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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  Imperfect Lexus Quality - 2011 Lexus ES 350
  By toyzm - April 2 - 3:32 am

  Have chosen Lexus ES because of its well-known quality and reliability and value. Happy with its many well-thought features. Having read so much about uninspired driving experience, I didnt expect much about excitement. Still it has decent power and handling. However, the car already has rattles. A Lexus dealer said the rattle is from right front suspension; the car left in the dealer 2 nights and the issue was fixed under warranty. Now I hear another rattle from left rear side of the car. Researched online and found that Lexus under $40k, IS and ES, have had many rattle issues. Quite disappointed in this area.

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  Possible Lemon? - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By lisam - March 30 - 2:00 am

  I wanted this car the moment I test drove it in April - got it in July. Problems started right away with the acceleration, dealer reset the transmission and it is somewhat better. but now there is a creaking/rattle in the windshield/dash area - dealer insulated it but it is back. did I get a lemon - paid 41,900 on a 44,900 sticker? anyone have any ideas?

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  2016 Lexus NX F sport 500 mi review - 2016 Lexus NX 200t
  By Albert Kam - March 23 - 9:08 am

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  Not quite the quality I expected - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By LLRinCO - March 19 - 9:20 am

  For a fairly new Lexus, mine had some little quirks - squeaking by the back seat, radio speakers working intermitently, twice it did not start the first time I turned the key. Other then that a nice vehicle, great in snow, navigation well worth it.

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  Caros 99 Lexus RX 300 - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By caro - March 18 - 2:13 pm

  This is a great vehicle if youre looking for a "tall car". It is the size of a sedan, just higher off the ground. One major design flaw which I understand has been fixed, if the rear windows are down but the front arent, there is a horrible wind-suction noise. Other than that, it is a smooth, luxury ride. Very nice interior leather, comfortable seats and a nice car to drive around town and short distances. Wouldnt recommend for a long drive, particularly if youre stuck in the back seats. Low maintenance, in my experience.

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  my sportcross - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By jlim - March 18 - 10:00 am

  Overall great driving experience, handles well with plenty of acceleration when you need it. Quality throughout, with great sport suspension albeit on the firm side. Quite ride on the highways, minimal tire/wind noise, and nice throaty exhaust only during quick 0-60mph gas pedal action.

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  Not yet perfect - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By Fred Z - March 10 - 2:00 am

  This is a totally impractical vehicle but still is a lot of fun.

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  My Lexy - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By lux2u - March 7 - 2:06 pm

  Love my 2004 GX470. I have never had any major issues, just normal maintenance. I would highly recommend this SUV - not too big, not too small, not great gas mileage, but not bad, just an all around great car. Very comfortable and a great ride. Despite all the issues with Toyota, I would buy this car again...especially if they change the rear door!

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  More Practical Interior Cabin Design - 2007 Lexus GX 470
  By pkt0084 - March 5 - 6:30 pm

  Purchased it new in May 2007 with 4 miles on it (now has 4300+ miles). Traded in our Mercedes ML430 which was purchased new in June 1999. I drive my daughter everywhere in the Lexus & as a mom here are my annoyances: uncomfortable arm rest, not enough/poor center compartment design, unreachable CD-changer in glove compartment, shallow/poor location of front cup holder, inaccessible cup holders for rear seats when baby car seat is used in the center, rear seat A/C but not heat, swing open tailgate vs. lift-up, can only power on sound (not video) from front console for entertainment system - must use remote control to power on. No issues with technical & mechanical aspects whatsoever!

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  A versatile automobile - 2010 Lexus HS 250H
  By mefistofeles - March 1 - 10:43 pm

  At first when I bought this thing I hated it,coming from a Lexus GS 350. The power was comparatively anemic and the understeer,forget about it. However after a few weeks I adapted to the understeer and was able to make the car work for me. In fact Ive adapted to this car so well that a Ive actually hadd a few passengers tell me that the car felt rather sporty. The HS 250 certainly has some advantages over a long wheelbase V-6 like the GS 350 its a more compact car so it has a much tighter turning radius. Front wheel drive steering isnt as sharp as rear wheel drive but it allows the driver to be a little lazier in high speed turns,you simply wait for the car to be ready.