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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  Does it get any better than this? - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By aldog - June 21 - 2:03 pm

  After owning a CLK 430 and an SL500 I cannot imagine buying anything else.This car is better than the new SL..faster from 0-60,smoother ride..more wood..bigger tires and $25,000 less. Lexus has found a way to take the very best of Jag and Mercedes and make it better.After driving my SC430 now for 3 months,I like it more now than the day I bought it.

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  Mine is a Lemon! - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By Mike Park - June 20 - 5:20 pm

  My GX 470 has had and continues to have problems with the navigation, radio, rear camera, console. It is currently at the dealers for the third time - 11 days so far - still they are not able to diagnose and or fix the problem(s).They have replaced the radio head twice without fixing the problem. It is probably time to ask for a new one or have them refund my money.

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  Love it! - 2010 Lexus RX 450h
  By NoDuplicates - June 20 - 12:30 pm

  I went from a Lexus IS350 to the RX450H AWD. I was hung up on performance, but there is no comparison. Utility with MPG was my need for the long term. I got a lot more. The car drives like a dream. There is plenty of power for normal city and highway driving. However, dont expect to floor it at a light and whip ahead of the car on your left. Its not built for this but it can do it if you want to shoot the MPG to hell. On the highway, throw the trans left into manual and downshift to 4th gear for extra passing power. Comfort is king, fit and finish are perfect. Good ergonomics, handles well with 19" rims on curves. Instrumentation beautiful and relevant.

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  Lives up to high expectations - 2010 Lexus RX 450h
  By Dave - June 20 - 10:00 am

  With 5,000 miles on the car now, Im averaging about 28mpg. The lowest tank average occurred driving through the mountains on vacation with a loaded car at about 25 mpg and I have gotten around 30mpg on normal driving around town. I had very high expectations for this car when I chose to buy it and it has really beaten my expectations with pure comfort, exceptional ride quality and enough technical gadgetry to keep me occupied on long drives. It certainly is not a sports car, but for its size, the handling is very good and the engine and CVT transmission is a perfect match. I also live in a very dark area and the adaptive headlights are bright and extremely helpful at night.

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  Great Car! - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By brandonm3 - June 20 - 10:00 am

  I was looking to buy a car and mentioned I was shopping to my parents. They had this 2004 ES330 that was sitting in the garage and asked me if I wanted to buy it from them. I know they took it in for every servicing, its never been beaten on and always spotless. The price they offered me for it was too good to pass up. So, I am now the proud owner of a silver ES330. Ive been a BMW driver over the last 10yrs. (E36-M3, E46-M3, couple of 325is - xi and is, 328i, 745i and even a 76 - 2002!) but i have to say that the only thing i dislike about my ES is the soft suspension. its super quiet, decent power and looks great. im sold on the brand and will prob buy another one next time!

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  Goodbye Acura - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Paul - June 19 - 7:43 pm

  Driven Honda/Acura since 1986. Looked to buy RL/TL & Infiniti M35 but this car sold me, even above the GS. Hot style (finally), cool ride and luxurious all around. Sure a different feel than TL or M. But as I get older the fun of driving comes from the roominess, ease and support of having the car do more for me....and at a great price. This car is contemporary and leads the pack and for me, it also reminds me of the days as a kid when Caddys and Lincolns made heads turn by its smoothness, plushness and power. Except the ES 350 has more to boot with its Levinson and Premium package to awe you.

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  Lexus did it again! - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By CMac - June 19 - 7:00 pm

  I just bought this car about 6 months ago, and I havent regretted it for a second. Its reliable, but still plenty of fun to drive. It handles curves extremely well at 60 mph+. Surprisingly, it handled very well in rain and snow, even though it only had highway tires on it. Traction could be better, but snow tires should remedy any slippage problems. No small feat considering were talking about Salt Lake City winters. It accelerates well considering it only has 215 bhp. I have gotten plenty of looks and compliments on the car. Road noise is minimal, its actually possible to carry on a conversation without yelling to be heard. The E-shift system is nice, but somewhat hard to use in a turn.

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  You only live once!!! - 1995 Lexus LS 400
  By Karl - June 17 - 11:26 am

  My brother in law had a new one and I drove it a couple of times and thought if I ever have the opportunity to own a luxury car, this will be it. Finally 10yrs later, we needed a car and had the cash. Mine has the factory sticker in the glove for $54k. I paid $10k from a private owner. After a 100 mile drive your body feels like you drove 5 miles. Driving 90mph in driving rain and feeling totally in control is what this car is all about. Mine has built in k40 radar detector and I feel like a new man every time Im behind the wheel. My wife and I call her Christine (Possessed car movie). If you research the engine like I did, youre sold. Hands down, the finest luxury car engine (1UZFE) ever made.

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  A Dream SUV To Own - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By M. L. Klein - June 17 - 6:36 am

  Everything about this vehicle makes it a dream to drive. It is a luxurious SUV with thoughtful additions that make driving a pleasure. I like the features for the radio on the steering wheel and all the cup holders are well placed. Everything is automatic from the wipers to the steering wheel movement. It is an extremely comfortable ride too!

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  Have owned mine since it was new - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By fyrcat - June 17 - 4:57 am

  I had owned my 1999 rx 300 since it was new. I currently have 78000 miles on it. No problems until I hit 65000 miles and my transmission went out. My dealer here in the SF bay area wanted 6500.00, so I shopped around and found an independent tranny shop who did it for 3500.00. Other than that, I love this car! I have never held on to a car for more than 6 years, but I still adore my Lexus. I just repaired the leather on the drivers side that ripped from 13 years of in and out. Otherwise both the interior and the exterior look great. I am hoping to keep her for 2 more years, and when ready to replace her, I would buy another Lexus in a heartbeat.