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:

• 

  Over hyped - 2000 Lexus LS 400
  By Gramps42 - August 11 - 2:00 am

  Am finding this vehicle transmits road noise into the cabin (not a quite or particular smooth ride). Ride is so/so and not as good as the Rivera we owned before we bought this car. Handling is ok not stellar. Transmision is the best and smoothest I have ever driven. Engine is great. Would not purchase another Lexus as I feel that they are not worth the $ for a pre-owned. The certified pre-owned is not worth the extra $ either.

• 

  Grams fun car - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By Unique in Omaha - August 8 - 8:20 am

  Since purchasing this car 18 mos. ago with 7000 mi on it, it has been one of the most fun, reliable cars I have ever owned. My grandchildren love riding in it and I can haul my plants and flowers with seats folded down. I get so many compliments on the looks, even from total strangers.

• 

  Great Car, But Can I Have My Caddie Back - 2002 Lexus LS 430
  By JRB - August 8 - 2:00 am

  The car is amazing. Ive got 2000 miles on it now and there have been NO issues; perfect in every way. If you like gadgets and electonics, this is the car for you. And even better, everything works as it should. And did I say quiet? Oh, and perhaps I forgot to mention that the ride is like skating on smooth ice, yet sporty enough to get off the dime quickly and take a tight turn on command? Styling is nice, but not distinctive. My 94 Fleetwood had a distinctive style that stands out in the crowd. The Lexus looks like any other import. The LS430 is an outstanding car. But will my next car be a Lexus? The jury is still out...I still think about my Caddie.

• 

  Needs a few things - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By don skaggs - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Dual exhaust. A better remote start system that keeps the car running rather than killing the engine when the door is opened. Side molding for door protection. Chrome front grill. Ambient lighting for foot wells.

• 

  Done right, but missing things - 2001 Lexus IS 300
  By Biggy B - August 4 - 2:00 am

  Have had for almost 3 years, and wanted to give a lease end review. The 2001 model didnt have armrest!! Biggest complaint, by far!!!!!!! Fuel economy is horrid. Experienced alot of paint chips? Not sure...maybe bad luck, but only have 25k miles, over 3 years...not too much highway driving...I think the paint is suspect. Overall, car is very fun to drive, gas mileage isnt great, but turns heads like you wouldnt believe. P.s. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DRIVE IN THE SNOW, with the 17inch wheels....and please dont opt for the 16inch wheels!! Buy an Accord or civic if that is what you want.

• 

  Shake, Rattle, Roll - 2007 Lexus RX 350
  By Mac - August 3 - 2:36 am

  I have a 2000 ES 300 and purchased a RX 350 February, 2007.The RX has rattles everywhere. I have had the RX in the shop for over 18 days in the past 18 months. The noise and rattles are so loud you can hear them over the radio. The dealership has tried to eliminate the rattles, but they remain. The moonroof has been replaced, extra insulation added, etc. with no change. The engine noise is also very loud. The 2000 ES has over 100,000 miles and has never had a rattle, the wind noise is less and the ride and acceleration is much smoother. The ES also has more front leg room. I do not recommend this vehicle.

• 

  Its Just A Pricey Toyota - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Dennis - August 2 - 3:16 am

  Very disappointing vehicle. I was looking for an upscale car that would offer low cost of ownership. This car has been very expensive to maintain and has required some costly repairs, including brakes and rotors. Very poor lighting in the cabin at night. Even the kids complain about the lack of lights. Switches are not backlit so finding the right switch is difficult. The temperature controls are absolutely horrible. Has independent temp control for passenger and driver but there is no correlation between what you set and what it delivers. Its as though the sensor is on the outside and not in the cabin. The voice recognition for the phone is mediocre at best. Paint chipping on hood.

• 

  Lexus - 2004 Lexus LX 470
  By Pvteye - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Screen for Navigation System failed causing car to lose all electrical accessories (Heat Radio etc.) It was in the shop a week to repair.

• 

  Lemon Lexus - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By billee - July 31 - 10:00 am

  I have been back and forth to the dealership since Aug.2003 with problems such as: drivers seat noise- 4times,trans-3times,door weather- stripping-2times,sunroof motor- 1time,dash board rattle-3times and counting.plus other interior noises.I have filed a claim and will be going to arbitration in the near future.

• 

  Before You Buy Hybrid - 2013 Lexus RX 450h
  By sind - July 31 - 5:27 am

  Please dont get the Hybrid version if what you want is to save on gas. Gas required for this vehicle is Premiun, so youll pay more at the pump. The tank takes about 14 gallons and I get about 300 miles about 22 mpg. I believe "Hybrid cars" are just a trend that does little or nothing for the environment. It does Nothing for your wallet. I think the only good thing I heard about Hybrid is that theres no smog check ever. Its extremely distracting every time youre looking at that dashboard to see if youre saving any gas. I wont recommend the hybrid version.