Nickname: pbm

Review: BMW Japan has got to be the worst company in japan. They dont train their mechanics. they false advertise. the dealer service is terrible. the Japanese are looking for alternatives to buying a BMW in japan. As of today i am starting to see many Lexus buyers in japan. Most of the Lexus buyers in japan are x BMW Japan Buyers. Look for Lexus to take away the BMW sales.

Date reviewed: Dec 10, 2007 1:06 PM

Nickname: dohc_vtec

Review: The biggest problem here is that Japanese consumers realize that the Lexus name is just that: a name. For instance, the current JDM model Toyota Soarer has been on sale there up until Toyota's decision to market Lexus. Now, the only way to buy the same car is to head into a Lexus showroom and expect to pay a significant premium for the same car with "L"'s instead of "T"'s on the trunklid and hood. The Japanese consumer is not stupid. The only way a Lexus car will make it in Japan is if it's a brand-specific model, such as the LF-A. Since this supercar was designed specifically as a Lexus, it has appeal and is not just a rebadged Toyota.

Date reviewed: Jun 22, 2007 7:42 PM

Nickname: NickTheGreek

Review: Competition in Japan is much different than the U.S. and even Europe. First, the number of available cars/models is much higher. Furthermore, the Japanese are more attuned to smaller size cars similarly to what is happening over in Europe. Therefore, that niche market of buying a car for show off purposes will be led by foreign cars rather than Japanese cars. I am a Toyota person, myself, and I am in love with the Lexus brand. I have to say, though, that both Lexus and Toyota are falling behind rivals as they always seem to launch new models after their rivals and also their cars are too conservative. And let's face it, the 20-25 year-old Toyota owner of today will be the 30-40 year-old Lexus owner of tomorrow.

Date reviewed: Sep 6, 2006 7:49 AM

Nickname: paul_90009

Review: In "Lexus" there is L, U and X. "Lexus" and "Luxury" sound like they go together. That's the initial promise and the job Toyota did in the US was to prove that Lexus keeps its promise. What really counts is that you have to have a promise to start with. To assess the relative failure of Lexus in Japan we need to have an understanding of the "promise" (subliminal or otherwise) that was made to the Japanese consumer. What does the word "Lexus" conjure up for your Japanese Joe Public?

Date reviewed: Feb 17, 2006 2:47 PM

Nickname: risaric

Review: I echo all of kitzler's comments about a vehicles's attributes! We are owners---first time, of a Lexus--- it's an RX 400h. It's a fantastic automobile in every way!

Date reviewed: Feb 17, 2006 11:21 AM

Nickname: BilldaCat

Review: "Looks are important, but only initially" Nonsense. Some American cars will always be beautiful and the drivers of them always appreciate this. Try buying one of the many beautiful domestic autos and learn a thing or two about driving! I have several cars and two of them are more than 10 years old and both are beautiful GM vehicles!

Date reviewed: Feb 16, 2006 7:18 PM

Nickname: kitzler

Review: Only two parameters distinguish one car from another. First is reputation or image. Second are the amenities, especially inside the vehicle. Looks are important, but only initially. After a year or so, you like the car not because it looks sharp, but because you like the way it drives. Problem with GM and Ford are tarnished reputations that will take at least ten years to overcome, can they wait that long?

Date reviewed: Feb 16, 2006 3:45 PM