Ford North America’s luxury car brand was always perceived as a direct equal to near neighbours Cadillac. Nowadays, however, Lincoln is increasingly chasing a younger market – its typical buyers, in normal with many prestige brands, are ageing then one needed to be completed to address that – which shows by its current portfolio of models.

The Aviator is directed at the lucrative ‘bling-bling’ market who desire something as large and subtle as a rapper’s choice of jewellery, whilst the LS is a sports saloon targeted at those whose status in society has outgrown a hot Ford, but who don’t wish to leave the household with the blue oval since it’s crest.

For traditional Lincoln buyers there continues to be Town Car, however the days of that model is possibly numbered: Ford would really like traditional buyers of this car to migrate to a different family product, the Jaguar XJ sedan.

When Lexus first arrived, the business’s rationale ended up being to provide an equivalent model towards the S-Class Mercedes-Benz.

This is the latest incarnation of this original model. Having a sophisticated, smooth and near-silent V8 of 4.3 litres and 278PS power output, driving out via a superb 6 speed sequential automatic transmission. Suspension is similarly highly developed, providing a near perfect mixture of handling and ride.

The gear levels are excessive that they are in another league to anything your competition offer, including air-conditioned vibrating seats along with a navigation package with integrated rear-view camera system – the fully-loaded car is cheaper than an entry-level Mercedes S350.

Lexus’s reaction to the raft of high-priced, luxury off-roaders which have appeared in the last five years, RX300’s slightly ungainly looks conceal an incredibly competent performer both on and off road.

Engine choices really are a 3.0 litre straight six or perhaps a 4.0 litre V8, each of which offer smooth performance and sufficient horsepower to fulfill most tastes. Upcoming for later 2004 is a hybrid variant, the very first time than a petrol-electric power unit – offering considerable gains in economy and improved emissions with yet smoother performance – has been manufactured available in this sector.

It will likely be interesting to determine if buyers of those substantially-sized machines could be persuaded to get some green credentials.

Firmly established as a middle-executive car, the GS includes either a 3.0 litre straight six or perhaps a 4.3 litre V8 under its understated bonnet – hence the nomenclature.

Originally perceived as a ‘wannabe Mercedes’ the model has risen above such jibes, to represent excellent value, allied to some level of client satisfaction that everybody else aspires to.

The conventional car is aimed at comfort instead of driver satisfaction, however for those not ready for the ‘old fart’ experience a sports suspension package emerges. Interior appointments are fantastic, and include possibly the best audio package in any standard production car under $80,000.

Essentially a larger version from the IS200 and targeting the BMW 5-Series, the IS300 is powered with a silky-smooth 3.0 litre straight six engine which pumps out a good 211PS; sufficient to waft the four-door saloon from standstill to 100kph in a whisker over eight seconds, as well as on to a lot more than 230kph.

In common with its smaller sibling the accent is on sporty driving, and handling doesn’t disappoint – as well as in common with IS200 the vehicle can be had in sedan or Sportcross sporting estate forms.

Transmission is auto only, but this is often controlled by up or down-shift buttons installed on the controls. A superbly-equipped cabin satisfies the expectation of owners.

Offered in both sedan and Sportcross (five door hatch) variants, IS200 requires a pop at BMW’s class-dominating 3-Series – and scores a bulls-eye.

A crisp and free-revving six cylinder engine, two litres and 156PS, is matched for an equally sharp chassis using a clean-shifting six-speed gearbox to an all-independent suspension system that endows the vehicle with superb handling and road holding.

Clean, understated looks exude feeling of quiet, understated class, and accommodation is nice. The best facet of the IS200 may be the sense of driver involvement; despite wear and tear and despite being Alan Partridge’s chosen mode of transport the vehicle continues to attract and hold its appeal.

Targeting a Mercedes product, DC430 is gunning for the SL350. Power is in the silky-smooth 4.3 litre V8 giving out 282PS and connecting through the six speed sequential transmission also found in the LS430, and also the suspension is tailored for provide sharp handling without punishing both occupants.

In the push of the mouse the car changes from metal-roof hard the top to the roadster, and in normal with all other Lexus models the amount of standard devices are excellent, in the Mark Levinson sound system through to high-grade leather upholstery along with a standard navigation system. Also it does all this for about $80,000.

Toyota had a problem in late 1980s, its products being regarded as reliable but unexciting – particularly where the American market was concerned. Your decision was come to launch a totally new brand which may allow the corporation to build up a new selection of up-market cars and also the first true Lexus, the LS400. arrived in 1990 to great acclaim.

There are now a half dozen different clusters of models, which share the vision of high-quality engineering that is a match for the better if European makers will offer, together with standard amounts of trim and equipment unmatched by rivals.

The recent decision to consider Toyota’s Prius-developed hybrid technology (to appear soon in the RX range) is a bold one, indicating that Lexus has managed to move on from as being a ‘me too’ brand to one with intentions to innovate within its marketplace.

Over the years the flagship model has bigger and bigger, and today’s model is a truly imposing bit of hardware.

Understanding the car’s place in the market intimately, its marketing team initiated a policy of rolling out special editions (something of the tradition inside Land Rover) like the Westminster, which includes metallic black paint, soft leather trim, along with a wealth of electronic hardware targeted at making the cabin probably the most luxurious place possible.

The engine to possess is the 4.4 litre V8 with electronic auto-shift transmission; this gives comfortable town driving, yet will even deliver the best power once the going gets tough.

Offered in semi-convertible and station wagon body shells, Freelander has been given a make-over through the design team, with a brand new lights, grille, badging, along with a freshened-up interior.

Tailored for meet the demands of those that want the mixture of a sporty machine but one which remains capable off road, Freelander’s best driveline package may be the 2.5 litre V6 petrol.

This offers dreadful economy in comparison with the common-rail diesel, but comprises for it having a lively feel. Despite its high ride height Freelander acquits itself well on bends, and cruises comfortably too.

Newly announced, the 3rd generation of the mid-market contender from Land Rover is constantly on the represent great value, particularly as residual price is so good.

The diesel with manual transmission, which provides good economy and excellent towing performance, is easily the most popular option from the list of accessible driveline combinations. The inside of the car continues to be completely revised and it has a dean, uncluttered appearance.

The familiar rear stadium seating and raised rear roof section are carry-overs to the new model, because they were at the top of a list of desirable features that attracted existing owners – as was the command driving position and enormous glass area.

Another component of the Ford empire – but nonetheless firmly rooted in its home in the English Midlands – Land Rover has already established a good year. The newly introduced Discovery 3 (sold as LR3 in some markets) continues to be well received, and it is Range Rover remains the favoured 4×4 from the top end from the market despite stiff competition from such companies as BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche.

The number is structured into four sectors, using the entry-level Defender and it is variants continuing to satisfy the demands of farmers and foreign aid charities, and also the Freelander providing stiff competition to many Japanese marques targeting younger driver.

Don’t expect anything radical in the brand; it knows what its market expects and the way to build the vehicles to satisfy that demand.