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:

• 

  is300 is amazing - 2001 Lexus IS 300
  By 4churchill - March 3 - 10:00 am

  THE IS300 IS GREAT, COULD USE MAYBE A TAD BIT MORE POWER, AND AN ARM REST FOR SRONT PASSENGERS, OTHER THEN THAT THE CAR IS AWSOME

• 

  A tad disappointed - 2008 Lexus RX 350
  By tammy - March 3 - 2:53 am

  I leased a new RX 350 a month ago as my ES 330 lease expired. I needed more room and at a minimum fold down seats. The IS was the only model with fold downs and that was too small. Room is great - feels spacious inside- kids have a lot of room in the back. Got an annoying dash vibration noise in a week and I do hope that can be fixed - very annoying. Feel that the road noise is quite high. Handling is excellent - very good acceleration and fit is finish is superb.

• 

  Great Second RX - 2017 Lexus RX 350
  By B. A. Smith - February 28 - 10:03 am

  This is my second RX, and my third Lexus. My first was the 2005 RX 330. I traded it in for this one with over 300K on it. The reason for the trade, repairs became more expensive and it was just pain time. I really miss the old RX 330, but I cant complain about this one. First and foremost, service at Lexus is exceptional. The service representative make you feel so comfortable, you almost want to hug her. Second and most of all, The car gains respect when riding down the road. I got the autumn shimmer, with the sunroof, heated and cooled front seats, and tow enabled package. Not sure what the package is called, but it was good enough for me. I tried the Mercedes GLE, Audi Q7, and Jaguar F Pace, but none came close to the price to value point that the RX 350 did. All I can say about that is go find out for yourself. The Q7 is a great car, but the price point could put you close to 70K. The final point I want to make is, my wife took the new RX 350 and I only get to ride it on the weekend. :)

• 

  Very Happy - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Tom - February 27 - 11:06 pm

  We traded in our LX450 which we loved, but we owned it over 8 years. We wanted something with four wheel drive but more efficient on fuel and parking. Tried the competitors out. We came back to Lexus. They just seem to keep doing things right.

• 

  Best Car I Have Owned - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By Volunteer - February 27 - 2:20 pm

  This Lexus LS 430 has more advanced features than its peers. ie: blue tooth tecnology, swivel headlights, XM ready, Quietest interior in town and country, smooth acceleration but has the power if required. Navigation system is best by far than Mercedes & BMW both of which I have owned.

• 

  Best value for the buck! - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By cr - February 27 - 10:10 am

  The vehicle is a dream to drive. Excellent on road trips. Smooth as silk. The gas consumption was not bad at all, even at higher speeds. Comfortable for all.

• 

  Lexus GS450h - 2007 Lexus GS 450h
  By Marita - February 26 - 12:16 am

  This car has a quiet engine, very comfortable interior, and can go from 0-60 in 5.2 sec. It has superior handling and excellent sound system.

• 

  Still in Love after 5k miles - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By TexISportX - February 25 - 2:00 am

  I looked for 2 years before deciding on this car and I know I made the right choice. I just had the 5k scheduled service performed and when I was on my way to pick it up I found myself getting excited about getting it back. The Sportcross is an absolute pleasure to drive.

• 

  Outstanding Surprise - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By RichardB - February 25 - 2:00 am

  After three successive SUVs, I was planning to lease a Lexus LS430 luxury sedan. Instead, I wound up with their "mid-size" GX470 luxury SUV, and WOW, what a treat. It is so much more than the other SUVs in terms of comfort, features, luxury amenities, etc. that I am absolutely delighted. I am a big man, but my wife is small, and this vehicle is just the right size for both of us. The ride is superb, the handling terrific and the sound system second to none. This is the nicest SUV I have ever been in, period! The only negative is the poor gas mileage, but it is still superior to the Escalade and other large types.

• 

  the bomb - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By najat7 - February 25 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely loved this car.It dove so fast and it was fun and comfortable.And a great price,those car shoppers heres the car youll be wanting.