Bluetooth telephone and audio streaming and digital radio.A Mark Levinson audio system has been designed specifically for Lexus. It powers no fewer than 15 speakers and sounds brilliant no matter what your choice of entertainment.Thankfully the Lexus remote Touch Controller has been modified since we first tested it. The first system had a control switch that behaved almost like a joystick and moved so freely it made the cursor shoot all over the screen. Now, more resistance has been designed in to the stick and it's much easier to use. Though we have to say we do prefer just about everyone else's controllers.The Lexus ES350 is powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing maximum power of 204kW and peak torque of 346Nm. A six-speed automatic transmission drives the ES through the front wheels.The driver's mood lets them select from the Lexus Drive Mode system. Controlled through a knob on the centre console it offers Normal, Sport or Eco vehicle performance.Standard safety features in all Lexus ES variants include 10 airbags; ABS brakes; stability and traction control; pedestrian protection system; tyre pressure warning; blind spot monitor; hill-start assist; and reversing camera and parking sensors.Active safety in the Sports Luxury uses a pre-collision system that beeps and flashes if it senses a crash appears imminent. Emergency braking is also applied.Active cruise control keeps the ES Sports Luxury at a given time (not distance) from a vehicle in front.The first impression in settling into the new Lexus ES is quality. The front seats are spacious, and are supportive without being overly soft. There's good rear legroom and headroom back there is fine for anyone under about 1.9 metres.Comfort is high on the list and the mid-size Lexus has the ability to iron out almost all that Australian roads toss under it. It's perhaps not quite in the Commodore and Falcon class in the bush, but doesn't miss by much.Aimed squarely at those who want luxurious cruising and commuting rather than driving excitementIn what has always been the Lexus way, the ES series is near silent in its running with the engine being well damped and the thick glass and multi-insulation body areas keeping NVH well outside.Lexus ES has few sporting pretensions and is aimed squarely at those who want luxurious cruising and commuting rather than driving excitement. Steering is too light for our tastes but the car does react fast enough to please even keen drivers. Handling is competent and there's always the feeling the car, assisted by electronic aids if you push too hard, will be mindful of your safety.The 3.5-litre V6 is smooth, quiet and responsive. While peak torque doesn't come in till 4700 rpm to suit the sensible speed limits on European motorways, there's decent pulling power from about 2000 upwards. The six-speed auto communicates nicely with the engine and promptly drops a gear of two to give you added torque for safe overtaking.Expect to use about 10.0-12.0L/100km during the daily commute grind, dropping to 7.0-9.0L/100km on open country roads and motorways.

Derek Ogden road tests and reviews the Lexus NX 300h F Sport on a Queensland road trip.

Derek Ogden road tests and reviews the Lexus MX300h F Sport with specs, fuel consumption and verdict.

Peter Barnwell road tests and reviews the 2014 Lexus NX300h.

The most noticeable feature of the Lexus LS series models is their near-silence and comfort. Features that put them very much in the upmarket limousine class. First rate materials are used throughout and these are assembled with meticulous care. Though aimed very much at the Mercedes S-Class, BMW 7 Series and Audi A8, the top-line Lexus hasn't quite managed to reach their high status in the image stakes despite 25 years on the market. But they're reasonably close and will obviously keep trying to improve.Lexus tells us 'LS' stands for Luxury Sports, however to our eyes there's a lot more luxury than sport. Handling is safe and secure but doesn't have quite the sporting sparkle you get in the big Germans.The LS400 was discontinued late in 2000, to be replaced by a near-new design in the LS430. April 2007 saw the introduction of an all-new LS, the 460. The numbers in the title refers to the capacity of the V8 engine in decilitres.Interior space was good in the original 1990 LS400, but was noticeably improved in November 1994 when the initial model received a solid revamp. Given that Lexus had learned a lot in the early production years, cars from this model are probably the ones to aspire to. There was a facelift in November 1997.September 2003 saw a revised and upgraded version of the Lexus LS430. It has features such as doors that pull themselves closed, and door mirrors that automatically fold when you switch the ignition off. There's front-mounted radar to keep an electronic eye on the vehicle ahead when you are using the cruise control. If heavy braking is required the Lexus sounds a gong to grab your attention.This was one of the early adopters of a reversing camera. And the electric motor that automatically powers down the sunscreen in the rear window when you engage reverse gear.Lexus LS400 is powered by a 4.0-litre V8 engine that is incredibly smooth. It was uprated several times during its life before being replaced by a revised 4.3-litre unit late in 2000. The LS460 engine was virtually all-new.Of particular interest is the hybrid Lexus LS600hL, introduced in November 2007. Just to confuse matters, the '600' doesn't mean there's a 6.0-litre engine under the bonnet, but that Lexus considers its new hybrid has the sort of performance that would normally require a 6.0-litre engine. The 'L' in the title announces this is a limousine, with a longer wheelbase than the standard Lexus LS460 on which it's based.Most LS600hL models were imported with an upper-luxury layout featuring just two business-class seats in the rear. A timber-trimmed console between the two seats contains controls for the Mark Levinson audio system as well as the inbuilt DVD player, climate control, rear window shades and other functions.Dealerships that specialise in the Lexus marque are relatively scarce and tend to be confined to capital cities and major country centres. The far-flung Toyota network can assist Lexus owners as some mechanics are specifically trained on it.Insurance isn't likely to be overly expensive in comparison with the high price of the car.Many used cars are bought from a Lexus dealership and have been serviced by that, or another, dealer. These tend to be more expensive, but smart buyers consider it a good move.All new Lexus models come with an impressive Encore lifestyle package that includes complimentary service pick up and delivery of the car, roadside assistance, a priority ticketing service at leading cultural centres, golf days and a luxury travel service. Buyers of used vehicles up to five years old and bought from a Lexus dealer receive the same benefits. The offerings may change from time to time so contact your local Lexus dealer for the latest info.WHAT TO LOOK FORIt's smart to have a Lexus inspected by either by a motoring association or a specialist in the marque. In the absence of a Lexus technician, some senior Toyota mechanics are trained on the car.Check for damage to the bodywork and the interior trim and remember the car should be close to immaculate in all areas unless it is one of the oldest models. Even then, we would expect the car to be in very good condition inside.Look over the complete vehicle, testing each of the functions using the owner's manual to work out exactly how everything should operate.Make sure the engine starts virtually immediately and accelerates without hesitation even when it is cold. Look for a puff of oily smoke from the exhaust when you accelerate hard after the engine has been running on a light load, or idling, for a while.Some early Lexus LS400 cars, built before August 1992, had an oil leak at the rear of the engine. The chances are that most, if not all, engines will have been repaired years ago. Check with Lexus if there's any doubt.Make sure the automatic transmission operates almost imperceptibly. A slight thud during a change during very hard acceleration is acceptable, anything else may indicate a problem.During an extended road test make sure the brakes stop the car in a straight line without too much pedal effort, and that the steering is precise, smooth and reasonably light.CAR BUYING TIPUpmarket cars with full service records for their entire lives are likely to cost more, but are almost invariably worth the extra investment.

Peter Barnwell road tests and reviews the Lexus RC 350 with specs, fuel consumption and verdict.

Ewan Kennedy road tests and reviews the Lexus RC 350 at its Australian launch.

Stuart Martin road tests and reviews Lexus NX300h with specs, fuel consumption and verdict.

Ewan Kennedy road tests and reviews the 2014 Lexus NX300h with specs, fuel consumption and verdict.

Mr Zo is interested in buying a used Lexus ISF, but because they are quite expensive he wants to be careful and know what he's getting into. He wants to know about common problems, servicing expenses, and the cost of parts etc. NEWThe F is to the IS what the M3 is to the BMW 3-Series. It's the seriously quick model that gives a tinge of credibility to the rest of the range.Since beginning with a single luxury model in the 1990s Lexus has grown into the fully-fledged prestige marque that holds its own with the acknowledged prestige brands from Europe.Like the BMW 3-Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class the IS gives the masses the opportunity to participate in the dream, or at least aspire to be part of it.Much of the development of the IS was done on racetracks around the world. Indeed the F is said to stand for Fuji, the Japanese track where much of it was carried out. The result is a car with real sports credentials.One look at the compact sedan tells you it's conceived for speed, with a wide airdam, sweeping lines, and bulging wheel arches full of massive alloy wheels, low profile rubber and huge brakes.The sporting feel carries through to the stylish cabin with its real sports seats, carbon-fibre accents, leather trim and F badges.But it not only looks the part, it has the performance to back it up.Lift the bonnet and you discover the dual-injected double-overhead camshaft 5.0-litre V8 that delivers the punch. It's related to the V8 in the LS luxury saloon, but has been enlarged and enhanced with unique heads, conrods, pistons, intake and exhaust. With all that working in unison the result is 311kW at 6600 rpm and 505Nm at 5200 rpm.A new 8-speed auto transmission processes the engine's output and sends it back to the rear wheels. It features paddles on the steering wheel to change gears and boasts quick-fire shifting.In addition to the normal driving modes there's the F sports mode, which locks the torque convertor in second to eighth gears and changes the throttle characteristics, steering assistance and chassis settings.The IS F brought a new feeling of freedom to the otherwise staid Lexus brand, one with an impressive performance edge heralded by a throaty roar. NOWLexus has a well-earned reputation for the quality of its build, which is a great start to a long and reliable life of driving.There is the odd report of a problem with the IS F, but there are no serious problems we can report.If pressed some owners complain about the firm ride, but that comes with the territory, the F is a performance car and the suspension settings reflect that.For anyone contemplating buying one it's important that they carry out a test drive to thoroughly familiarise themselves with all aspects of the car and reassure themselves they can live with it.The one issue that does often crop is the life of the brakes. Again that is one of the things that can affect a performance car, and it seems that it does with the IS F. Most owners accept that it's a part of the ownership experience. When conducting a pre-purchase test-drive listen for squeaking rear brakes, it's a sign the brakes will soon need replacing.Like all cars servicing is crucial to maintaining reliability, and regular oil and filter changes are necessary to help keep the engine firing in fine fettle.Check the service book to make sure your potential purchase has been serviced as per the Lexus recommendation.There was a recall in October 2014 to rectify an issue with the gasket between the fuel pressure sensor and fuel delivery pipe that could result in a fuel leak with the possibility of a fire.