Overview & Reviews

Lexus has earned a well-deserved reputation for turning out utterly refined luxury vehicles. The hallmarks of this brand are a quiet, well-crafted cabin, a plush ride and commendable performance from powerful, nearly silent engines.

Lexus began out of a desire by parent company Toyota to create a world-class luxury car brand. Groundwork for Lexus was laid in the mid-1980s, when the company began tapping U.S. focus groups in an attempt to define design concepts best suited for American consumers. Hundreds of prototypes were built and tested on Germany's autobahn and on U.S. roads.

In early 1989, the company unveiled its first two models (which would debut for the 1990 model year) -- the entry-level ES 250 sedan and the flagship LS 400 sedan. The LS 400 was lauded by both journalists and consumers alike for offering a stellar luxury-car experience, with a remarkably silent cabin, superb build quality and a refined V8 engine. At the same time, the LS was priced considerably lower than smaller, lesser-equipped, six-cylinder European rival luxury sedans.

By the early 1990s, the Lexus brand was expanded to other markets, including the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia. More models were added to the lineup, including the SC 300 and SC 400 coupes and the brand's first luxury performance sedan, the GS 300. By decade's end, the company had added SUVs (in the form of the LX 450/LX 470 and RX 300) and had sold more than a million vehicles in the U.S.

The first decade of the 2000s saw Lexus proving itself a trend setter with the launch of many hybrid-powered versions of its vehicles such as the RX 400h and the GS 450h. And by 2011, Lexus even introduced a world-class supercar, the LFA.

In the years since its inception, the Lexus brand has distinguished itself time and again in quality and reliability surveys. The brand's vehicles may not offer as much passion as some Teutonic rivals, but for drivers interested in vehicles that emphasize quality, dependability and comfort, the Lexus marque is hard to beat.

User Reviews:

• 

  Bad quality, need a major repair at only 45,000 miles - 2014 Lexus GX 460
  By Carlos Canedo - November 17 - 9:15 pm

  I AM VERY SURPRISED THAT MY LEXUS GX 460, when I took it to maintenance for only 45,000 miles, the ADVISOR told me that the car had an oil spill, that I should change the gaskets, and seals, this tells me that this type of car They are only expensive, but very ordinary, no car that I had presented this type of problem, I am very discouraged to have acquired such an ordinary car, I only have to pay for my mistake when buying a Lexus GX 460, my bill was 1,639.62,

• 

  DO NOT BUY till you read my Post - 2019 Lexus RX 350
  By Sam - January 17 - 10:39 pm

  We purchased a brand new Lexus RX350 from a dealership in South Jersey. A day after we bought it my wife was complaining about an annoying wind noise coming from the rear passenger windows. The noise gets worse as you reach speeds of 30 mph and higher. I test drove the vehicle and sure enough it is a very annoying sound. When we test drove the vehicle the radio was on and we were talking so we didn’t hear it. I take the vehicle to the Lexus dealership. The service manager sits in the rear while I drove the car. He denied hearing the noise and as I reached speeds of 40 mph it was so noticeable that even he couldn’t deny it. After taking the car into their shop for 2 hours, they come to me and tell me the technicians didn’t find any issues. I left there pissed off and disappointed with the dealer and the LEXUS brand. Now the car sits on the driveway and no one wants to drive it. Got my wife an AUDI Q7 and it’s quiet like the old Lexus cars used to be. Save yourself the heartache and pain as well as the disappointment and DO NOT PURCHASE a LEXUS. If you don’t believe me do yourself a favor and test drive the vehicle with the radio off and the salesman not running his pitch.

• 

  Squeaky Breaks - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By SQUEAKY BRAKES - December 10 - 10:50 am

  Bought car brand new. Squeaky brakes when car had 20,000 mi. Initially intermittent, then became consistent. Multiple dealer services not solved. Was told by Service Adivor & Manager common for these cars, in fact was told many new Lexus vehicles squeak and nothing can be done. What a disappointment. Were not talking about Pintos here. No vote of confidence from Lexus trained personnel. Would not recommend Lexus base on above comments from a service manager and adviser. Buyers beware. Can you imagine spending premium dollars and was told they naturally squeak? Car is still new!

• 

  In reference to another review dated 1/26/2016 - 2016 Lexus RX 350
  By Minette - November 16 - 4:29 pm

  I at this moment have my new Lexus RX 350 in the shop. I have the same complaints as the review dated: 1/26/2016: My biggest disappointment comes with the engine, it is not smooth and quiet. I also think it accelerates slowly and shifts awkwardly.

• 

  2010 RX... Big Mistake - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By Texas Lexus - November 14 - 6:06 am

  Previously owned "11" Lexus RXs & very satisfied! Extremely disappointed with new 2010! Lexus went downhill on this model! The wind noise is terrible! Sounds like front windows are always cracked open. Headrests & seats very uncomfortable. Wont cool. NO more arm rests! Interior lost most of wood trim. Glove compartment, visor mirrors & holder for sunglasses made of flimsy plastic. Horrible console design. Lid does not open fully & is awkward to reach inside. 12V & USB buried at bottom of console. Need a flashlight to find them! Awkward space under console. No illumination on garage door buttons or reading lights. Hit & miss in the dark. Backdoors part of fender wells & will not stay clean. Our 2010 will be in the dealership for a week having door windows replaced. They think it will help stop the loud wind noise! Weve had a great relationship with our Lexus dealer for many years. Too bad Lexus failed to deliver quality on this model.

• 

  Engine noise too loud - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Signman - September 9 - 10:00 am

  When accelerating the engine noise is loud and rough. It doesnt have the smoothness of a Lexus sedan. I wonder if Toyota forgot to put extra sound barriers around the engine. Paid a whole lot of money for a car that sound really cheap.

• 

  Lexus Has Fallen - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By BeachBound - August 27 - 7:00 pm

  We purchased a brand new 2010 RX 350. After a week or so we noticed the front bumper was coming off. After 3 months, the whole transmission blew on the car and had to be replaced. While replacing it, the dealer scratched up the rear bumper so badly it had to be repainted. The car is a piece of junk. After four Lexus in our family, I will NEVER touch that brand ever again!!!

• 

  Hope 2017 changes - 2016 Lexus RX 350
  By Mitchell - August 23 - 3:23 pm

  Controls difficult to see and use because theyre behind the gear shift. Nav screen is gaudy compared to prior year models.

• 

  Its a lemon. - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By KFW - July 17 - 4:56 am

  I dont understand the positive reviews of this car. The transmission alone warrants a low rating. For those complaining about the transmission, wait until you reach 15,000-20,000 miles and your car needs new brakes ($305 at the dealer, $150 at your family mechanic) AND new tires. This car is a LEMON. Lexus customer "satisfaction" is unwilling to take responsibility for it, while the service manager admitted he is seeing these cars come in early for brakes and tires. Buyers of the new GS are being warned about the early deterioration of the brakes, and ES owners are being ignored. In the past Lexus has offered repairs and rebates for recurring concerns. We bought these cars in good faith and because we trusted the Lexus name. I would like to see Lexus restore our faith.

• 

  Rumble and grumble - 2014 Lexus ES 350
  By drivesme - July 14 - 10:50 pm

  I bought my ES Feb 24 on the 26th it developed a shake/rumbling when in Drive or Reverse. The noise and shake are absolutely not what Lexus should be. The dealer tried and said nothing found on the first visit. The second try they had the Lexus rep/engineer from Atlanta look and he replaced one of the engine mounts. It was improved but still not right. Now at 4k miles the vibration and sound is getting worse. The service Mgr rode with me and called The Lexus rep in Atl who said it was normal. BEWARE test drive any ES and watch for the shake and noise. Do not buy the Lexus. I hate my Lexus and will be out of it as soon as Im not upside down.