Transportation
Car Review: 2015 Lexus RC350 Coupe F Sport
By Frank S. Washington
NNPA Columnist
DETROIT (NNPA) – For years Lexus sold vehicles on the strength of the brand. Build quality was outstanding, fit and finish was almost perfect and its customer satisfaction became an industry benchmark. But during our week-long test drive of the 2015 Lexus RC 350 Coupe F Sport, we were hailed several times by drivers who told us they loved the way the RC looks. The bottom line is that Lexus finally has a car that earns it street creds, not just brand admiration.
The RC is a 2+2 coupe with a compact cabin. It had fender flares and body contours etched with sweeping lines. The roof bulges slightly but that is to accommodate taller drivers and passengers. In fact, the car really didn’t feel cramped; it was very spacious and there was plenty of headroom.
Lexus borrowed from its IS and GS sedans to create a new platform for the RC. The wheelbase was 107.5 inches, overall the car was 184 inches long and 54.9-inches tall and 72.4 inches wide. The headlamps sat high on each side of the spindle grille which was more pronounced on our test vehicle. The LED formed an angular L that has become Lexus’ signature frontal look. And Lexus also used LED lamps in the taillights with lens technology that gave them a sparkling effect.
There are three trim line of the RC: the RC 350, the RC 350 F Sport and the higher performance RC F. We had the sport and it was more than enough car for everyday driving. You might want to consider finding a garage for the rear-wheel-drive coupe when snow starts hitting the ground.
The RC F Sport is more of an appearance package since it has the same engine as the RC 350. Still, its 306 horsepower V6 engine provided more than enough oomph. It made 277 pound-feet of torque and it was mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Though less power than the 467 horsepower V8, our test car made up for it in fuel economy. The car had an EPA rating of 19 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway and 22 mpg combined.
The F Sport had four drive modes: Eco, Normal, Sport S and Sport S+. The car will adjust the suspension, throttle response and the electric power steering according to what drive mode is selected. It will even adjust the air conditioning. The RC 350 F Sport had rear-wheel-steer. It enhanced handling and gave the car a sure treadedness. The coupe was responsive, it cornered well, the suspension ranged from firm to stiff, depending on the drive mode selected, and the Lexus RC was very easy to drive.
Unlike a lot of performance coupes, the interior of the 2015 RC 350 F Sport didn’t feel like a cocoon. It was spacious, there was plenty of headroom and the car could be used as an everyday driver.
Part of its sports package was 19-inch, 10-cross spoke wheels. But that was just the beginning. Our tester was equipped with a sunroof. It had a navigation system, Bluetooth, satellite radio, a backup camera with cross traffic alert. Once, it even alerted us to pedestrians crossing our path as we started to back up in a parking lot.
The car had park assist, adaptive cruise control, voice commands, aluminum pedals and carbon-fiber patterned interior trim. It was very comfortable. And considering the style of car, the price seemed very reasonable.
Our 2015 RC350 Coupe F Sport had a sticker of $54,720.
Frank S. Washington is editor of AboutThatCar.com.
###
car reviews
Black-Owned Banks: FDIC Data Reveals Shocking Truth #shorts
FDIC data reveals the truth about Black-owned banks: they’re vital for minority lending, but their numbers are declining. Discover the impact in this must-watch #shorts.
The 6-hour stat is a myth, but where deposits go is real. As of March 31, 2026, there were 24 Black-owned banks, down from 48 in 2001. MDIs lend more mortgages to minority borrowers in lower-income areas. #AutoNetwork
🔗 Watch the full video: https://youtu.be/JjNiyzGQjnA
#BlackOwnedBanks #FDIC #FinancialInclusion #CommunityLending
car reviews
2026 Defender 130X: Is The $110k SUV Worth It? #shorts
Is the $110k Defender 130X worth it? Consider entry and exit challenges for passengers before you buy this luxury SUV. #AutoNetwork
Before you buy this $110k vehicle, test the entry and exit. With multiple handles, the high seating position can still be a challenge for some family members. Check with your passengers first! #AutoNetwork
🔗 Watch the full video: https://youtu.be/8HFPFmqpCdg
#Defender130X #CarReview #SUV #OffRoad #LuxuryCars
car reviews
Mastering the Used Car Market ep11
Buying a used car can be a smart wealth-building move for Black buyers. Learn the ins and outs of the used car market in this episode.
Buying a used car isn’t settling for less. For a prepared Black buyer, it’s one of the smartest wealth-building moves you can make.
In Episode 11 of The Color of Our Money Is Green, host Roosevelt Gist and co-host Roosevelt break down the used car market from start to finish. Kelley Blue Book says many new cars lose 20 percent or more of their value in the first year. The first owner absorbs that loss. A prepared used car buyer keeps it.
You’ll learn the four places to buy a used car: franchised dealers, independent lots, certified pre-owned programs, and private sellers. We explain what the FTC Buyer’s Guide in the window really means, and why it can override your sales contract.
Then we walk through the five-step research plan to finish before you ever contact a seller. Set fair market value, pull a vehicle history report, check open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, compare ownership costs, and get pre-approved by a Black-owned bank or credit union. That last step matters even more on used cars. Experian found used car loans averaged 11.19 percent in the second quarter of 2026, compared with 6.35 percent for new.
Finally, we cover the independent inspection, the 30-minute test drive, and a word-for-word negotiation script that uses your inspection report to bring the price down.
Our Green Book Moment spotlights Banister Ford of Marlow Heights, a Black-owned dealership in Prince George’s County, Maryland.
Get the book, “The Color of Our Money Is Green: A Buyer’s Guide to What Cars Actually Cost,” at stan.store/RGist.
This episode is for education only, not legal or financial advice. New episodes drop every Tuesday. Your money is green. Know what it costs.
_______________________________________________________________
AutoNetwork helps serious car shoppers inspect any new vehicle online before walking into a dealership. I’m Roosevelt — I’ve been reviewing cars and shaping digital car buying and credit union auto leasing since before YouTube car reviews existed.
You’ll find detailed walkaround reviews, POV test drives, and buyer-focused breakdowns covering comfort, space, features, and real-world value.
How to use the channel:
Watch the walkaround of the car you’re considering
Visit AutoNetwork.com for the full review
Check CouponsOffersAndDeals.com for current dealer specials
Walk in already knowing what you want — and what it should cost
🌐 AutoNetwork.com
💰 CouponsOffersAndDeals.com
Affiliate disclosure: some links earn a small commission at no cost to you and help support the channel. Insta360 is one of those partners.
car reviews
2026 Defender 130 X Is It Worth $110,110 for Your Family?
Is the $110K Defender 130 X the ultimate family SUV? Roosevelt dives into its comfort, capability, and whether it’s truly worth the price.
Is the 2026 Defender 130 X worth $110,110 for your family?
Roosevelt examines the comfort, capability, and everyday compromises that matter before you buy this luxury SUV.
Finished in Gondwana Stone with an Ebony Windsor leather interior, this Defender brings a distinctive look and a substantial price. Its 3.0-liter six-cylinder mild-hybrid engine produces 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.
My driving impressions include good acceleration, a comfortable and supportive driver’s seat, and good ride quality. However, I also noticed wind noise around the windshield pillar and outside mirror. A highway test drive deserves a place on your shopping checklist.
Inside, we examine the optional second-row captain’s chairs, passenger access, third-row seating, and usable cargo space. The third row does not fold into a flat floor, so bring your stroller, luggage or measurements when evaluating whether this Defender fits your needs.
Getting in and out also deserves attention. The vehicle sits high, and its grab handles may not solve the entry challenge for every passenger. I explain why your regular passengers should try it before you commit.
We also look at the ClearSight digital rearview mirror, 13.1-inch touchscreen, and parking-camera system. Extended viewing of the digital mirror made me feel dizzy; your experience may differ.
Air suspension, terrain settings, and the listed towing package add capability, but how much will you actually use? With supplied fuel ratings of 16 city, 20 highway, and 18 combined mpg, ownership costs belong in the decision.
Watch for practical checks you can use at the dealership, then tell me: would this Defender fit your daily life?
Subscribe to AutoNetwork for vehicle reviews that help you make informed buying decisions. Like, share, and follow for more advice from Roosevelt before your next purchase.
______________________________________________________________
“The Color of Our Money Is Green: A Buyer’s Guide to What Cars Actually Cost” — stan.store/RGist
_______________________________________________________________
AutoNetwork helps serious car shoppers inspect any new vehicle online before walking into a dealership. I’m Roosevelt — I’ve been reviewing cars and shaping digital car buying and credit union auto leasing since before YouTube car reviews existed.
You’ll find detailed walkaround reviews, POV test drives, and buyer-focused breakdowns covering comfort, space, features, and real-world value.
How to use the channel:
Watch the walkaround of the car you’re considering
Visit AutoNetwork.com for the full review
Check CouponsOffersAndDeals.com for current dealer specials
Walk in already knowing what you want — and what it should cost
🌐 AutoNetwork.com
💰 CouponsOffersAndDeals.com
Affiliate disclosure: some links earn a small commission at no cost to you and help support the channel. Insta360 is one of those partners.
car reviews
Car Takeoff Hesitation? Daylight Test Drive Guide #shorts
Car takeoff hesitation? A daylight test drive can reveal visibility issues and charging pad interferences. Watch the full guide to get your car running smoothly!
Trouble with takeoff hesitation? Perform a daylight test drive and observe visibility from your usual driving position. Make sure no cards or keys are left on the charging pads. #AutoNetwork
🔗 Watch the full video: https://youtu.be/jxHcleGKCuE
#CarTips #Driving #TestDrive #CarMaintenance
car reviews
The Black Bank That Survived the 1893 Panic #shorts
Despite the 1893 Panic, True Reformers, a Black-owned bank, was the only institution in Richmond to remain open, cashing every check.
During the financial panic of 1893, True Reformers, a Black-owned bank, was the sole institution in Richmond to remain operational, honoring every single check. #AutoNetwork
🔗 Watch the full video: https://youtu.be/JjNiyzGQjnA
#TrueReformers #BlackHistory #FinancialHistory #1893Panic
Black-Owned Banks: FDIC Data Reveals Shocking Truth #shorts
2026 Defender 130X: Is The $110k SUV Worth It? #shorts
Mastering the Used Car Market ep11
2026 Defender 130 X Is It Worth $110,110 for Your Family?
“Money, Power, and Respect,” (SEIU) President April Verrett
Car Takeoff Hesitation? Daylight Test Drive Guide #shorts
Your Vote Matters…Protect Your Freedoms!
The Black Bank That Survived the 1893 Panic #shorts
Why A Black Bank Started From A House #shorts
Defender ONE-on-ONE: U.S. Rep. Christian Menefee
Latest Massacre in Haiti Reveals Cruelty U.S. Deportations
The Youngest American Killed in the Vietnam War
OPINION: Nolan Wells’ Death One of Several Signifying Racial Terror Lives on in U.S. South
Passing for White, Fighting for Black America: The Courage of Walter White
OP-ED: Haiti TPS: Have We Lost Sense of Humanity?
OP-ED: If AI Is the New Language of Power, Then NAN Wants Black Communities Fluent
OP-ED: How Does Your State Rank for Pre-K?
Henry O. Flipper: A Trailblazer at West Point and Beyond
NFL: NFC Preview | The Rams will NOT make the Super Bowl
Asm. Smallwood-Cuevas’s Bill Repealing ‘Racist’ CalWORKs ‘Man-in-the-House’ Rule Clears Legislature
Black-Owned Banks: FDIC Data Reveals Shocking Truth #shorts
2026 Defender 130X: Is The $110k SUV Worth It? #shorts
Mastering the Used Car Market ep11
2026 Defender 130 X Is It Worth $110,110 for Your Family?
“Money, Power, and Respect,” (SEIU) President April Verrett
Car Takeoff Hesitation? Daylight Test Drive Guide #shorts
Your Vote Matters…Protect Your Freedoms!
The Black Bank That Survived the 1893 Panic #shorts
Why A Black Bank Started From A House #shorts
Defender ONE-on-ONE: U.S. Rep. Christian Menefee
-
Black Press5 days agoA $2.1 Trillion Wellness Industry Never Built a Daily Practice for Black Children. So This Atlanta Family Did.
-
Black Press7 days agoZakiya Jendayi Arrested, Locked Out of Home by Sheriff’s Deputies
-
Black History7 days agoListening as a Lifeline: A Doula’s Witness to Black Maternal Health
-
BlackPressUSA3 days agoLatinas Deserve Equal Pay. Unions Help Make It Happen.
-
Black Press5 days agoCOMMENTARY: But God!
-
Black Press7 days ago‘We Don’t Talk Trash — We Pick Up Trash!’
