Lexus LS 460

 Few cars offer a driving experience as serene and luxurious as the Lexus LS 460 and the long-wheelbase LS 460L, most reviewers agree. Redesigned in 2007, the latest Lexus LS continues to be the flagship of the Lexus fleet as the largest, most expensive and best equipped car from Toyota's luxury brand. Refined, quiet and comfortable are words that most reviews use to describe the Lexus LS 460. Many auto writers also praise the strong acceleration from the standard 380-hp V-8 engine and industry-first eight-speed automatic transmission. One source clocked the rear-wheel-drive Lexus LS 460 at 5.8 seconds to reach 60 mph. Equally impressive, many reviews emphasize, is this engine's relatively good fuel economy. EPA figures are 16 mpg city/24 mpg highway, while real-world mileage figures range from 15 to 23 mpg.

But reviewers say the Lexus does not provide the same kind of high-performance handling and confident cornering ability as most German competitors. For better handling, reviews suggest cars like the Mercedes S550 (*est. $86,700 to $89,700), BMW 750i (*est. $76,800 to $79,900) and Audi A8 (*est. $70,690 to $74,690). Each of these cars also offers a bit more prestige than the Lexus, although at significantly higher base prices. Among the many luxury and convenience features offered in the LS 460 is a much-publicized "Advanced Parking Guidance System" that allows the car to park itself. Critics say it works, but slowly and only under ideal conditions.

Edmunds.com has a well-written summary review of the LS 460, with a list of the car's strengths and weaknesses. Motor Trend provides valuable results of a long-term test in a LS 460 after accumulating more than 21,000 miles. Consumer Reports also has an informative summary review and exclusive reliability information available only to subscribers. The Car Connection has a thoughtful summary of the LS, and Kelley Blue Book gives a good review along with its recommendation. Several other top-pick awards for the LS 460 come from Consumer Guide and Cars.com, both of which provide informative road-test reviews. Forbes Autos's review is rather brief, but gives some additional insight.