Overview

Specs

Consumer Reviews of GS 450h

Lexus GS 450h Photo Gallery

Lexus GS 450h Video Review

The 2008 Lexus GS 450h is a 4-door, 5-passenger luxury sedan, available in one trim only, the Sedan. The GS 450h has a VAR speed automatic transmission, 3.5-liter, V6, 340-horsepower, hybrid engine, and is equipped with a completely new Lexus hybrid powertrain which has 80 percent fewer smog-forming emissions than the average new car. "From a stop, acceleration and low speed is all electric power. It's silent. It's eerily silent. Sometimes you think the car isn't running, but once you get going, the transition between the electric and gas [motors] is very smooth..."

 

Lexus RX 400h Overview Lexus RX 400h Specs Consumer Reviews of RX 400h Lexus RX 400h Photo Gallery Lexus RX 400h Video Review

by Alex Kramer

Pros

• Excellent acceleration
• Lexus luxury and quality
• Silky smooth ride
• Seamless hybrid powertrain

Cons

• Overly cautious handling
• All that hybrid technology sure is pricey
• Not a true fuel sipper

The Lexus RX 400h brings Toyota’s award winning hybrid technology to the realm of luxury SUVs. While most hybrids sacrifice some performance for increased fuel efficiency, the RX 400h is one of a few hybrids to offer not only increased fuel-efficiency, but also increased performance over it’s gas only siblings. Add to that the fact that all this technology is mated to the best selling mid-size luxury SUV on the market, and the result is another winning effort from Lexus.

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Thu, 18 Oct 2007, 00:06

(NewsUSA) - Whether it’s a concern for the environment or the increasing cost of fuel, more and more people are seeing the hybrid vehicle as a viable option.

Hybrid cars are appealing because they pair a gasoline engine with one or more electric motors to achieve higher fuel efficiency and extremely low emissions.

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Overview Gary’s Review Consumer Reviews Photo Gallery Specs

Better fuel efficiency…at a price in performance

by Twain Mein

Pros

• It’s a hybrid!
• Honda reputation for quality and reliability
• Head clearance and rear seat room is exceptional

Cons

• Noisy under acceleration
• Abrupt stop-start
• Boring to drive

Introduction

I was really looking forward to road-testing Honda’s answer to the Prius. I was expecting sporty handling and a peppy feel that is the heritage of the Civic line up. Boy was I disappointed.

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Overview Twain’s Review Consumer Reviews Photo Gallery Specs

Environmentally Responsible and Good Looking, Too!

by Gary Chan

Pros

• Excellent gas mileage
• Comfortable seats
• Good driving dynamics
• Quiet HVAC system kept us cool in warm Southern California

Cons

• Cabin a bit noisy due to road noise
• Engine a bit noisy when pushed
• Navigation/audio touch screen not intuitive

Introduction

I wonder what the mileage would be for a weekend road trip from Sunnyvale to Los Angeles, California? And how about with two other people and their gear? We packed up the car, and headed out on Friday, and this is what I discovered about this Civic Hybrid.

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By Alex Kramer

Pros:

• Excellent gas mileage (32 mpg average)
• Spacious interior
• Confident handling (for an SUV)
• Surprisingly powerful (for a fuel sipper)
• Seamless hybrid technology

Cons:

• Expensive for its size
• Questionable reliability (2 warranty repairs so far)
• No frills interior design

Introduction

I drove into the dealership in a sporty Ford Focus with tricked out rims and suspension. I drove out of the dealership in a hybrid SUV. Was I going nuts? Well, perhaps a little bit… but after a lengthy test drive (and the realization that I was turning 30 in a month, gas prices were going up, and I could use a bit more space) the Escape Hybrid just made sense. An impulse buy, yes, but one year and 13,000 miles later, I don’t regret the decision one bit!

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by Natasha M.

Test driving the new 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid on a sunny day through downtown streets and on the highway proved to be more pleasant than I expected. The car definitely lived up to its renowned traits of reliability and quality. But what surprised me was the new look Toyota achieved with this hybrid model. On the outside, the new look is actually more refined than the standard Camry design. The dazzling grill surprised me because I don’t believe I’ve seen it on other models and with this much extra chrome. They even carried it through to the lower bumper valance that is usually left behind.
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