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:

• 

  JP - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By Ashok Vamsi - April 26 - 10:00 am

  During my first month of owning Lexus ES 300, I am real happy for the comfort, convinience and luxary interior of the car. Few people that I know says this is exactly like Toyota camry and money I paid was waste, but I dont agree with them. Few other friends said why didnt you buy Honda Odessay for that price. I belive buying Lexus is a better choice than paying sticker price for Honda Odessay. Top of the line Honda Odessay costs slightly more than Lexus. I bought my Lexus for $ 32250.00 which includes premium package including Highdensity lights and 6 disk changer. I really enjoy the ride.

• 

  Luxury and Performance - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By bigredman - April 26 - 10:00 am

  This car is sweet. It has excellent styling, inside and out. The attention to detail is unmatched in its price class. I definitely recommend the leather, steering wheel and wheel upgrades. Additionally, it handles very well. The acceleration wont break your neck, but it is decent. The navigation system and Mark Levinson stereo are added touches well worth the additional expense. I like the CD magazine under the drivers arm rest.

• 

  Mixed review - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By erin - April 25 - 11:53 am

  Great deal of comfort smooth quite ride with fuel approx. 28 mpg. Lower mpg on highway. Largest complaint Tires wear out at a much greater rate than any car I have previously owned. Checked alignment etc. to no avail a constant issue. Also have had two batteries!

• 

  Overrated! - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Michael - April 25 - 9:33 am

  This car is overrated. We got it loaded, and that was a big mistake. All of the extra technology features, such as the bluetooth, the nav, voice recognition, and the DVD are all total junk. The bluetooth sounds terrible and is unusable. The voice recognition does not function. The nav is nearly impossible to operate--my $125 Garmin is better. The AC is not nearly strong enough for the weather in Austin which is actually not that hot compared to other parts of the south.

• 

  True touring sedan - 1999 Lexus LS 400
  By tb7600 - April 25 - 3:10 am

  This is a true touring sedan -- fast and smooth -- stylish -- reliable -- comfortable. This is my second LS 400,owned a 94 model and 99 model. It will be very hard to sell me on another make besides Lexus. If you want a sedan that does it all, this is your car. From 80 mph to 140 mph this car is amazing. The traditional sedan owners are totally unaware of the LEXUS !!!!!!

• 

  Best Rig on the Road for the NW - 2000 Lexus LX 470
  By Doug in Portland - April 24 - 11:40 pm

  Ive had my Lexus for 4 years. Its my favorite vehicle I have ever owned out nine. I feel safe, secluded, pampered, yet enjoy the capability in the snow and off road of the NW. I put 295/75/16 BFG All Terrains on it, and it looks sweet. I will probably never sell it, as it has everything I need and like. A heated seats, a center locking diff, suspension adjustment, sunroof, killer stereo, etc. The size is perfect too, such that you can park it with ease unlike a Suburban, Escalade, or Sequoia. And it fits in the garage with room to walk around it. The new one looks great, but until they make it with 25 -30 mpg there is no reason to upgrade. Buy a 99-02 model and youll be happy.

• 

  Cool looking and fun to drive - 2013 Lexus CT 200H
  By danupsman - April 24 - 9:28 pm

  Weve logged several hundred miles on local road trips so far. It would seem with just 140 or so HP that it would be sluggish up hills but we havent found that to be the case. Its surprisingly more powerful than we though it would be. We took a trip to our local mountains (8,000 ft plus) and we never felt at all like it wasnt powerful enough. It just wasnt an issue ! It handles very nicely but there is a little more road noise than I liked to compared to our infinity G35. The interior is a little tight and it takes a little more effort to get in and out of because of that and its lowness to the ground, but we expected to give up some of that for the increase in fuel economy. Love it !

• 

  A wonderful ride...for a lot less - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By evac93rd - April 23 - 10:00 am

  This sedan has a butter smooth ride with suprising agility. My family want to ride in the back as they love the legroom, adjustable seats and the built- in rear seat vibrators. The sound system, climate controls and GPS Nav system all work to perfection. The ventilated seats are a dream. The adjustable seats feel as if you are sitting in a comfortable recliner. the "Smart Key" access works well. The moving headlamps are a real help NOT just a gimmick. I could go on and on but Ill Stop here. If you can afford it...buy it.

• 

  RX 330 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By GLATT - April 23 - 10:00 am

  EXCELLENT SUV ! VERY WELL MADE...A QUALITY PRODUCT.

• 

  Papas 43 - 2005 Lexus SC 430
  By Richard - April 23 - 12:10 am

  Vehicle rides like a luxury sedan, but has wonderful pickup and handling ability.