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:

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  Soccer mom car built to last - 2006 Lexus RX330
  By David M. - September 13 - 6:00 pm

  I bought this SUV because of the space, interior options, reliability and value. Great amount of space for mid sized SUV, I’ve moved several times to college in one trip in this car. Drives like a “Camry boat” is the best way to put it, suspension tends to get soft as it ages so most models are a little floaty. Performance is ok with the V6, AWD is good, has gotten me through several New England blizzards. Not a performance car though it handles like a truck and transmission is slow, but it can get up to highway speed with some zip after some getting used to. Resetting the ECU helps the car learn to be more responsive since the last owner was probably an 84 year old with cataracts who drives 15 below the limit. The interior options are all modern, touchscreen is dated but works great. In fact, every switch button and light works perfectly after 17 years, something you don’t usually see in an old luxury car. Toyota built the inside to last. Minor wear on seats and a decent amount on the arm rests. Dash also cracks but mine only a bit, this is a known problem in these cars and some are very bad. Otherwise interior has held up great, but my previous owner probably took great care of it. Exterior tends to age worse, at least in my state (MA). Plastic panels and covers have warped creating some noticeable panel gaps, and my paint has faded on the drivers front door where the sun hits it directly. At first glance most imperfections aren’t noticeable, but give the car a good look and they’re there. The car has an interesting style, most of my friends say I drive a soccer moms car, but they also think the car is about 7 years old, I’m okay with that. Reliability is good. Resists rust even in salt states. I have a little rust but the car stays clean with regulars washes. In 3.5 years of ownership, I’ve had 4 minor failures with the car (ignition coil, battery fuse, sunroof drain leak, exhaust support hangar) totaling less than $250 to repair. Parts are easy to get but sometimes cost a Lexus premium. Fluids and regular maintenance is cheap and easy to do yourself. Mileage is eh, I average about 18mpg overall. The car has maintained roughly the same value since purchased even with 30k additional miles. Value is fantastic, if you’re willing to put up with some minor quirks and keep it maintained, this car will never let you down.

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  An Ugly Duckling - 2016 Lexus RX 450h
  By Sandy Stasiek - December 29 - 8:04 pm

  We were going to trade in our 2010 RX-350 for 2016 model. When we first saw it we assumed that it was not finished, or was in an accident, have the Lexus designers consulted with the Mad Hatter? In our mind, Lexus always stood for understated elegance and classic lines, but no more, it is not just loud, it is plain ugly. So, we are going back to a Mercedes or perhaps will consider BMW or Audi. Sadly, good bye Lexus...

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  Bad Vision - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By J Fisher - December 29 - 2:00 am

  This car has a terrible blind spot on the drivers side rear.

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  Luxury SUV? NOT! - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By ManyCars - November 25 - 5:40 am

  Lexus calls this a "Luxury SUV." WRONG. Ive owned many luxury autos and this isnt one of them. I tried to adjust but I just sold it with 2475 miles on the odometer. Cost me money, I hated this car! The reliability and build quality are some of the best but it rode like a cattle truck and the ergonomic design was stupid. Humans were intended to occupy this thing. The worst placement of some controls that Ive ever seen. If you need to access a 12v outlet for a cell charger, etc., do it while stopped because you cant while moving. You have to remove two compartment covers and stand on your head to get to it. My son owns one a bit older and its a great car. The 2010 redesign was a bust.

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  Recent Lexus Buyer - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By G. F. Weeks - November 16 - 2:00 am

  I find the car to be less quiet and comfortable than expected. There is too much interior noise and road noise for an entry level luxury car. The motor, though powerful enough for city and highway driving, seems to strain when accelerating. Some good points include the A/C and stereo systems and ample trunk and passenger room. Overall, I find the car very average.

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  Beware of driveability - 2003 Lexus RX 300
  By shmersla - October 28 - 2:00 am

  I have 1,200 miles on my RX and have had it in for service 3 times to try to fix the tracking, alignment problem. The car will not drive down the road straight and stay driving straight as if the front and rear wheels are out of sync or camber. I have to constantly correct the car from drifting right and left. Its as though it responds to any and every imperfection or shift in the road and will drift off regardless of whether you have the wheel pointed straight. I cannot relax and cruise with this car and must keep my arms flexed and be ready for every unexpected shift in direction. Long drives are out of the question. I couldnt be more unhappy...

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  Dont Do It! - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By Linda G. - September 30 - 10:00 am

  I like driving this car. That being said: 1) tires. The car comes w/performance tires which means they are soft -- i had to replace them at 20,000 miles. there is only one replacement tire right now -- it cost over $1,000 for 4 tires. 2) reliability. a few weeks ago the car died in as i was accelerating in an intersection. it was towed to lexus who tried to fix it for 2 days to no avail. on the 3rd day the car miraculously started ... no explanation whatsoever. lexus customer service was not helpful and pitiful. i am thoroughly disappointed with this car.

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  Disappointed - 2008 Lexus RX 350
  By Disappointed - August 23 - 4:20 pm

  I had a 740il for 8 years and should have know it would be a hard act to follow. I didnt expect it to be anything like that but am surprised at the lack of quality Ive experienced. Ive had two new batteries the first month, not sure why. The driver seat is already showing wear and darkening after a short 6 months. At 10,000 miles the interior rattles began. First the dash and then the windows. Ive not been able to get these corrected after 3 attempts. The motor started making a rattling noise in the mornings. Only during the first 5 minutes then its fine. Im afraid to see what will follow as time goes on with this car so Im selling it. Perhaps good for the price but no quality here.

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  7 times in shop! - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Scott R. - August 21 - 8:20 pm

  Beware, this car is very problematic. I have 7 trips to the shop already. I would tell people to wait and buy the 2007 model. This should allow Lexus adequate time to fix all problems. This is my second GS300. I wish I kept my 2003 GS300! The headlights, head rest, dome light, back up camera and other items have been replaced. I also want to ad some have been replaced two times! When one item needs to be fixed a third time, I will begin the Lemon Law process. I just want all serious buyers to beware. The 2006 GS300 has become my worst experience ever with any automobile. I have owned or leased approximately fifteen new vehicles in my life. I wish you luck if you decide to purchase a 2006 GS

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  Looks arent everything - 2007 Lexus SC 430
  By GeorgiaGirl - August 21 - 7:26 am

  I had recently bought the Lexus SC430 and I truly hate this car. I have the rare pebble beach edition too. The first problem was that my left headlamp fell off while I was driving on the highway. Lexus said that it was due to driver neglegance. Then my power top got stuck halfway closed they did replace it. Then my alternator went bad Ive been through six already. Then three days ago my brakes let go coming up my driveway. The car is nice looking yes but its very unrealiable. Then my whole instrument panel stopped working. That cost me $1,100 dollars because it wasnt covered. I also have a Cadillac STS-V and that gets better mpg than the Lexus. Im trading this in for a most likely a Cadillac.