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:

• 

  Great car - 2006 Lexus LS 430
  By roger - September 11 - 10:10 pm

  What a great car. you only hear good things about this car but once you drive it, or in my case buy it you cant stop raving about how well built it really is.

• 

  If u just care about Reliability - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By bush1965 - September 11 - 10:00 am

  this car beats Mercedes and BMW by far when it comes to reliability...it goes for ever if u deal it good ..I know a guy who has a 1991 LS400...he had 1,000,000 kms on it!!!!...and it is still working fine...however, I have to say that BMW is more fun to drive and Mercedes is still more integrated...but all in all...it is a 9/10 car...

• 

  The Current Logical Choice - 2008 Lexus RX 400H
  By sawjai - September 10 - 12:53 am

  Lexus has always been cushy rides, but definitely not on the sporty side of the equation especially since our everyday vehicles are a C230 and G35. The steering is a little vague steering into curves. Acceleration is good at all speeds, but youll need to get used to the way the engine buzzes from the CVT. Gas mileage has averaged 27 mpg w/cruise control active even around 70 mph on the freeway. On a recent road trip on very hilly terrain we still averaged over 27 mpg, light on the gas. Brakes are a little difficult to modulate because of the regenerative system. We preferred the ML styling and driving dynamics to the RX, but so far find that the RX400h is a very nice ride indeed.

• 

  Luxury SUV With Great Gas Mileage - 2007 Lexus RX 350
  By Shawn - September 9 - 5:10 am

  We have had our RX 350 for over a year now and enjoy driving it. The overall performance is excellent and it shifts so smoothly. Our only complaint is the tire wear. Our current set of tires is Goodyear and has less than 30% of the treadwear left. Our gas mileage is far better than the actual sticker. Close to 24 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway!

• 

  My 1st Lexus - 2016 Lexus GX 460
  By Paula - September 8 - 8:38 pm

  I love this car! For all the complaints listed in the Edmunds rating, Im not finding them to be true. I will definitely be buying another in the future.

• 

  First but not the last - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By s - September 7 - 12:53 pm

  I never thought I would buy a Lexus but Im very impressed with the RX 330. The car is very quiet, picks up speed when needed and the interior and exterior is stylish for a SUV.

• 

  SUV that feels like a luxury car - 2000 Lexus LX 470
  By rb - September 7 - 7:13 am

  The interior of this vehicle is beautiful. When you get in it, you are bathed in luxury. The engine is very quiet and the ride is nice. You are amazed how fast you are going when you look down at the gauges while on the highway. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone who is looking for the ultimate luxury SUV. Lexus is second to none.

• 

  Great Car - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By Joe3 - September 7 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car ever. I love the navigation system. This tortally beats my preivous infinite q45. This is very reliable and luxurious. If you are looking you a really nice luxury car get the ls430.

• 

  First New Car in 18 years - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By rgacpa - September 7 - 2:00 am

  Incredibly built with great power. Extremely comfortable with tons of space and torque to handle any load. Great family vehicle thats a pleasure to drive. Quiet, quiet and more quiet with all the electronics you can hope for.

• 

  Best Value - 2003 Lexus GS 300
  By Sutton Place - September 7 - 2:00 am

  Superb engineering, smooth as silk and fit and finish of interior is like a hand-made Bentley. Leg and headroom is generous.