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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  Great Car - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By F. Nobbee - May 12 - 10:40 am

  I love this vehicle, but my kids hate it, they dont have the space like they had in the LR3, but we dont use this as our family vehicle. It is a lot better on gas and I got this as a steal so it was hard to pass up especially with the unpredictable gas prices. Sporty look is great, a features are fine. I havent taken it on a road trip yet but probably wont (Ill use the minivan). This car handles great and has a lot of features that are not standard in other vehicles. I bought this one used so let see how it stands up to the Lexus reputation of quality and endurance.

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  Ideal for wife - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By pocketsoft - May 12 - 10:00 am

  The car is very comfortable, and has complete set of luxury features. Small truning radius makes it easy to park. 5 speed transmission is very smooth and responsive. Gadgets are well defined and easy to read. Low cabine noise and soft suspenssion make ride very pleasant.

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  Slightly Disappointed but Good Overall - 2011 Lexus RX 350
  By kpetree - May 8 - 6:23 pm

  I previously owned a 2004 RX330 and I wish Id have kept it. The older Lexus models felt to have some personality, these new ones dont, theyre like appliances. The RX is a nice place to be however, its one of the most comfortable riding cars Ive ever been in. But thats not enough to make up for its shortfalls.

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  Good commuting vehicle - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Brad - May 8 - 12:05 am

  On the highway this is a great riding car and has been very dependable. My only complaint is that the transmission is very jerky. It always hesitates when you accelerate. I read the same complaint from others before I purchased it used in 2015 and find it to be annoying.

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  Transmission, brakes, tires and rattles - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By mike - May 6 - 7:56 pm

  I have had transmission problems from the beginning and at every 5000 mile check I have complained to the dealer. No help from them. Brakes are bad and two separate rattles have developed, one in the dash and one when the moon roof is open. The brakes are bad at 23,000 miles as are the tires which I am told need replacing.

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  Reliable Luxury - 1997 Lexus ES 300
  By V Gianotti - May 2 - 12:13 am

  An older albeit slightly outdated style but comfortable and reliable. Plenty of room for an average person but may be a bit cramped for a larger adult. Seats are comfortable and firm and the vehicle is solid and sound. Road noise is non-existant and the stereo is excellent. Overall an excellent vehicle for anyone who wants luxury and reliability without paying top dollar for a newer car.

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  Should buy MDX F/L , biger, better design in side, - 2011 Lexus RX 350
  By jamgari - April 28 - 3:24 pm

  Like all cars there is a good thinks and not good ones. in this model i can say Lexus could do more inside of the car, design is so cheap with dashboard , at least Lexus should remove that ugly grey color of metal look. under arm glove department is so uncofy to reach since some [violative content deleted] designer decided to open it only half way, u have to open it with right hand and get what u want with left. plus space under ur right foot is for what? cant freaking reach it anyway.

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  Terriblly uncomfortable seats - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By Laura G - April 24 - 6:50 pm

  I picked the new RX trying to get better fuel economy and for more comfort for passengers. The fuel economy is just ok. Highway I am getting 24.5. City 18.5. I was getting 18.5 in my V-8 4-runner. So I gave up my nice V-8 torque for basically the same fuel economy. This is no family trip mobile. It is terribly uncomfortable. I am 5 foot 9 and average weight... maybe if you are petite it would be ok. My legs tingle and go to sleep while driving on long trips. My back is hurting still from our 10 hour ride back from vacation.

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  Sportcross - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By Bertrand - April 9 - 3:43 pm

  Just bought a black on black Sportcross and I am really enjoying it. Handles and brakes better than anything else with this much cargo flexibility (bar none). All it needs is a low pressure turbo or supercharger and it would run with an M3.

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  Engine noise - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By llgf - April 8 - 10:00 am

  While ideling in the cold, there is an engine noise transmitted to the passenger compartment. It is quite disturbing and Lexus says it does not know the reason for the noise. Very disappointed