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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  Everything good but transmission - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By Kelvin - March 5 - 10:00 am

  I love everything except the slow- respond, not-smooth transmission. This is not what I expect from a Lexus. Sometimes its getting so annoying that I hate my car. Other than that, everything else is soooooooo nice.

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  We like our ES - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By Romer - February 26 - 9:00 pm

  My wife had never heard of the ES300 model. She had her mind set on a C class Mercedes. We test drove the C class and she was all disappointed. Took her down the street from the Mercedes to test drive the ES and it was love at first test drive. For a car that sells for under $35K, it is better equipped than some of the other MFRs that have their models for 10K more. The ride is amazingly comfortable. Everything is automatic. The seats are great and the sound system - even the base system - is awesome. The power is not great which they took care of in the ES330 model and the transmission seems to have a mind of its own. The CVT tranny takes the fun out of driving it.

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  Disappointment - 2007 Lexus RX 350
  By William R Lundholm - February 25 - 8:00 pm

  Very poor riding vehicle on long drives. Just did a 1500 mile trip from FL. to Boston. Was torture. Could not wait to get out of car at end of day. Most all on route 95 so very few poor roads. All tar strips and road imperfections transferred into seat pan. Seats very pretty, but not supportive enough. Seats are for small people. Seat pan not large enough. I am a little over the size of average person. Good for errands and short trips. Would not buy another one. Good gas mileage. Will sell in less than a year.

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  rear door not user friendly - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By E. Lynette - February 24 - 10:00 am

  rear door swings open into traffic. Window does not open/close. No way to leave door open for an extra long load. must have at least 4 behind vehicle to open door.

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  1999 Lexus RX 300 - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By EAC - February 5 - 3:36 am

  Great SUV. No Major problems besides an oxygen sensor needing replacement. Acceleration is not great and fuel economy is not great either. Fuel consumption got worse when I bought new tires. Only dislike is that servicing is expensive and dealership cuts no breaks even for long time customer like me.

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  Lexus RX review - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By aanderson - February 4 - 10:00 am

  My vehicle has not been as dependable as I thought a Lexus would be. However, it is a quality vehicle but costly to keep maintained.

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  2010 rx 450h hybrid - 2010 Lexus RX 450h
  By cosgrove6345 - January 31 - 11:58 pm

  I bought this car after careful review from all the usual sources. I am very pleased with my new red car. Comfort package and all the bells and whistles. I studied the reviews and surmised that the way you drive the car dictates the mileage you will get. So no quick starts and using the cruise control when ever possible and averaging 28 mpgs! I live 6 miles from work and drive to mountain bike on the weekends and am getting over 400 miles per tank. You really have to take it easy and enjoy the car to get this but it is achievable .Love the complete voice activation for everything. Just read the manual and you are on your way. Very comfortable and a joy to drive.

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  Incredibly Mediocre - 2007 Lexus GS 450h
  By BLS - January 27 - 10:13 pm

  I bought this after 3 BMWs and did so because service is so awful on BMWs in Southern California. Lexus service is truly amazing and so far ahead of any other car type that it is hard to believe. However, this car is like driving down the road on a jello square. It handles loosely, and because of the continuously variable transmission it feel like you are driving a motor boat more than a car.

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  Expected Better - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Ray Boucher - January 27 - 9:50 pm

  Bought the car as a certified unit at 18K miles. Rattles in the dash and drivers door almost immediately. Loud knocking from injection system (Im told) when the engine is cold. Parts of the car sound "tinny" when bumped or doors are shut hard. Poor lighting inside and particularly in the rear seat area. Console storage is poor due to unusual access method. The door panels and door sills should be something other than plastic which is easily marked during entry and exit - carpet would be nice - not up to the quality of design I expected from Lexus.

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  Solid 4 Season Vehicle - 2000 Lexus RX 300
  By bmicak - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Excellent handling in snow and ice without having to shift into 4WD. Good power and acceleration for a heavy vehicle. Very Comfortable with a resonable amount of room. Good balance of size, power and economy to run. Vehicle is well thought out and a pleasure to drive.