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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  Ride in style - 2008 Lexus ES 350
  By David Ross - November 30 - 1:03 am

  84000 miles on this car begore first repairs!!!! It rides like a dream. Jumps to highway speed quickly even with a full passenger load. Great mileage even by current standards (31 hwy). Always a joy to drive,

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  Doesnt get much better than this - 2006 Lexus RX 330
  By SUV2SUV - November 29 - 9:06 pm

  This is basically a Toyota Highlander with upgraded trim, equipment and dealer network. That said, you give up some space for much better ergonomics, a little more style (although neither vehicle is going to win any one-off design awards) and gizmos. Reliability is Toyota all the way, but with a service department that is told to treat you like a valued customer instead of joe schmo. Performance is in the range of a Camry (same chassis, not surprising) which is to say it gets you to Target and back but youre not going to be autoXing this thing. Despite the supposed exclusivity of Lexus, the RX sells well so you see a ton.

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  Driving the RX330 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By spd522 - November 29 - 5:40 pm

  This is a very comfortable and quiet vehicle. Seats and steering adjust to find the best position for all drivers. Handling is quite good for this type of vehicle. It is very easy to park although there is a blind spot at the rear roof pillars. We have been getting 22 mpg for all around driving. It has gotten 24 on the highway and seems to improve with each tank the more it gets broken in. Fit and finish are the best I have seen. Every detail is perfect.

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  Nicest vehicle Ive ever driven!!!! - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By blkjack - November 28 - 7:46 am

  I bought this car because we recently had an addition to the family and my 2005 Mustang GT just wasnt going to be suitable for all the appurtenances that go with a newborn. Anyway, I have never driven such a luxurious vehicle. Its quiet, powerful for an SUV, has a great sound system and the navigation is easy to use. Not to mention that it is a Lexus and is No. 1 in manufacturer reliability. Also, the materials are top quality.

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  Love My New Lexus ES 330! - 2006 Lexus ES 330
  By chulsey - November 28 - 12:23 am

  I have never owned a Lexus until now, and I see why owners of them are so loyal. The car, for the price, has so much too offer in terms of comfort, safety, sportiness and luxury. I was impressed by the comfort and responsiveness. For the price, safety and reliability I couldnt justify not taking the Lexus ES 330 home! I am so happy with my purchase!

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  Should be better - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By Nathan Tharrington - November 26 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my 2nd Lexus with high expectations, but Lexus is headed in the wrong direction. My LS430 has been in the shop for a variety of reasons (power windows, door locks, engine problems). The ride has been softened to the point that it is virtually Buick- like ... wallowing over bumps. Fuel economy of 16 mpg is absurd. Minor details of poor build quality abound. The engine should propel this vehicle with alacrity, but does not. I fear for my wife and I at times on busy highways. For an expediture of this magnitude, one should receive the highest reliability, and a sublime driving experience. We shall be looking for a replacement.

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  Dont waste your money - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Watch out. - November 26 - 10:00 am

  The vehicle handle perfect when I drove it off the lot. After a feel weeks later I notice the on board systems started to fail. The dealership could not rectify the problem but offer to change out the entire components. I notice now the vehichle doesnt respond as well. The on board computer became really mess up. More shop time was needed. In the process, the service department mess up the paint job and had to bring it to the body shop for repainting. The vehicle does not handle well on turns.

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  lexus rx330 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Joshua Storey - November 26 - 10:00 am

  I would recommend this car to anyone who asks about it. It is very comfortable and fun to ride in. This is a very spacious suv.

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  Wishing For Hybrid Mileage Advertised - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Lois - November 26 - 8:30 am

  Overall, I am still very impressed with this vehicle. I just wish that I could get their advertised 30-33 hybrid miles per gallon. Currently I am averaging 22.5. I have asked about this at the dealership & told that if the terrain is steep/elevated like going up mountains that this is what is affecting the mileage. Well thats what we have in CA & NV.

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  Sludge engine car- do not own - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By bob305 - November 26 - 4:13 am

  Forget what you think about Lexus and Toyotas quality, the 3.0 L engine in this vehicle has a KNOWN defect that Toyota/Lexus has been ducking for years. My car blew an engine despite proper oil changes and care. Problems generally occurs after 100,000 miles after warranty. Toyota settled a class action lawsuit on this and essentially paid lawyers millions so they can duck the problem. Google "Sludge Engine" but be aware you have a time bomb on your hands.