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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  Can never go wrong with Lexus - 1998 Lexus GS 300
  By STLMO - August 1 - 3:50 pm

  Purchased this vehicle in 03 with 34K miles. It has been a great car. Ive only had to replace the tires and a couple of turn signal bulbs. It looks outstanding, and the features in a 98 vehicle will compete with most 05 vehicles. Everyone loves our car, and are very surprised to find out how old it is. The styling is wonderful. The tranny is a little sticky going from 1st to 2nd, but then it is smooth sailing. You better keep an eye on your speed, because it is easy to cruise with without realizing how fast you are going. This vehicle does not get the gas mileage it should however, and it is not wonderful in the snow. Overall, we have been very happy with it. Would love an 06!

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  vw tradein - 2016 Lexus NX 200t
  By djo - July 25 - 8:51 pm

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  Sweet, serene luxury - 2002 Lexus GS 300
  By omegadoug - July 22 - 2:00 am

  My frame of reference, my last car, was a BMW 3-series so I definitely miss the handling. But had I wanted a car that handled perfectly, I would have gotten a BMW. I opted for the Lexus because it offers the silkiest, smoothest ride of anything Ive driven. Another 75 hp would make this car near flawless, but not at the premium required to get a 430.

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  GX 470 - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By cgandy - July 18 - 4:56 am

  Was previous owner of BMW X5. This car is better in these areas: Sound system, climate control, NAV, smoothness of ride, handling in snow, general comfort, roominess, quietness of ride, no rattles, rear camera, reliability. I liked the X5 better in: handling, braking, PDC, gas mileage, sportiness, looks, nibleness/quickness off the line. Both are good cars, but Ill take the Lexus for value and all-around usability. It tows better too because the size is better suited for it.

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  GX470 much more than RX300 - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By pjh - July 18 - 2:00 am

  The RX300 was a great car, but the GX470 is a great SUV. We love the smooth ride and handling. Not much bigger than the RX300, the GX offers many many more features. Navigation is impressive and DVD is great for kids. Rear door a little awkward to open. The rear climate control is only functional from the back seat. Its a bit of a gas guzzler - but still worth every penny!!!!!!!!

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  Almost perfect - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Jay Chen - July 7 - 10:00 am

  This is a extremely nice and well balanced SUV. Its quite, smooth, drives like its on butter, yet never leans or floats around corners. I love the in-dash CD changer and the muscular, angular styling. The leather seats are perfect in every way, theyre supportive, easy to adjust, have memory and heating features. Ive driven it for over four months now and we have taken it on several highway trips. Although its nice and smooth for two people, the interior space limits its use as a family highway cruiser.

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  Rusting and peeling paint - 1998 Lexus LS 400
  By Lexus owner - July 5 - 7:10 pm

  2 inch rust bubble at the drivers side roof meets the windshield. The paint is peeling at two places on top of the rear bumper. I have to check if these items are covered by warranty but I doubt it. I never expected these items to happen to a Lexus. I live in California. The air conditioner is also weak even though it has been recharged and checked. I had to cut the factory floor mat as it was too close to the accelerator even with the tabs. The floor mat would depress the accelerator. The engine gunned once and I saw the floor mat against the accelerator. I sent in a complaint but got nowhere. Check your mat. Bad gas pedal design as the mat cannot slide under the pedal.

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  Squeak - 2006 Lexus ES 330
  By shaynew - July 5 - 2:10 pm

  I like the car, but am disappointed with my drivers seat. Every time I accelerate or slow down the seat lets me know it by emanating a loud, annoying squeak. It sounds like there is a spring broken in there or when pieces of styrofoam are rubbed together. I have taken it to the dealer 6 times and they even replaced the seat once, but they cannot fix the problem. It is so loud that even blasting the excellent radio does not help. I spend a lot of time in my car and this problem makes me want to trade the car.

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  RX #2 - 2017 Lexus RX 350
  By BEN GUIDOTTI - July 4 - 4:49 pm

  i HAD A rx 350 2011 SO THE CAR IS VERY MUCH THE SAME

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  Good solid vehicle both on & off road - 2003 Lexus LX 470
  By Bill Graham - July 4 - 4:39 am

  Towable 4-wheels down - roomy but definately not a boulevard cruiser. Body roll is a problem & the rear seats are not all that comfortable...it is basically a truck ride with a fair amount of road/wind noise at speed.