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:

• 

  Mixed Bag - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By Matthew Jacob - April 11 - 9:03 pm

  The bean counters at Lexus have struck. My 2005 had a luxurious interior with an almost all wood steering wheel, shift knob and fine leather throughout. The 2010 has a trace of wood and cheaper leather. Accent lines on the exterior appear contrived and overall design not as attractive as the 2005. The 12V plug is buried in the console and needs to be more accessible. Trip computer on 2010 hard to read and use-much inferior to 2005. Cooled ventilated seats barely cool. Side molding on 2005 useful to avoid dents and dings-molding at bottom of door of 2010 virtually useless. The transmission, power and comfort are noticeably improved. But I miss my 2005.

• 

  Quiz dealer about concerns BEFORE buying - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By newowner - April 9 - 3:03 pm

  Traded in BMW X5 for the Lexus. Handles well; front seats less comfortable than BMW. Nice nav system. Rear blind spot not helped by camera which has distortion. When I picked up car, alesman told me "just learned" I should use premium gas - and not to expect decent mileage until at least 5,000 miles. Rear seats recline (slightly) - nice feature, but reduces already small cargo space. No light in small glove compartment and no logical place for loose change. Sound system much better than BMW. Very quiet drive and excellent acceleration. No wood makes car stark.

• 

  1999 Lexus RX300 - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By R Giles - April 9 - 10:00 am

  This is a luxurious car that still has the size and safety of an SUV. The car has been very reliable and almost defect free. Lexus did do warrenty repair work on the fuel intake system and the exhaust manifold. I would definitely buy another one.

• 

  this is my 2nd RX300 - 2003 Lexus RX 300
  By chiappt - April 9 - 10:00 am

  This is the car to own. Nothing bad to say about this truck.

• 

  Worthy of the reputation - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By green hornet - April 9 - 10:00 am

  I have owned 10 toyotas from the lowly corolla to the Land cruiser including several camrys and quite pleased with all of them. Well the Lexus es300 takes you to a new level. while the camrys are good the ES is great!. You are in a world all to yourself when you get in the ES. First trip with the car was JaxFl to Tx no problems. Buy one you wont be sorry, no buyers remorse

• 

  Total dog - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By goldie20 - April 8 - 11:37 am

  This car has been a dog since the day I got it 8 years ago. From the beginning, the car refused to accelerate. "Give it time to learn your driving habits," the dealership told me. Right. It has made an awful, grating, metallic noise every 10 starts or so right from the beginning. Dealership has been unable to diagnose why. Finally, a brake sensor has broken 3 times at a cost to replace of $300 each time. This on a car with 40K miles. I make it my mission to make sure no one I know ever buys a Lexus. What a disgrace.

• 

  nothing better - 2006 Lexus GX 470
  By mitch lader - April 8 - 11:10 am

  Flawless. There is not a single area which requires improvement. Perfect vehicle inside and out, and I could not be more satisfied.

• 

  It pays to lease! - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Even better than B-4 - April 8 - 2:00 am

  I just got off my lease from my 2000 Lexus RX300 and I got this baby in Neptune Blue Mica, pretty much the same color I had before. I got almost every option you can think of excluding the leveling system and navigation/entertainment choices (Who needs that any way? Im not gonna go off roading, are you?)Im beyond satisfication right now. I cannot explain it, you have to see and drive one to understand what I am talking about. I thought they couldnt make this any better but they did and then some.

• 

  Wonderful Entry-Level Luxury Car - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Edward - April 7 - 9:03 pm

  My second Lexus, also own an 02 RX 300 which is still a great vehicle. Wanted something with more creature comforts and have been extremely pleased. While I also get the clicking engine noise from cold start-up, this goes away after warming up. Service says its the variable valve system. Every aspect of the driving experience is splendid and comfortable, altogether luxurious in most ways. Despite other reviewers, I find the car to be very responsive and powerful. Gas mileage is far better than expected, though I have had to stick to Premium fuel as recommended. Roomy for both front & back seat passengers. I would buy this car all over again if I had to.

• 

  1st time buyer - 2009 Lexus ES 350
  By kathy - April 5 - 6:20 pm

  This is the first Lexus I have owned and couldnt be happier. I only drove about 800 miles, but there isnt anything I seriously dislike about the vehicle. All of the necessary features are great and the ride is beautiful. I tend to be a leadfoot and this car has not let me down, although the handling is a little light. I test drove 14 different cars, seriously researched 26, and have always bought American previously. The price was great, $8,000-$10,000 below domestic competitors in its class with similar features. Needless to say, this was a big consideration when purchasing. The dealership was A+. Give it a try-youll fall in love!!