Luxury Cars: Reviews

Updated November 2008

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Best "budget" luxury sedan

2008 Lexus ES 350

*Est. $34,120 Compare Prices

The Lexus ES 350 is priced in the same category as a host of very good sports sedans, but reviews point out that the Lexus squarely places its priority on a comfortable ride and luxury features. Its quiet cabin, plush… ride and high-quality craftsmanship compare favorably with luxury sedans that cost considerably more, prompting reviews to call it an unbeatable value for those who demand luxury rather than high performance and handling. With its 282-hp V6 engine and front-wheel drive, the ES 350 can't match comparable sports sedans on a twisting road, but it beats them in refinement and features. Like more expensive Lexus models, the ES offers optional premium sound systems, adaptive cruise control, heated and ventilated leather seats, navigation system with rear-view camera and more. Another plus is its strong reputation for reliability.

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Expert & User Review Sources:

Edmunds.com: Edmunds.com editors note that not all entry-luxury sedan buyers are looking for a sports sedan. For this "silent majority" who ...

ConsumerReports.org: Editors of Consumer Reports have a good summary review of the Lexus ES 350. Consumer Reports is unique in that it compiles data ...

Cars.com: Cars.com names the ES 350 a Best Bet. Editor Mike Hanley drives the 2007 model (virtually identical to the '08 version) and ...

ConsumerGuide.com: Consumer Guide gives the Lexus ES 350 its Best Buy rating, commenting that the ES 350 "is focused on coddling, which it does ...

TheCarConnection.Com: The Car Connection's Marty Padgett says the conservatively-styled ES 350 "handles with competence and predictability" but is ...

New Car Test Drive: New Car Test Drive's Jim McCraw says the ES 350 is "an excellent choice among luxury sedans, particularly when comfort and ride ...

Power Steering: J.D. Power & Associates offers car reviews in its Power Steering blog. Reviewer Christian Wardlaw says Lexus offers the IS for ...

MotherProof.com: Mother Proof gives insight into the aspects of new cars as they relate to everyday family life with kids. Contributor Lori ...

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Luxury car as technological showcase

2008 Lexus LS 460

*Est. $62,900 to $72,900 Compare Prices

The Lexus LS 460 is one of the most technologically advanced cars on the market, impressing reviewers and consumers alike. Among its many options is an automatic parking system, which essentially allows the car to park… itself. Most reviewers are pretty floored by this feature (though some say it encourages lazy driving). Aside from the self-parking feature, the Lexus has a ton of safety-related features, satellite radio with live traffic data, an excellent and accurate navigation system and intuitive driver controls. The 4.6-liter, 380-hp V8 engine is quiet, and reviews say the Lexus has great drive-feel and responsiveness. Experts almost unanimously applaud the Lexus LS 460, and note that although its price is obviously quite high, it comes in lower than most of its European competitors.

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Expert & User Review Sources:

Edmunds.com: Edmunds editors provide a good general review of the Lexus LS 460, ranked as one of its top recommended sedans costing over ...

Motor Trend: After accumulating 21,261 miles in a 2007 Lexus LS 460, which is essentially the same as the 2008 model, Motor Trend editors list ...

ConsumerReports.org: Editors of Consumer Reports provide a summary review of the Lexus LS 460. One unique aspect of Consumer Reports is historical ...

TheCarConnection.Com: This review is a good descriptive write-up on the Lexus LS 460 based on the author's own test driving as well as other published ...

Cars.com: Cars.com names the LS 460 a Best Bet, but editor Mike Hanley has some criticism for the standard suspension's "choppy ride" on ...

ConsumerGuide.com: Consumer Guide gives the Lexus LS 460 its Best Buy rating in the premium large car category. The review notes that the LS is ...

Kelley Blue Book: The Lexus LS models earn a spot on KBB's "recommended" list. Editors say the LS variants "represent new benchmarks in both ...

ForbesAutos.com: Forbes calls the latest Lexus LS 460 a "technological and luxurious tour de force as groundbreaking as the first LS that launched ...

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Best no-compromises luxury car

2008 Mercedes-Benz S550

*Est. $87,575 to $89,700 Compare Prices

Scoring more top picks among reviewers than any other luxury car, the Mercedes-Benz S550 is a superlative ride, with an exhaustive list of safety features and luxury amenities, either standard or as an option (except… self-parking). Unique features include an infrared night-vision system that can "see" what's ahead at night. A virtual LCD speedometer on the dashboard can also display status information and navigation data in addition to the night-vision picture. Power, handling, comfort and amenities are all excellent in reviews. Price is the main and obvious drawback, although the higher-priced Mercedes scores a few extra prestige points over the Lexus.

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Expert & User Review Sources:

Edmunds.com: Edmunds.com editors say, "For those desiring a large ultraluxury sedan that has everything and can do everything, the S-Class is ...

Motor Trend: The Mercedes-Benz S550 takes second place to the 2007 Maserati Quattroporte in Motor Trend's four-car comparison. However, Editor ...

ConsumerReports.org: Editors of Consumer Reports provide a good summary review of the Mercedes-Benz S550, which is coupled with the publication's data ...

Cars.com: Editor Mike Hanley says of the Mercedes-Benz S550, "This V-8 engine is what you might call a strong, silent type; it's powerful ...

ConsumerGuide.com: Consumer Guide gives the Mercedes S-Class its Best Buy rating. Editors say, "Ingot-solid structural integrity adds to the ...

TheCarConnection.Com: The Car Connection's Bengt Halvorson says Mercedes' S-Class cars "have a very absorbent, well-settled ride that manages to soak ...

New Car Test Drive: New Car Test Drive's Jim McCraw says of the Mercedes-Benz S550, "There isn't a better luxury car for the price produced anywhere ...

Kelley Blue Book: The Mercedes-Benz S-Class earns a spot on KBB's "recommended" list with editors calling it a "masterful vehicle" with a "smooth ...

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