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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  Dealer wont take insurance for 10k mice! - 2006 Lexus LS 430
  By V12COUPE - April 2 - 5:10 pm

  The car is pretty, quick, very flashy with the 18" chrome alloys and gold paint, mileage in city for me 11-12 mpg. Mice got into the interior ate the leather! $10,000 to replace! dealer said they wont deal with insurance companies! what? $64k on a top line car and this? they should have said that on purchase day and I never would have purchased it! I have a 91 bmw 850 cherry so this cars power and stability to me isnt great!

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  Mixed Bag - 2007 Lexus RX 350
  By K JG - April 1 - 8:43 am

  My wifes vehicle, replacing her 02 RX 300. Positives include a far more powerful V6, with the guts the RX 300 lacked. Interior design is not as nicely appointed as the old one (Coach Edition). Steering is too low-geared, although the turning circle is improved over the RX 300. The handling exhibits too much sponginess, body roll, and understeer. The stereo is excellent, and the ride very smooth and quiet except for the annoying rattle in the dash! This, frankly, is very disappointing, as there is some rattle that appeared at about 5K miles, giving the impression of poor build quality, and not Lexus. Will have the dealer see what gives, but not encouraging in a new car.

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  The very good and the not so good - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By Jack Johnson - April 1 - 1:06 am

  Let me start off by saying this is a very, very well put together car. Its fast, quiet has great electronics and the build quality is top notch. Very good gas mileage for such a strong V8. No rattles or squeaks. What it is not is exciting to drive. If you like the old American Caddy ride, this it the best ever. If you want to feel the road, have some steering wheel feel and be able to corner, this is not the best choice. If I had a driver, I would love to sit in the back. For those who like driving dynamics, you may prefer the Euro cars.

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  Love Everything, EXCEPT... - 2013 Lexus ES 300h
  By murphy50 - March 17 - 6:26 pm

  Ok, everything is great, except the darn front seats. The front seat cushion side bolsters dig into my hips and thighs. It gets annoying and makes me want to dump the car. Last years model had fantastic seats for the butt. I am not fat - in fact I am skinny and tall, and in my early 40s. If you have a slightly larger than average butt, you better sit in this awhile. I do not like it and mad that I have to "get used to it" I want everyone to know that this is something to look at, and what I consider a design mistake

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  Best car Ive ever owned - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By grisch - March 17 - 10:00 am

  You have to understand the Lexus ES300 is the first non-American car Ive ever purchased, so I may not be the best judge. Nonetheless, it is clearly the best car I have ever owned. I traded in a Buick I thought I loved and have never regretted it. I also test drove a Mercedes, a BMW, an Acura, a Cadillac CS and a Lincoln LS. In the end I still bought the Lexus. The ONLY thing I can say that the others had over the Lexus is exterior design. The Mercedes and BMW are "classier looking and the Cadillac is just more interesting looking.

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  Mostly better, but interior brain burps! - 2007 Lexus LS 460
  By archiefriend - March 14 - 3:20 am

  Mostly better than LS430. Most important, much stiffer spring rates allow still supple ride, but much better roll resistance, and much less lean in turns. Bridgestone Turanzas give vastly superior dry and wet handling. Engine much more powerful and responsive. Interior ergonomics disappointing. Placement of gear shifter much too close to dash, requiring awkward access to buttons for AM/Sat, FM, and CD. Why does the car over-ride selected air-recirculation when in reverse, allowing exhaust gas to enter cabin?

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  The RX 300. - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By KD - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Steering SUCKS, Car has the ever so FAMOUS Glove box rattle, and some other noises that just arent worthy of the 44K price tag (out the door.)The goodyear Intergerity Tires Look LIKE and are CRAPPY. The car rides very nice, is pretty quite, but has developed a front end Squeak that seemingly cannot be fixed @ 22K miles. It has been a good car, but the V6 LACKS the power that can be purchased elsewhere for the +40K we paid. IE, INFINITY, JEEP, Mercury! We like the car but it is ?able @ 44K.

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  The RX 300. - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By kd - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Steering SUCKS, Car has the ever so FAMOUS Glove box rattle, and some other noises that just arent worthy of the 44K price tag (out the door.)The goodyear Intergerity Tires Look LIKE and are CRAPPY. The car rides very nice, is pretty quite, but has developed a front end Squeak that seemingly cannot be fixed @ 22K miles. It has been a good car, but the V6 LACKS the power that can be purchased elsewhere for the +40K we paid. IE, INFINITY, JEEP, Mercury! We like the car but it is ?able @ 44K.

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  Former BMW Devotee - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By daisyduke - February 27 - 2:00 am

  Am I the only one who bought the 5M? Most of these reviews are for the E- Shift, which I test drove but LOVE the five speed. This car handles better than my BMW 325 did, and has more power as well. I almost bought a 330i, but after test driving the IS300 decided it was a bargain, several thousand less and more basic equipment. Fun to drive through twisty turns!

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  Satisfied - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By DJ IMPACT - February 25 - 10:00 am

  The center console does not have an arm rest, fortunately those who purchased or plan to purchase the 2002 model will have the center armrest to enjoy.