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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  First Time Lexus Owner - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Pepper - April 30 - 5:00 am

  Purchased a pre-owned 330 with 5000 miles. Very good overall vehicle. Thoroughly enjoy long drives and the sense of watching your travels on a large plasma screen when you nestle in the front seat and enjoy the window and roof views.

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  Perfect... Even after the Crash - 1997 Lexus ES 300
  By Okus1984 - April 29 - 8:43 am

  The car was orig. bought at 115k in 04 by a relative. She totaled it out this winter. I bought it from her, and put work into it myself. The car looks brand new now. (only cost me $550 in parts) Even after the crash this car drives like new! Its fast enough to get up and go. The gas mileage is great! Its comfortable to drive. Its been on numerous 8 hour road trips. I love Lexus. I have owned a Sc400, Ls400, 96 ES, and I have a RX300. I love Lexus! No wonder they are the TOP Luxury Car company in America! BTW nite and day difference from the 96 and below ES.

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  Beautiful and fun to drive IS300 - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By David Nguyen - April 28 - 2:00 am

  Great looks, handling, and performance.

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  Proven faster than an M3 - 2001 Lexus IS 300
  By Max SPek - April 28 - 2:00 am

  No regrets other than not holding out for the manual transmission. with no upgrades 0-60 is 6.35 on mine, which edges out my friends stick M3 from 1999 by about a second. The best part is, it goes way faster than the Beemer, 165 MPH and the doors start opening up with vacuum pressure so i didnt try to go any faster. The A/C is automatic contrary to the editors beliefs and if anything feels like a corolla its the little twitchy German crap buttons on the M that require you to carry a set of pencils to press accurately.

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  snow - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By beebas1 - April 28 - 2:00 am

  very bad in the snow

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  Whodve thunk it ! - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By stureis - April 28 - 2:00 am

  In all my years of driving (Im a senior citizen) I NEVER thought that I would find a car that would make me happier than my BMWs-----I was wrong. I traded in my 98 740IL for my new Lexus with trepidation. I loved my old BMW---but, finding the new I-drives less than user friendly, I drove the new Lexus LS430 sedan. One look/drive and I was SOLD. My one and ONLY complaint was that I had to wait almost 4 months for delivery---My fault for getting the car of my dreams exactly how I wanted it! Great dealership too!

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  Close enough to flawless to nitpick - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By myckey - April 28 - 2:00 am

  Great handling for non-sports car. Michelin energys dont cut it; needs snow tires. Mileage dissapointing 19- 20MPG city/highway combined. GPS awsome and Mark Levinson stereo even better. Those who object audio controls on GPS screen are crazy; much better and easier than fiddling with dials located below line of sight. Get the xenons, which make a world of difference at night. Cant say enough positive about dealer. While there are better looking cars, faster cars and better handling cars, all within the same price range, I bought this car for the luxury, quality, service and value, and what the heck, my wife liked it and it is her car.

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  Best handling car in its category - 2001 Lexus IS 300
  By Don-corleone - April 26 - 4:40 pm

  Well, the Is 300 is a pure blast to drive, thanks to great steering feedback, wonderful braking components, and strong handling. The 2Jz-Ge is unfortunatly underpowered compared to the comptetition (G35, 330) but nothing that a Turbo cant fix. Yes it is the same engine as the Supra. Car was over engineered from day 1, thus quality is 0 to none...01models as mine dont have some of the better refinement as 02+ like armrest, monochromatic rearview mirror, memory seats, Gps, manual tranny...well I had to go aftermarket.

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  GS 300 - 2001 Lexus GS 300
  By TJ1 - April 26 - 10:00 am

  What can I say. Its a Lexus! I am not in the least bit disappointed. It handles like a dream and is quick, safe and comfortable.

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  ES300 - 2000 Lexus ES 300
  By awesome - April 26 - 10:00 am

  excellent power and handeling. very reliable and comfortable. rides on air and breaks well too. seats five adults comfortably