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:

• 

  Headlights - 2006 Lexus LS 430
  By Barbara - February 22 - 2:00 am

  I find the headlights dangerous. They cast a shadow and it is difficult to see the road when the road is unlit. The dealership says they cannot be adjusted. Im very disappointed that such an expensive car could have such a bad defect.

• 

  best car ive owned - 2000 Lexus ES 300
  By mike!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - February 21 - 1:23 pm

  The Lexus es300 is one of the best cars Ive owned. After 8 years I have had no problems with it. It drives smooth and is pretty fast. The seats are comfortable and its quiet and gets decent fuel economy. (I get about 19/24 mpg.)

• 

  A good choice - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By MP2 - February 20 - 2:00 am

  Very nice car for the price. Very solid driving. Fuel mileage is pretty good, also. I like the overall look and feel of the car. If you want the luxury car without huge sticker shock, the ES330 is a nice place to start.

• 

  Best luxury for price. - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By Bugs - February 17 - 10:00 am

  True to Lexus tradition, this is the best luxury sedan for the price. Others imitate but can never catch up.

• 

  Six month owner - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By Diana - February 17 - 2:10 am

  Its been six months since I bought my RX 300. We had a horrendous winter and I drove with hardly a worry once I saw how this magificent vehicle handled in the snow and ice. Traction and stability are exceptional. My only complaint is the heater didnt keep my feet warm on my hour drive to work - but, to be fair, it was in the below zero range. A very luxurious car! Gas mileage is very consistent at 20.5 mpg for both highway and city. I just wish I could get it up to 23mpg. Something about the design of the lower part of the door frame is causing the rubber trim to be ripped. Hopefully this will be covered under the warranty.

• 

  My favorite vehicle, the GX470 - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By Angela - February 16 - 11:36 am

  My Lexus GX470 is by far my favorite vehicle. Ive had other luxury vehicles in the past but hands down the GX470 outperforms all of them. Its an SUV that can take on the rugged terrain, yet drives like a luxury sedan. The interior is quiet and comfortable. If you have children there is plenty of leg room not to mention 3rd row seating. Its extremely easy to get my infant in and out of the vehicle. No more back problems! More than enough room to throw all of your luggage or shopping bags! I love it!!! Angie from AZ

• 

  None better - 2004 Lexus LX 470
  By Greg Gebhardt - February 15 - 10:00 am

  This is my 3rd LX470. One of the nicest vehicals I have ever driven. With decent tires you cant ever get stuck. Best 4 wheeel drive in its class. Quiet and comfortable. The Lx470 will do large number of miles in a day with no stress to the driver.

• 

  wonderful - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By GSussan - February 15 - 10:00 am

  Compared to the Mercedes ML I used to drive, this is a dream!

• 

  Loving it.... - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By ng - February 15 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car a few weeks ago and am completely satisfied with it. It was beyond my expectation! I cant see myself buying a different SUV. No regrets!

• 

  Good, but not great. - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By My First Lexus - February 15 - 4:30 am

  This is a very smooth, quiet car. The performance is good for a car that is just billed as a luxury sedan. The fuel economy is great: 17/29 actual mpg. After 9,000 miles, I have no complaints about the quality of the car. My wife had a flat tire in the rain 900 miles from home. She called the 1- 800 roadside service. A local dealership called within 10 minutes and was there in 20 minutes. The driver called twice in route to assure her he was on the way. We received a follow-up phone call and a customer satisfaction survey.