2007 Lexus SC Review

The 2007 Lexus SC 430 carries four in a luxury convertible with two doors and a hard top that retracts. Opening MSRP is $65,455. Under the hood there's a 288 horsepower, 4.3-liter V8 with an automatic transmission with six speeds. The SC 430 accelerates from zero to sixty in 5.8 seconds and has a top speed of 149 mph. Fuel economy is estimated at 19 mpg city and 25 highway on a 19.8 gallon tank.

Occupants are protected by air bags in the front and those mounted in the seats to shield against collisions from the side. Both the driver and the front passenger benefit from bags in the knee position. Systems are present to control and monitor traction, stability, braking, and tire pressure. Beams in the doors absorb force and reinforements are present in both the door sills and pillars. The upper interior trim is also designed to dissipate impact.

Additional features on the 2007 Lexus SC 430 include two exhaust tips trimmed in chrome, a spoiler on the rear, running lights for daytime use, fog lamps, and tail lights with LED bulbs. The convertible roof retracts with power control and is constructed of aluminum alloy. Choices for the interior trim (including the sash and console) are walnut or espresso bird's eye maple. The doors, steering wheel and shift knobs are trimmed in a combination of both wood and leather. Both front occupants include ten levels of seat adjustment as well as heating. The standard audio system is a nine-speaker unit with a levelizer and a changer in the dash with a capacity for six discs.

2007 Lexus RX 400h Review

The 2007 Lexus RX 400h has a capacity of five and is available in AWD for $42,580 and FWD for $41,180. Two engines power this hybrid, a 3.3-liter V6 and an electric motor with high-output performance. The combined power generated by the two propulsion systems is 268 horsepower. The RX will do zero to sixty in 6.9 seconds and has a top speed of 112 mph. Estimated fuel economy is 31 mpg city and 27 highway. The vehicle is capable of pulling loads of as much as 3,500 lbs.

Occupants are protected by an airbag system that includes sensors to detect the presence of a roll over. Bags are placed in the front, mounted in the seats against lateral impact, and present in the curtain and knee positions. (Knee bags are for the driver and front passenger only.) Onboard systems monitor traction, stability, braking, and tire pressure. Beams in the doors absorb and dissipate force as does the upper interior trim. Crumple zones are present in the front and rear and the steering column is collapsible.

On the Lexus RX 400h the dash and center console trim is brushed aluminum with optional walnut or golden bird's-eye maple. Fabric is used to trim the doors and seats with leather available. Drivers enjoy ten levels of seat adjustment with the front passenger having eight. The included sound system has a changer in the dash with a capacity for six discs. Options are available to place a DVD-based system to the rear.

2007 Lexus RX 350 Review

The Lexus RX 350, a five-passenger vehicle, starts at at $38,800 for the AWD and $37,400 for the FWD. Both are powered by a 3.5-liter V6 generating 270 horsepower. The FWD will make zero to sixty in 7.3 seconds, the AWD in 7.4. Both boast a top speed of 112 mph. The AWD has an estimated fuel economy of 17 mpg city and 22 highway, the FWD 18/23. (The RX can pull loads of as much as 3,500 lbs.)

Occupants are protected by airbags in multiple positions including those in the front, bags mounted in the seats to shield against impact from the side, bags in the curtain position, and bags at the knee for the driver and front passenger. (A system to detect roll overs assists with the deployment of these bags.) Systems are in place for the monitoring of traction, stability, braking, and tire pressure. Beams are present in the doors to absorb impact with the interior trim designed to dissipate force. Crumple zones are present to the front and rear and the steering column has been designed to be collapsible.

The dash and center console on the 2007 Lexus RX may be trimmed in either light golden bird's-eye maple, black bird's-eye maple, or brown walnut. The door, steering wheel, and shift knob are trimmed in wood and leather. The seats have cloth upholstery with an option for leather. The standard audio unit has a changer in the dash with a capacity for six discs. Both XM Satellite Radio and a DVD-based playback system to the rear are optional.

2008 Lexus RX 350 Review

The 2008 Lexus RX 350 represents the third generation of the maker's luxury SUV built on a car chassis. It is a mid-sized vehicle with four doors, seating for five, and two available trim levels: front-wheel and all-wheel drive, respectively. Both versions come with a 3.5 liter, 270 horsepower V6 engine, and a five-speed automatic transmission that includes overdrive.

Aside from a bigger engine, this year's Lexus RX 350 isn't that different from the 2007 model. The front grille has been re-designed (Lexus says it has been "freshened") and the wheel wells are a bit more exaggerated, making the SUV look a little tougher, but other than that the only real changes are new door handles (chrome) and the 18-inch wheels with seven spokes which are optional while the standard wheels are 17 inches, and two new color choices that are now available for the body.

Inside the car, all the expected accessories are present. A six-disc CD changer is standard, while an optional entertainment system for the rear seats includes a 9-inch screen and a Mark Levinson audio system. A voice-activated navigational system and rear-view camera to assist with parking, are also available options. Other upgrades include cruise control, and windshield wipers with rain-sensing capability. The 2008 Lexus RX 350 also has a full appointment of protective airbags, including knee bags for the driver, and side airbags with roll-sensing technology. Both trim levels of this SUV also have a stability control system, and a monitor that that tracks tire pressure, adding to what Consumer Reports calls "a well rounded SUV" and also enhancing its smooth ride, and minimal interior road noise.

The 2008 Lexus RX 350 has 84.7 cubic feet of cargo space when the back seats are folded down (they have a 40/20/40 split), and the back lift-gate is powered for ease of use. The two trim levels have fuel efficiency of 17 mpg/city and 22 mpg/highway for the front-wheel drive version and 18/city, 23/highway for the all-wheel drive version, and their starting MSRPs are $37,400 (FWD) and $38,800 (AWD).

2007 Lexus LX Review

The Lexus LX 470 sport utility vehicle has a base MSRP of $67,395. The 4.7-liter V8 generates 268 horsepower and will make zero to sixty in 8.9 seconds (top speed 112.) The LX will handle payloads of as much as 1,270 lbs. and can pull loads of as much as 6,500. The transmission is an automatic with five speeds. The LX shows a fuel economy of 13 mpg city and 17 highway on a 35.4 gallon fuel tank.

The vehicle has room for a maximum of eight. All occupants enjoy the protection of the wide range of safety features Lexus has incorporated into the LX. The body is constructed of steel welded on a ladder frame with box sections. Beams in the doors are designed to absorb lateral impact while the upper trim in the interior further dissipates force. Crumple zones are present to the front and rear and the steering column is collapsible. Double stage airbags in the front are present as are those mounted in the seats and additional units in the curtain position. A system for night view uses an infrared system to project images at the bottom of the windshield to assist with after dark driving and a camera to monitor backing up are both standard features.

Other exterior features on the Lexus LX 470 include automatic headlights, running boards that incorporate lighting, foglamps, tail lights using LED bulbs, windshield wipers that are climate aware, and outside mirrors that are power adjustable. The audio unit is a Mark Levinson system (240-watts) playing across eleven speakers with a changer that holds a maximum of six discs. A rear system for DVD playback can be installed to the rear including an LCD screen, remote control, and two headphones (wireless.)

2007 Lexus LS Review

The 2007 Lexus LS 460 has a base MSRP of $61,000 with the LS 460 L starting at $71,000. Both are powered by a 380 horsepower 4.6-liter V8 with an automatic transmission with eight speeds. Fuel economy is estimated at approximately 19 mpg city and 27 highway on a 22.2 gallon tank.

Occupants enjoy the superior security of a full array of airbags including double bags in the front and those mounted in the seats to shield against forces striking from the side. Bags in the curtain position are also present and both the driver and the front passenger enjoy the added benefit of bags at the knee. Systems are in place on the vehicle for the monitoring and control of both traction and stability as well as tire pressure level. The disc brakes have power assistance. The door structure incorporates beams to absorb impact, crumple zones are present to the front and rear, and the steering column is collapsible. These features, added to the high degree of rigidity in the construction of the body, make the LS an exceptionally secure sedan.

The 2007 Lexus LS 460 offers options for navigation and parking guidance technology. Together these systems add controls activated by voice, a camera to monitor reverse motion, connectivity via Bluetooth, and XM Satellite Radio. When owners choose the premium sound option they get surround sound by Mark Levinson delivered by a 450-watt unit playing across nineteen speakers. With an included hard drive and a changer in the dash capable of holding six discs (CDs or DVDs), the media options far outstrip the competition. All of these amenities combined will add approximately $6,345 to the price of the LS.

2007 Lexus IS Review

The 2007 Lexus IS 350 RWD carries a base MSRP of $35,705; the IS 250 AWD is priced at $34,285; the IS 250 RWD at $31,425, and the IS 250 RWD Manual at $30,255. The 250 models are powered by a 204 horsepower, 2.5-liter V6 while the 350 has a 306 horsepower, 2.5 liter V6. Fuel economy on the 250 AWD is 22 mpg city and 28 highway, the RWD is 24/32, the RWD Manual 20/28, and the 350 returns 21/28. The Environmental Protection Agency has certified all models of the Lexus IS with the rating of Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle II.

Occupants are protected by airbags in the front with additional bags mounted in the seats and in the curtain position. Both the driver and the passenger in the front benefit from additional bags at the knee. The IS can also be outfitted with a radar system to scan for the potential of collisions, a camera to monitor reverse motion, a system that assists with parking, and lighting in the front that is adaptive. The premium audio option is a system with surround sound by Mark Levinson playing across fourteen speakers and XM Satellite Radio is available.

The 2007 Lexus IS 350 has room for five with front headroom measuring 37.2 inches (36.7 rear) and legroom of 43.9 inches (30.6 rear). In the trunk you'll find 13 cubic feet for cargo.

2007 Lexus GX Review

The eight-passenger Lexus GX 470 SUV has a base MSRP of $46,635. Powered by a 4.7 liter V8 with 263 horsepower (an automatic with five speeds), the GX can do zero to sixty in 8.1 seconds (top speed 112.) The vehicle can tow loads of as much as 6,500 lbs. and handle payloads of 1,241 with the third row seats in place (1,329 with that row removed.) Estimated fuel economy is 15 mpg city and 19 highway on a 23 gallon fuel tank.

Occupants are shielded by a comprehensive airbag array including bags in the front, those mounted in the seats (for impact from the side), and additional bags in the curtain position deployed by technology that senses a vehicle roll over. Additional safety systems include monitoring of traction, stability, and tire pressure. There are also assistance functions for hill-start and downhill driving.

The Lexus GX 470 can feature dash trim of either light golden or black bird's eye maple. The center console, doors, steering wheel, and shift knob are trimmed in wood and leather. A DVD-based navigation system controlled by voice commands, a rear-monitoring camera, and Bluetooth connectivity are all available. The standard audio unit has a levelizer for sound and a changer in the dash with a capacity of six discs.

2007 Lexus GS 450h Review

The 2007 Lexus GS 450h has room for five and an opening MSRP of $54,900. There are two engines, a 3.5-liter V6 and a high-output electric motor. Total horsepower for the system is 340 with the zero to sixty leap taking only 5.2 seconds. (Top speed is 131 mph.) Estimated fuel economy is 25 mpg city and 28 highway.

Occupants are protected by double air bags in the front as well as by bags mounted in the seats to cushion the impact of a lateral collision. Bags are also present in the curtain and knee position for the protection of the driver and front passenger. (Rear passengers enjoy the benefit of side and curtain bags.) Systems are in place for the control of traction, stability, and tire monitoring. The doors have beams to absorb impact and crumple zones are present to the front and rear. (A camera to monitor reverse motion is also standard.)

The dash and center trim selections on the 2007 Lexus GS 450h are golden or black bird's-eye maple or red walnut. Perforated leather is used for the trim on the door and the seats with a combination of wood and leather on the steering wheel and shift knob. Optional systems include pre-collision detection, navigation controlled by voice commands, a premium audio unit, and XM Satellite Radio.

2007 Lexus GS Review

The 2007 Lexus GS easily accommodates five and is offered in three models the GS 430 RWD ($52,375), the 350 AWD ($46,100), and the 350 RWD ($44,150.) The 350s are powered by a 303 horsepower, 3.5 liter V6 (zero to sixty in 5.7 seconds with a top speed of 143) while the 430 is equipped with a 4.3 liter, 290 horsepower V8 (same accleration with a top speed of 149.) All have automatic transmissions with six speeds. Estimated fuel economy on the 350 RWD is 21 mpg city and 29 highway, on the 250 AWD 20/27, and on the 430 RWD 18/25.

All models are equipped with twin air bags in the front as well as those mounted in the seats to cushion the force of a lateral impact. In addition, bags are present in the knee and curtain position for the driver and front seat occupant. Curtain and bags to the side shield passengers in the backseat. Systems are present for control of traction and stability and for the monitoring of tire pressure. The doors include beams to absorb the force of an impact and crumple zones are present to the front and rear. A radar system for collision sensing is optional.

The dash, center console, and doors of the 2007 Lexus GS can be trimmed in golden or black bird's-eye maple or red walnut while the steering wheel and shift knob are trimmed in wood and leather. The seats are perforated leather. The premium audio option includes a changer in the dash with a capacity of six discs. Surround sound and XM Radio are available.

2007 Lexus ES Review

The 2007 Lexus ES 350 sedan carries a base MSRP of $33,460. Add $1,280 for the premium options including an interior trimmed in leather, entry via a remote, and outside mirrors that dim automatically and tilt downward when the vehicle is in reverse. Pay another $2,480 and you'll gain features such as front seats that are both heated and ventilated, windshield wipers that are climate aware, and a power cushion extender for the driver's seat.

A combination sound and navigation unit (Mark Levinson) is available for $4,050. The system's DVD-based data is voice accessible. Sound is pumped through fourteen speakers by 300-watt surround sound audio. At the top of the trim levels, the Ultra-Luxury Package ($5,380) includes amenities like a steering wheel trimmed in wood and leather with a matching shift knob, front lighting that is adaptive, and seventeen-inch wheels (alloy) with a graphite polished surface.

The 2007 Lexus ES 350 is powered by a 3.5-liter, 272 horsepower V6 that will reach zero to sixty in 6.8 seconds with a top speed of 137 mph. Fuel efficiency is 21 mpg city and 30 highway on an 18.5 gallon tank. With seating for five, the sedan has 37.8 inches of front headroom (36.8 rear), leg room of 42.2 and 35.9 respectively, and a trunk capacity of 14.7 cubic feet.

2008 Lexus LS 600h Review

Who says you can't have a luxury hybrid? Certainly not Lexus. The 2008 Lexus LS 600h features two electric motors and a dual-stage continuously variable transmission (electronically controlled) that work together with a five-liter V8 to produce 430 horsepower. The combined performance is that of a six-liter V12.

Outfitted with full-time, all-wheel drive, the LS 600h has all the hybrid street cred it needs, qualifying for certification as a Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle. That means the emission levels come in under the competition's at a whopping 70 percent.

Safety levels are ramped up via the Lexus Advanced Pre-Collision system consisting of two cameras forward augmented by millimeter wave radar. There's a third camera sitting atop the steering column that keeps an "eye" on driver alertness, redirecting wayward attention with both visual and auditory alarms. If neither do the trick, the car brakes itself and enhances the steering ratio in the event evasive driving and high responsiveness are required.

Although many hybrid powertrains are noisy and cause annoying vibrations, the LS 600h was engineered to run silent, with levels coming in a good 50 percent under conventional automobiles. In the United States only the long-wheelbase edition will be available, but that means an extra five inches of legroom for the passengers in the back seat.

Luxury convenience options include four-zone air with purification, power sunshades on the rear doors, power headrests in the rear, a seating configuration for four including a rear console (fixed) and a fold out table, as well as a rear right seat that will recline to 45-degrees (including a multi-massage functions and a footrest.)

Technologically this one is no slouch either. The LS 600h has options for voice-activated navigation, Bluetooth, XM, rear-seat DVD, and a 450-watt surround sound audio system by Mark Levinson. Additionally, the LS 600h comes in as the first car in the world to be outfitted with front LEDs for the low beams.

Expect to drop some serious change on the 2008 Lexus LS 600h. It starts at $104,715 and can run as high as $121,000 when tricked out with the options. (That's approximately $30,000 above the gas version of the same vehicle.)