The 2010 Lexus LS ranks 2 out of 6 Super Luxury Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 107 published reviews and test drives of the Lexus LS, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The Lexus LS offers one of the finest interiors available anywhere, and an options list longer than any of its major rivals. It’s powerful, but clearly trails European rivals in driving excitement.  In May, Lexus announced that it was temporarily halting sales of the LS due to a glitch in the car’s steering system.  Sales are expected to resume in June.

In the rarified class of Super Luxury Cars, every car does most things very well. Still, the Lexus LS has a distinct personality within that group. The only non-European entry, it offers the quietest, smoothest ride, the longest option list, and, to some reviewers, the most luxurious cabin. However, it can’t hold its own against its German rivals as a performance car.

The LS is driven by a powerful V8 engine (reviewers love its rumbling exhaust note, but you can only hear it from outside the car), and is available with a sport package that includes paddle shifters and a re-tuned, firmer suspension.

The LS is an outstanding highway cruiser and a lavish place to spend a commute, not an Autobahn-storming rival for Germany’s flagship sedans. For many, that will make it the best choice — the LS may be the best of the group at the things most owners need their car to do each day.

And its interior is simply opulent. All super luxury cars offer supple leather, but some reviewers say the grade of upholstery found in the LS is actually a step up from what other manufacturers build into their six-figure cars. Its cabin technologies also raise the bar, including what may be the best sound system available in a car, period.

But perhaps the most important note in its favor is the car’s value — the LS has the lowest starting price of any super luxury car.

Other Cars to Consider

Driving enthusiasts will want to consider the sharp-cornering BMW 7-Series, or the physics-defying Porsche Panamera, at this price point.

In terms of luxury, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a fitting rival, with its exemplary Drive Dynamic multicontour seats (they’re optional), and some reviewers say the Audi A8’s interior boasts craftsmanship equal to the Lexus.

Details: Lexus LS

For 2010, Lexus has made minor exterior changes — but even experienced auto writers say they’re hard to spot. A new sport package is offered, but while reviewers say it clearly firms up the car’s suspension and makes it sharper in the corners, it still won’t turn this car into a BMW.

The LS is available in a well-equipped base trim and extended-wheelbase 460L trim. A hybrid model, the LS 600h, is reviewed separately.

Be sure to check for current Lexus deals that may be available on a new LS.

• “LS base prices start below those of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Audi A8. It is less sporty and more comfort-oriented than those German rivals, but Lexus’ flagship is a Best Buy choice for its power, refinement, standard features, and optional gadgets.” — Consumer Guide
• “Lexus has been mildly – one could even say tepidly – updating many of its 2010 models with slight design revisions and new content to keep them fresh. The LS flagship gets some of these same tweaks, the most significant of which is a new Sports Package for rear-wheel-drive models that includes an upgraded suspension, 19-inch wheels and a unique body kit.” — Cars.com
• “The Lexus LS line may be the quietest, most serene luxury car available. It offers an excellent combination of comfort, space, quietude, and features. It’s also the most electronics-intensive luxury car we’ve ever experienced and, if it weren’t a Lexus, that would give us pause. The LS 460 offers all anyone might want in a luxury car, and at a price that cannot be considered exorbitant.” — New Car Test Drive
• “A top choice for a luxury sedan thanks to its blissful comfort, exceptional refinement and value. Maintaining the Lexus LS line’s reputation as an all-star are such exemplary traits as a silent and super-smooth ride, commendable engine performance, stalwart reliability and undeniable value among competing large luxury sedans.” — Edmunds
• “Lexus’s LS-series sedans have long been highly regarded for their effortless ease, brilliant silence, and impregnable build quality. They’ve also been disparaged for being somewhat soulless. Technology lies at the core of that praise and that criticism.” — Car and Driver

LS Performance – 8.8 (Very Good)

The Lexus LS is remarkably smooth, and requires little effort to drive, even in extended-wheelbase trim. But the car’s designers clearly had a different set of priorities than the engineers behind most of its European competition. The LS is a luxurious highway cruiser with more than enough power for any driving situation, but it lacks the sporty character of most Super Luxury Cars. A new Sport package adds a bit of fun, but still can’t match what BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi offer in this class. Read More

LS Exterior – 7.7 (Good)

Lexus has made subtle updates to the sheetmetal of the LS for 2010, but the car is still an obvious descendent of the first Lexus, the LS400 that appeared more than a decade ago. It’s one of the most conservative-looking cars in a field filled with conservative cars. A new sport package makes the look a bit more aggressive, with a muted dark grille and lowered side rocker panels — but the LS has always emphasized a quiet sense of presence more than a bold sense of style. Read More

LS Interior – 8.8 (Very Good)

You may be impressed with other aspects of the car, but you buy a Lexus LS for its opulent cabin. Lexus cars are known for their fine interiors, and the LS is at the top of the Lexus lineup. Its standard interior is lined in supple leather that some reviewers say is softer than that found in other six-figure sedans — but buyers who aren’t impressed can upgrade with interior options like a built-in refrigerator, Alcantara headliner and the best sound system found outside of a Rolls Royce. Read More

LS Safety – NA

The federal government has never published the results of any crash tests performed on the Lexus LS. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has performed only a front-impact test, but gave the LS its highest possible score. The LS offers a full suite of safety technology including a class-leading 11 airbags, and a new telematics system that will automatically contact emergency services in the event of an accident. Read More

LS Reliability – 10.0 (Excellent)

The 2010 Lexus LS reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power’s automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). In May, Lexus announced that it was temporarily halting sales of the LS due to a glitch in the car’s steering system.  Sales are expected to resume in June. Lexus covers its cars with a four-year/50,000-mile basic warranty. Like most luxury car builders, Lexus offers services beyond the standard warranty, such as roadside assistance.

The 2010 Lexus RX 350 ranks 1 out of 17 Luxury Midsize SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 56 published reviews and test drives of the Lexus RX 350, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

For 2010, Lexus has redesigned its RX 350 crossover, making this the SUV’s third generation. The new model doesn’t represent a radical change — instead, Lexus has refined one of its best-selling vehicles by adding a few needed elements to keep it fresh and modern.

Reviewers say the RX 350 continues to offer one of the best combinations of powerful performance and interior luxury in its class. Changes for 2010 include a sleeker exterior, more spacious interior, a new six-speed transmission and double wishbone rear suspension, and five more horsepower for the V6 engine. “The RX is comfortable and especially stylish inside, with good cargo capacity and Lexus dealer’s reputation for superior customer service,” says BusinessWeek. “Crossover shoppers could do a lot worse.” Test drivers especially like the added horsepower and six-speed transmission, which make for stronger acceleration.

Overall, the RX 350 is an even more refined car than before — and, at several thousand dollars less than its competitors, it’s one that might be worth it for loyal buyers of Toyota’s luxury brand. In fact, the RX 350’s good value makes it our 2010 Best Luxury Midsize Crossover for the Money.

Details: Lexus RX 350

The RX 350 comes in front- or all-wheel drive. It’s also available as a hybrid, the RX 450h, which is reviewed separately. Though its gas mileage is substantially higher than the RX 350’s, the hybrid also costs nearly $5,000 more — so it would take many years to offset its price premium in fuel savings.

• “The new model is easy to drive, has a refined cabin and is available with a host of high-tech features. I like the RX, and I continue to after driving this new model as it’s well-suited to the needs of the U.S. luxury-crossover buyer.” — Cars.com
• “It’s a hugely competent car for people who don’t care about driving. Lexus continues to distill the RX down to the ultimately perfect luxury crossover, great if you’re into that kind of thing, but we are not.” — Jalopnik
• “For people seeking refinement in a vehicle that boasts all the trappings of fine living with none of the crass exhibitionism of huge bling-mobiles, the RX holds considerable attraction.” — Popular Mechanics
• While it’s unlikely the neighbors will be able to detect that the 2010 RX is all-new or that it’s crammed with about as much tech as the International Space Station, don’t worry — once behind the wheel, you’ll easily discern that the new model is the most impressive RX yet.” — Truck Trend
• “There are certainly more entertaining, attractive and powerful ways to transport five people and their weekend getaway gear, but that’s never been what the RX is about. Simply put, it’s about the destination, not the drive. And because of that, the RX will continue to define the segment without ruffling the feathers of public’s consciousness.” — Autoblog

RX-350 Performance – 8.4 (Very Good)

The RX 350’s extremely smooth ride, powerful engine and excellent fuel economy earn it high praise for performance. “Delivering a comfortable driving experience is critical in the luxury crossover segment, and the RX is successful on this front,” says Cars.com. “Available with either regular or Sport suspension tuning, the 2010 RX has a new double-wishbone rear suspension that Lexus says improves handling performance.” Some reviewers note that the RX 350 isn’t much of a driver’s SUV — but then again, that’s not what it’s built to be. Read More

RX-350 Exterior – 8.0 (Very Good)

The 2010 Lexus RX 350’s sculpted, curvy exterior is updated only slightly for this year. It continues to be well liked by the critics and scores well within its class, bested only by the Audi Q7 and Mercedes-Benz M-Class. “There were some serious lines added to the new RX models, as well as a sports suspension package, to help Lexus try to lure more male buyers,” says the Detroit News. “The new look sharpens the crossover, while allowing it to keep its iconic profile.” Read More

RX-350 Interior – 8.8 (Very Good)

The 2010 Lexus RX 350 earns praise for its comfortable seating, clean dash layout, and overall quality. “Inside, the redesigned RX impresses with its intelligent use of space, cleanly elegant design and sharp controls,” says Road and Track. “Passenger room is generous, with seat and telescoping steering column travels accommodating the largest of drivers. Every expected amenity is provided and then some, plus two notably well-executed new options.” One of those new options is a navigation system with Remote Touch, a surprisingly easy-to-use controller that’s similar to a computer mouse. The second option is a heads-up display that projects navigation directions, audio information and vehicle speed on the windshield. Read More

RX-350 Safety – 9.9 (Excellent)

The 2010 Lexus RX 350 performs admirably in government crash tests and insurance industry tests. The RX comes with many advanced safety systems, including Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution. Read More

RX-350 Reliability – 9.0 (Excellent)

The 2010 Lexus RX 350 reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power’s automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The RX 350 comes with a basic warranty that covers four years or 50,000 miles

A True Movie Experience

Kevin James and Friends

No sooner did I give them the “green light” but it seems all of Hollywood arrived! Set guys, lighting guys, camera crews, loads of “assistants”, tractor trailers trucks, miles of cable, electricians, carpenters and more …it was truly transformational… and transform they did! You see this movie plot called for several scenes in a truly ultra high-end exotic vehicle showroom, (This place even had a bar!) the ultimate “Auto Toy Store” if you will. Sprinkled among the set, were several carefully positioned rare and classic cars…Rolls Royce, Mercedes-Benz, Maseratis, Lamborghinis, a McLaren, Bentley’s, Maybach, a Porsche or two… and more. A car guy’s heaven!

The shooting and festivities went on for a few days…our Herb Chambers Lexus General Manager, Giovanni Tosti, and yours-truly even managed to be “extras” in a scene or two! I can only hope that we both don’t end up “edited” on the cutting room floor… no matter, we’ll look forward to seeing this hit when The Zookeeper premiers next year! And remember, at Herb Chambers… when it comes to your dream vehicle… We’ve Got It!

Sincerely,

Before

After

Herb Chambers – The value of confidence

Workers want a leader they can believe in

By Elizabeth Cooney, Globe Correspondent

HERB CHAMBERS WAS in the middle of expanding his car sales business when the recession hit, but he kept right on going with plans to open new dealerships and expand others. Now Chambers is hiring, and employees are glad they’re at a company that’s growing while their industry is gasping.

When the climate is gloomy, employees want company leaders to offer confidence, communication, and a sense that a bright future is being built.

Workers at these companies believe their professional fate is in good hands:

Herb Chambers Cos.: Twenty-five years ago, it wasn’t the norm for an auto dealer’s service department to wash the cars before returning them to customers, but Herb Chambers did it. “My feeling was a clean car always ran better than dirty one did,’’ said Chambers, head of his namesake business.

This year, going against the grain meant completing $50 million in new facilities. It’s that kind of thinking that has allowed Chambers auto dealerships to grow while other dealers are struggling or even closing down.

That sits well with employees, especially in the high-pressure world of auto sales. “I think it gives our people a great deal of confidence,’’ Chambers said. “They feel good about our company. They believe they are in the right place.’’

One after another, Chambers employees surveyed for Top Places cited the boss himself and the company’s growth as reasons for their satisfaction.

Not that Chambers has escaped the recession entirely. Sales are down 19 percent this year compared to last year, when the expansion was planned. But national numbers are down even more: from 30 to 34 percent.

“We never had a doubt about the future,’’ said Michael Hannafin, service director at Flagship Motorcars, a newly refurbished Chambers dealership in Lynnfield. “He’s a guy who believes in what he is doing. That trickles down.’’

Hannafin said Chambers recently pulled aside a manager who had reorganized a parts department, saying he wanted the rest of the company to copy the system. “You can’t measure what that does for an employee,’’ Hannafin said. “That guy was on cloud nine and the rest of his team was motivated, because he was singled out in a positive way by the CEO of the company.’’