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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  Love my first SUV - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By DrewFromNY - October 2 - 2:00 am

  I moved from a Mercedes E class to an SUV. Bought this after looking at other mid-size SUVs (wanted a 3rd row). Came down to this and the Acura MDX. No comparison in the comfort, despite Acuras very high reviews. This drives more like a truck, but it is smooth as a Lincoln in there and VERY comfortable. Nearly silent on the hwy. Note: when the rear seats are folded up, there are definite blind spots, as they block the rear side windows, so be cautious.

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  I love this car - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By newlexuslover - October 2 - 2:00 am

  Ive never had a SUV before but in comparing everything on the market, including all sedans and SUVs under $50,000, I decided to break from my sedan habit & join the new world. My #1 criteria was putting a mountain bike through the back. Only the BMW 525i was in contention after many test drives. In the end, dealer attitude was a huge tiebreaker. Lexus beat BMW on price, had the least flaws & unbeatable follow-up after my first visit. The in-dash 6-cd player was great. I now ride looking down on every sedan on the road...and all other SUVs too!

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  Surprised at the mileage - 2008 Lexus ES 350
  By Jay - September 30 - 4:00 am

  I was pleasantly surprised by my city driving mileage. At present I have just under 2000 miles on the vehicle and have averaged 23-24 mpg. The mpg indicator helps me to manage my driving habits, I hope to exceed the 24 mark once the car gets a couple of thousand more miles. I believe for the $ this vehicle is very tough to beat especially given the fact if I do need service it will be done at the Lexus level. I am very pleased with the ergonomics, ride, styling, and performance. I am recommending this vehicle to friends/family.

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  Making Lemonade With This Lexus Lemon - 2016 Lexus RX 450h
  By Mike Tinsley - September 29 - 5:50 pm

  Hopefully, the problems Ive had are unique. At 1438 miles, had to replace the fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel gauge and brake pump booster; in shop 21 days. At 10,019 miles, scheduled lift gate recall repair and oil change; took 45 days to get part and second trip to dealer for installation of part. At 12067 miles, replaced leaking transaxle oil seal. At 20,140 miles, replaced same leaking transaxle oil seal for second time and replaced transaxle itself. According to my service adviser, the transaxle was scored and was a factory defect; took 6 days to receive part. At 20,153 miles, the air conditioner on the drivers side quit (I live in Texas and the temp was still near 100); took 16 days to get damper servo so it could be repaired. On one occasion, the radio was on, but no sound would emit regardless of what I tried; restarting the engine caused it to work again. On one occasion, several warning lights flashed, but I couldnt tell which ones they were since I was driving. Ive been driving a Lexus hybrid for almost 4 years, and know how to start it. About 20% of the time, I have to try a second time to start the car. None of the electrical problems created an error code and the service department cant replicate them. Fortunately, I leased the car, and it will be returned at the end of the lease. My wife and I really wanted to keep this car (I even flew at my expense from Dallas to San Antonio to get it as it was exactly what we wanted and was the only one of its kind in North America), but its been far too unreliable for us to do so. Im grateful all these problems have been handled under warranty, and Im grateful that the dealer always provides a quality loaner for us to use when our car is in the shop.

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  LOVE MY ES 330 - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By AnnetteMarice - September 29 - 5:50 am

  I researched many cars including the BMW, Audi, Acura, Mercedes-Benz and the Avalon. After much contemplation, internet research and test driving all the cars, I chose the fully loaded 2005 Lexus ES 330. I have had it for 5 months and I love it. It is a smooth ride, not as sporty as others, but still fun to drive. The inside is pure luxury with many features to keep you entertained. The navigation system is very easy and user friendly. Voice activated Nav makes using the nav while driving really safe. The Mark Levinson stereo is a dream to listen to. The comfort for the front passengers is great. Lexus has the best reputation and is living up to it. Luv my car.

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  Excellent Car - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By jamul - September 27 - 2:00 am

  Great Car,fun to drive, excellent handling, sticks to the road

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  Sweet Car! - 2001 Lexus IS 300
  By KingLexBucket - September 27 - 2:00 am

  This is TOTALLY a sweet car.. cept for the MPG.. But it deffinately a head turner.. Ive owned my since 2002. I have notice that it runs real hard when the engine is cold.. Plus the noice is loud fromt he outside..

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  I LOVE this car - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By george thorpe - September 27 - 2:00 am

  This car is a magnificent vehicle. It is a pleasure to drive and very comfortable. It is wonderful on either short hops around town or on the road. I am thankful I have it.

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  MY LEXUS - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By JOANNE - September 27 - 2:00 am

  THIS IS MY 5 LEXUS. NO BETTER CAR ON THE ROAD. I HAVE DRIVEN A MERCEDES AND IT DOESNT COMPARE TO MY LEXUS.

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  Very Satified - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By fre1 - September 27 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my ES330 about 2 weeks ago at Lexus of South Atlanta. The staff was awesom and my car buying experience was painless. I am very pleased with my car. This is my first luxury car and I really attract a lot of attention on the road and in the partking lot. I love the interior of the cabin...it is so luxurious. I feel like Im driving something that costs a lot more.