2012 & 2013 Lexus Sedan Reviews & Ratings

Like many of their Japanese counterparts in the auto manufacturing business when Toyota decided to go up market in the late eighties, they decided that it would be the smart move to do so under another label. The label that they chose was Lexus, Since their launch the company has risen to the top in the premium vehicle sector coming out of Japan, with their sedans, coupes and SUVs being succesfully marketed in more than seventy countries.

For 2012, Lexus offer a choice of no less ... (full review continues below)

Like many of their Japanese counterparts in the auto manufacturing business when Toyota decided to go up market in the late eighties, they decided that it would be the smart move to do so under another label. The label that they chose was Lexus, Since their launch the company has risen to the top in the premium vehicle sector coming out of Japan, with their sedans, coupes and SUVs being succesfully marketed in more than seventy countries.

For 2012, Lexus offer a choice of no less than four separate sedan models, starting from the compact range IS moving up to a choice of two medium sized sedans the ES and GS label, with the top of the Lexus sedan range being the LS.

Bearing in mind that even the most basic Lexus sedan still offer high levels of luxury car, no one should ever be embarrassed to admit that they own a simple IS sedan. The IS come with a load of class and comfort, The only drawback that could be found about the Lexus IS sedan is that it is a big car, with a fairly small engine, a 2.5-liter V6 creating 204 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque, paired with either a six speed manual or a six speed automatic transmission. That size of engine makes the IS Sedan slightly sluggish in terms of speed, but as a town car it more than excels. In terms of creature comforts, the Lexus IS has them all, although backseat passengers might have cause to complain about lack of leg room.

Those looking to add a bit of power to their Lexus IS could invest a little more and get a 3.5 liter six cylinder 306 horsepower engine that will take them where they want to go a lot sooner and also make their back account that little bit lighter.

The same engine comes as standard in the ES Sedan, which although slightly larger than IS base, get around very well. Most of that extra length in the ES goes in favor of back seat passengers and their luggage, whilst adding a few more thousands to the cost of buying the vehicle.

Next up on the list of Lexus Sedans is the GS. The GS, completely redesigned for 2012, comes as either a purely petrol version, boasting Lexus's standard 3.5 liter six cylinder 306 horsepower engine. Those who are interested in saving the environment can opt for Lexus's attempt at a hybrid. If they do they will rapidly discover that this particular hybrid creates a lot more power while doing very little for the environment. The truth is that the GS's electric motor is a lot more there for the good of the engine than for the environment, which it does by pushing power levels up to 340 horsepower.

The top of the range in the Lexus Sedan category is the LS. LS is bigger, better and more powerful than any of its lesser siblings, and almost 50% more expensive than the GS. However penny is there in value, with a 4.6 liter 357 horsepower engine pulling a beautifully designed executive sedan which will grace any driver and any setting.

Opting for any of the Lexus sedans means that the list of standard equipment is pretty rich, and there should be no need to reach for the check book for extras. Standard fare on the Lexus' list takes keyless ignition, tilting and telescoping steering wheel, luxury wood interior trim. power adjustable leather upholstered front seats, satellite radio, CD hooked up to a 13-speaker sound system, cruise control, fog lights, heated exterior mirrors, sunroof, automatic wipers, dual zone operable climate control, driver memory functions, and 17 inch alloy wheels with all season tyres among a number of other top of the range accessories.