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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  Need to be improved - 2003 Lexus LX 470
  By emp - December 14 - 10:00 am

  This is nice car to drive but over priced car. Many functions will not be used during the life of this car which are waiting money to me. It will be nice if Lexus can reduce the price.

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  And its still a 96 S-Class - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By CarLover_1 - December 8 - 10:00 am

  You would except to buy a unique and original vehicle when you aiming to spend $60K. However, with Lexus LS you always get an exact copy of 6-8 year- old Mercedes for the price of the current model. In my opinion, it’s just pathetic that the “luxury” automaker copies old competitors styles. Essentially, Toyota is meant to be cheap but reliable car and this is what Lexus is. I might have leather seats and decent audio system, but it’s still a Toyota, not a Mercedes or Jag in any way. Personally, for $60K I better get the original, that the 2-generations- behind replica.

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  Very Disappointed - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By fellst - November 28 - 2:23 am

  The car is very nice looking. It has some classy features but not many. The drivetrain is very poor. It has problems shifting very jerky. When cornering it will not shift smoothly almost like a person who cant drive a standard.

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  Like other first-time Lexus owners, disappointed - 2008 Lexus ES 350
  By swa_tech - August 29 - 9:24 pm

  Based on the opinion of a friend, purchased a 2008 ES-350 w/ 56k miles from Lexus dealer. Immediately experienced transmission shift flares, abrupt downshifts. Software update didnt fix it, transmission was replaced. Other issues not yet addressed: soft engine knock (piston slap?), timing chain rattles briefly when engine not started for several days, plenty of interior rattles, and of course paint chipping. While baffled that a car costing over $40k new would exhibit these technical issues at avg miles, I must say the dealer service (Sewell in Dallas) has been exemplary so far.

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  Sorry I bought it - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By red in KCMO - August 29 - 9:30 am

  Not really any fun to drive around town. The tranmission does not shift properly. Lots of uncertainty about what gear the car wants to be in. I am a stop and go type driver and it is very irritating to have your head snap back when the transmission finally decided what gear to shift into. I would opt for the Acura next time---- Which will be next year. Hope my whiplash is cured by then!! Dealer service dept. says (regarding the transmission problem) "You will get used to it"

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  What have I done to deserve this - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By RX330Guy - August 27 - 2:00 am

  Bought my RX330 with the thought that this car would last me for years. Thought the Lexus name stood for quality but I have experienced the following problems: DASHBOARD - The COWL rubs against the dashboard and makes popping and rattling noises. Though there is a COWL kit that now exists for this problem, it has not alleviated all the problems. I have taken my car in 4 times with no avail. Also, the glove box rattles when going over bumps. Lexus lined my glove box with felt and has helped to some degree. FAULTY TRANSMISSION Drive a loaner car and listen for the dashboard noises.

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  Lexus no more - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Lexus No More - July 28 - 2:50 am

  I purchased a 2005 ES330/new... had it in for service 4 times. The transmission always felt like it was missing when slowing down and then accelerating. Once you got going it is a very smooth ride. Apparently the design is flawed. There is a computer chip that needs to refresh, which is fine if you never yield or slow down to go around a corner. The dealership offered a new ES3 50..with extra cost... but I just purchased a 2007 530i BMW.

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  Acceleration - 2010 Lexus GX 460
  By Russ - July 25 - 10:00 am

  I have had the same issued since the date of purchase. From a stop when you accelerate the vehicle has a stall or hesitation for 2 or 3 seconds. This does not occur every time thus creates a problem for Lexus. I have complained to Lexus and gone through the hearing process which is a waste of time. The representatives from Lexus and the hearing panel drove the vehicle across the street from the hotel and around the Costco parking lot and said the vehicle did not demonstrate a problem. The vehicle has a problem!

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  MJ - 2003 Lexus RX 300
  By micjohns - July 21 - 2:00 am

  This SUV is more about looks and dependability versus comfort and roominess. We (a family of 4) feel crowded in ours. Two car seats, a diaper bag, book bag, a gym bag, a stroller in back, plus 2 adults make this SUV feel very confined. If the adults have the seats adjusted to perfect comfort levels, then the kids can barely get in the back seat. Plus, there is only one cup holder, low to the ground in the back that the kids fight over, if and when they can reach it from there car seats.

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  Horrible blind spot - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By tercot - July 21 - 2:00 am

  The 2004 models side-rear windows are narrow causing a terrible blind spot when backing out of a parking lot. Also, the rear door can only be opened with the remote key, meaning that if you are carrying things, you have to put them down and dig in your pockets or purse to find the key. Very inconvenient. This is not a female or Mom friendly car.