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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  185,000 Miles with ZERO Problems - 2000 Lexus RX 300
  By ethanh18 - December 17 - 7:50 pm

  My lexus has over 185,000 miles on it and is still running great! We have had no major repairs besides maintenance, I would highly recommend this car

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  LS 430 is pure comfort - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By L & E - December 17 - 6:10 pm

  This is our 4th Lexus LS since 1990. The 2005 Lexus LS 430 has exceeded our expectations. Many unique upgrade features make it a pleasure to drive. It is quiet, smooth and comfortable. The body is tight and has a nice finish. High test fuel economy is not great so far. Original equipment high performance all season Dunlop tires give a quiet ride and good handling, but according to the manufacturer, are predicted to last not more than 20,000 mi.

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  First time hybrid owner - 2013 Lexus ES 300h
  By johnnyrainbow - December 16 - 8:50 pm

  Up until now, hybrids looked like, well.....hybrids. Little bug like vehicles that got great mileage but thats where it stopped. This thing, this 300h, has the looks, reliability, fuel efficiency, comfort and luxury weve been waiting for. Being only $2,500.00 more than its gas only brother, the ES350, Lexus did us a great favor. The extra dollars spent up front really gets made up in the great fuel economy in just a few years, versus 10-12 years with a lot of hybrids.

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  Love it, Love it, Love it - 2005 Lexus SC 430
  By Liz in Louisiana - December 16 - 5:30 pm

  I was driving on the interstate one day when a SC430 passed me up. I didnt know what kind of car it was but was immediately drawn to the shape - I sped up to get closer and took a really long look. My love affair with my current vehicle was all over from that point on! Within 3 months, I was a proud owner of a crystal gold with saddle leather SC430 and I have never regretted it. Not a day goes by that I dont get at least one compliment on my car, thumbs up signs from people in their cars next to me at red lights or people speeding up to get next to me on the interstate. I find the backseat perfect for my purse and my umbrella and the trunk holds plenty of groceries. Dont wait...

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  IS300 - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By JeremysIS - December 14 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned my IS for a week now and I love it. It handles great still has a good ride considering the low profile rubber on the 17" wheels. Has decent aceleration and never feels bogged down. The seats are comfortable. I wish I had an office chair like it. this is a fun to drive car. Oh yeah and you get Lexus service and reliability of a toyota. Everything about this car screams fun and luxury.

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  03 Lexus ES 300 - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By toydriver - December 14 - 10:00 am

  Just completed 500 mile trip in a new ES. Outstanding for quiet, comfortable ride, great stereo, and soft leather seats. Minimal to no road noise with Michelin tires. Fit and finish is perfect - as expected of Lexus. New 5- speed automatic transmission is very smooth. Plenty of head and leg room in front seats for six-footers. Lexus has made major improvements since the ES was redesigned last year. Averaged 27.5 mpg, and hope to improve on that after engine is completely broken in.

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  Not Bad - 2007 Lexus RX 350
  By Eric H. - December 13 - 8:26 am

  Traded in a 06 Honda pilot. Now I have an RX 350 AWD the ride is a lot more like a cars. Its got the power to take off in a green light.

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  Practical, but still fun to drive - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Jeannie Renn - December 11 - 7:16 pm

  Nice handling, holds tight on corners. Enough power to feel sporty even if it is a sedan. Interior cabin is comfortable, slightly tight on head room if you are tall. All the bells and whistles for a lot less than you would pay with some other luxury brands. No real reason to buy the smaller engined GS when this has it all plus better acceleration for about 10K less.

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  My New E330 Lexus - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Nicola Gismondi - December 10 - 7:36 am

  This car is a pleasure to drive. The interior is well appointed: leather is finely detailed, wood grain matches beautifully with decor, controls are easily accessable, and sound system is superior. I have been very pleased with the gas milage: 22 MPG around town and about 31 MPG on the Interstate. The road noise level is very low, probably the quietest car I have ever owned. You can not hear the engine running when idling. Nice car.

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  WOW, what a machine - 2001 Lexus LS 430
  By Wayne - December 8 - 9:33 pm

  I have owned this car for seven years and have enjoyed every minute. We have owned some of the finest sedans and this car takes all honors! We just finished a 3000 mile road trip and averaged 24 miles per gallon and of course, had zero trouble. This Ultra cruise control makes long trips very enjoyable, nearly drives itself!