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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  The latest Tech for an SUV - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By LAL - December 30 - 4:33 am

  I only have this SUV for one week but have put over 500 miles on it. I really enjoy the comfort and the gadgets in this vehicle. When you start it you hear nothing except the heating or air system - just a "ready" indicator on the instrument panel. The pick up is very good and handling seems very reponsive. I have driven in heavy rain and wind and felt that the car held the road exceptionally well. I have not yet gotten the mileage stated but the dealer told me I will when I have broken in the gas engine, probably @2000 miles. I really would have liked a place for change on the dash or a place to put a phone. Women will love the place for a handbag. Overall after 1 week, I love the car

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  Worth the extra bucks - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Ray - December 29 - 6:13 am

  I labored over spending over 40K for transportation but got over it as soon as I hit the road. Did a 2600 mile road trip to Taos, NM within days and averaged 30.3 MPG doing between 70 and 80 MPH. Not too shabby for a vehicle with all this power. Ran midgrade fuel and never had a hiccup. Vehicle is super comfortable, quiet, smooth and powerful. The Navigation is a must have although a bit intimidating at first to use. The ventilated seats and swiveling headlamps are great innovations and extremely practical to boot. I have had to do some serious reading in the manual to unlock the mysteries of all the new technology but am doing nicely.

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  Good 1st Impression - 2010 Lexus RX 450h
  By dalav8r - December 28 - 9:26 am

  Ive owned an AWD 450H for about 2 months now Overall Im impressed. Well built, supple ride, handles well, and quiet...all things youd expect from a Lexus. So far Im averaging 27.5 MPG which is actually fairly close to the EPA estimate. The math doesnt pay for the hybrid though. I recommend it if you want to be eco friendly, but if it is just a straight $ decision, purchase the 350.

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  IS 300 Superb!!! - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By Carlos Dextre - December 27 - 2:00 am

  I do love this machine.

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  Fun Cruiser - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By Chris Parker - December 27 - 2:00 am

  I tested the M-B S500 and the BMW 745L, but when I drove the LS430, there was no choice. Ive never driven a car this large that was this much fun. The comfort, safety, luxury tweeks, stereo, and build quality go without saying. If there is a better car-per-dollar on the market I missed it... but I have no regrets.

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  Deceptively Quick and Very Smooth - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Qualitim - December 27 - 2:00 am

  The RX is faster and quicker than most people test driving it might think. This may be due to the fact that the noise in the interior at full throttle is very little louder than when cruising. Just watch the speedometer and youll see the real story. The RX is as agile around town as mid-size sedan and will cruise effortlessly on the highway at any reasonable speed. The all-wheel drive inspires confidence in wet and foul weather. Fuel economy? 20mpg or over in combination City/Highway, City only never less than 17mpg, highway only gets 23+. Who would haved expected such economy in a luxury vehicle?

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  Eye Candy!! - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By erik - December 26 - 11:46 pm

  SportCross is a head turner and as well as roomy! Fast, super smooth, super reliable, (had an A4 before and everything broke at 50K, this has 82K and tires, oil are that have changed). I hate when people complain about gas mileage.You knew what the gas mileage was when you bought it! I have gotten over 20 in city and 30 on highway.

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  RX 400h Review - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By tep - December 26 - 11:10 pm

  The vehicle has been 100% reliable. The longest I have driven at one time is 900 miles and it was not tiring. Fuel economy is good, around 30 mpg local driving, 32 mpg at 60 mph on highway, 26 mpg at 70 mph on highway. It is reasonably quiet on the highway with the Michelin tires. Looks like first set of tires will last 45,000 miles.

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  Upgraded from Camry Hybrid - 2010 Lexus HS 250H
  By nosleephere - December 26 - 5:56 pm

  I upgraded from the Camry Hybrid. This car drives MUCH better. You can really feel the difference in the power (even without using the power button) I get better gas mileage in middle speed (40 - 60). That was always an issue in the Camry. One frustration is the fuel tank is 3 gallons smaller so I have to fill-up every 6 days instead of 8. I am getting the same mileage overall as the Camry Hybrid. The luxury features on this car put the Toyota to shame and you get what you pay for! But increasing the lease payment by not that much moved me from Spartan Hybrid to Luxury Hybrid and that is the best decision I ever made.

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  Awesome - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By Artier - December 26 - 10:00 am

  Its awesome!