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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  Good experience! - 2017 Lexus NX 300h
  By Sandra Ceighton - August 19 - 10:38 am

  This car is a nice size for my husband and I . We had snow and were very pleased with how it handled. We have had passengers and they were very comfortable in the back seat. I had no issues carrying some larger purchases with the back seats folded down. I have enjoyed all the safety features. Its a comfortable, quiet ride.

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  My Favorite Vehicle...Until - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By bridgils - August 19 - 10:00 am

  I have loved this vehicle since the first test drive. It exceeded my expectations for years until today. This SUV is notorious for costly transmission failures - today I join this club. It would have been the perfect vehicle if the tran would have held up. The repair cost is anticipated to be the blue book on the vehicle - tough call.

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  My Wifes Super 330, her 2nd Lexus - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By 4 Dr STD SUV - August 19 - 7:13 am

  It came with Goodyear tires. This is my wifes second Lexus (first was a 92 SC 300) arriving with Goodyears and problems too. We still have Goodyears on this 330X. She still is very very high on her 2005 330X though.

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  Great with kids! - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By D.R. - August 19 - 3:03 am

  I love this car! I got it when my baby was a few weeks old and boy does it make things easy. Really great parent car.

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  Nx300h - 2017 Lexus NX 300h
  By Bob Bartlett - August 18 - 2:18 pm

  I am impressed so far. H is much quitter than the gas model. Deciding factor in purchases. To much time spent in demonstrations of options. Quick guide would be better.

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  Lexus Luxury! - 2015 Lexus RX 350
  By Catherine Colleran - August 18 - 3:03 am

  Buy what you love..

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  Nice all around - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By dmoney - August 16 - 9:10 pm

  I bought this car used with 76k miles on it. Traded in a Mitsu SUV and I was on a budget. I found this car for under $11k. Car is very fun to drive with quick acceleration and great handling. Ride is a little stiffer than what Im used to, but hey I went from an SUV to a compact sport sedan. Auto tranny shifts nicely, the interior is nice and has an easy layout.

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  47,500 Miles Problem Free So Far - 2007 Lexus LS 460
  By Sherelle - August 15 - 3:23 pm

  Ive had my car since Nov 06. The only thing Ive had to replace are the tires @ 45k miles and a $7 battery for my key fob. Im planning to take the car in for the wind noise, rattling and hesitation before my warranty expires. Service on the car is expensive, but thats to be expected. Oil changes are just under $80, 45k service is $240, 50k is $320 and 90k is $1,160 (DC area). If this car last me 20 years it will be well worth the $70+ it cost. My 1996 ES is still running after 216k miles. I love this car so I hope it continues to meet my expectations.

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  The best SUV - 2010 Lexus GX 460
  By nks - August 15 - 1:43 pm

  Ive had the SUV for less than a month now and purchased it sight unseen based on info from internet. While there were negative comments posted in some pre-sale reviews, I find this SUV everything Ive wanted in an SUV. It gets up to speed easily like a regular automobile, handles well, extremely quiet, averaging 17 mpg, more than expected for a 5000+# vehicle and workmanship is exceptional. So far, I havent found anything to complain about.

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  Lexus hybrid - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By george iv - August 15 - 11:06 am

  The reliability of toyota products in a top of the line luxury suv. Drives smoothly, quietly but has also thought of everything that you need. Im actually blown away with the performance and fun of having this car.