Topic: 2010 Lexus HS 250h - So how does it drive?

[Autos_Editor]

After spending two months evaluating how the 2010 Lexus HS 250h's hybrid drive system handled a typical Winnipeg winter, contributor Haney Louka offers some of his driving impressions of the upscale brand's latest hybrid model.

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[John MacDonald]

You know this car has been out for a while now and I haven't seen one on the road yet.  Mind you I live in a city that the closest Lexus dealer is 5 hours away, but that doesn't seem to stop them from buying all the Lexus SUV's.  I remember when this first came out they did a little segment about it on Motoring and they basically said they don't see the point of the vehicle because you can get the Hybrid Camry for less and it's the same vehicle.  If it was my money I would go for a diesel (BMW if I was okay with late $40K, Audi if I want high $30K or low $40K).  The TSX might be a good option if you like the styling but a lot of people aren't fans now.  What they didn't mention was the 2.0T engine in the Audi's, which are fuel efficient and very sporty.  Personally the only appealing part of this vehicle is the reliability (which seems to be in question with Toyota products) and the resale value.

[ron]

"What they didn't mention was the 2.0T engine in the Audi's, which are fuel efficient and very sporty"

Unfortunately the 2.0T engine appears to be burning too much oil causing headaches for new owners.

The TDI engine is a great performer economy and performance wise. I am holding out for a hatchback with diesel and  AWD.  The first manufacturer to clue into this pent up demand for small AWD diesels will be rewarded.

[dboone]

Still waiting for Lexus to pony up and admit this car is a failure.  It looks too cheap to be a Lexus and it's too expensive to be a Toyota (it looks too much like the Corrola).  This is why I am yet to see one of these on the streets in the GTA.  No market for this car.

[Schmengie]

From www.goodcarbadcar.net:

'Top 3 Reasons For Avoiding: Styling appears to have been done by somebody who wondered what a Toyota Corolla would look like with a can of ugly poured on top. Nobody should want a low-powered front-wheel drive luxury car. This is anti-fun at its worst.

Alternatives: Ford Fusion Hybrid, BMW 3-Series, "finding yourself"

Base USD Price: $34,200

Ideal Owner: The sort of guy (or girl) who frequently makes unbelievable claims about his stereo, the history of her house, the amount of time she spends at the gym, his famous relative, and the fuel economy of "the hybrid I own".

Necessary Incentivizing B4 Purchase: Buy 1 HS250h, receive a penny for everybody who chuckles at you as you drive by.'

 

[Mitlov]

Refusal to lock the doors with the sunroof tilted?  That's asinine.  I, and a lot of people where I live, will lock cars with the sunroof tilted in the middle of the summer.  This prevents the car from being a sealed greenhouse and keeps the car not quite so scorching hot when you get back into it, while still giving you essentially all the security of a sealed-and-locked car.

Add in a high price tag, Corolla looks, real world fuel consumption that's "much higher" than the ratings, unpleasant ride quality over less-than-perfect surfaces, unimpressive steering and throttle response, wonky brake feel under moderate braking, and a small trunk, and I just can't see much to praise about the car. 

I think this one is a swing and a miss.

[Jaeger]

Unfortunately the 2.0T engine appears to be burning too much oil causing headaches for new owners.

That doesn't sound good - do you have any more info on this?

Jaeger

[safristi]

..."h" stand fer MAJOR HEARTBURN @ HEAD_OFFICE.......they should ROLL............ out tha Barrel of incentivastions whallsyacallits on this DEAD ON ARRIVAL............

[Ron]

Unfortunately the 2.0T engine appears to be burning too much oil causing headaches for new owners.

That doesn't sound good - do you have any more info on this?

Jaeger

Can't post links yet. Google is your friend.