2008 Lexus GS 450h

*Est. $54,900

Pros

Better mileage than standard luxury sedans
Full array of features and options
Powerful gas/electric engine

Cons

More expensive than other hybrids
Relatively low mixed-driving mileage

Our Analysis

Perhaps because of its price, the Lexus GS 450h hybrid car isn't reviewed by as many sources as cheaper hybrids. Still, we consulted Consumer Reports, ConsumerGuide.com and Edmunds.com, all of which provide detailed information and rankings of hybrid vehicles. The Lexus is also the subject of an in-depth review by Road & Track magazine.

Reviewers say the Lexus GS 450h hybrid car is in a class by itself, offering performance on par with its non-hybrid competition, while at the same time allowing owners to express their commitment to the environment. The Lexus GS 450h's mixed-driving fuel economy of 23 mpg isn't impressive when compared with other well-reviewed hybrid cars like the 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid (*est. $25,350) or the 2008 Toyota Prius (*est. $21,100), but it's good compared to luxury sedans with V-8 engines, which typically get between 15 and 20 mpg. Standard features include heated seats, rain-sensing wipers, a navigation system, satellite radio, leather seats and a 14-speaker hi-fi sound system. Also, with its combined 340 horsepower from its hybrid gas/electric engine, the Lexus doesn't compromise on power.

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2008 Lexus GS 450h

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2008 Lexus GS 450h

Our Sources

1. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe

Consumer Reports road-tests the Lexus GS 450h, giving it specific ratings in various performance criteria. The most valuable parts of Consumer Reports' ratings are its projections on customer satisfaction and reliability based on subscriber surveys.

Review: Guide to Today's Hybrid Cars and SUVs, Editors of Consumer Reports, Dec. 2007

2. ConsumerGuide.com

Consumer Guide offers a brief overview of hybrids, and lists the lineup for 2008 with links to individual reviews. Editors rate vehicles for a number of performance factors, but results are presented in numerical charts which are harder to read than the more narrative reviews on other sites. When rated against other midsize cars, the Lexus is merely average in most aspects, but it rates particularly well when it comes to a quiet ride.

Review: 2008 Lexus GS, Tom Appel, June 2008

3. Edmunds.com

Editors at Edmunds.com call the Lexus hybrid "potent" and "quiet" with an excellent interior. Downsides include compromised trunk space and the high price tag. Although it gets a high rating overall from editors, fuel economy is below what many people expect of a 'hybrid.'"

Review: 2008 Lexus GS 450h Review, Editors of Edmunds.com

4. Road & Track Details/Subscribe

Road and Track is about 60 percent done with its long-term test of the 2007 Lexus GS 450h. Elfalan praises it for a good service record so far, although it has logged $940 in maintenance costs over only 21,258 miles. This real-world test makes it clear that the loss of luggage space for batteries is a major inconvenience.

Review: Long-Term Update: 2007 Lexus GS 450h, Jonathan Elfalan, May 2007

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