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:

• 

  The best - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By jcrhsr - October 16 - 10:00 am

  This is the second luxury car Ive bought. The first was a Lexuse 300 ES. I really wnated another one, but decided to switch to the RX330 after looking at BMW, Infinity, Mercedes, Volvo. I did not want a hard European ride. Instead I wanted a smooth cushy, quiet ride. I got what I wanted. Unless somethig dramamtic happenes I cant imaging owning anything else.

• 

  Step Up - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By JimTerry - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Have had a great experience in the 45 days and 1200 miles we have driven the car. Our second SUV (Ford Explorer), but first luxury model. No complaints thus far. Great styling, comfort and gas mileage is as reported at +20 city.

• 

  love It - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By LSU Tiger - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Unbelieveable, I love this car. I read the reviews before I bought it and tried to find out what was negative. Ive come to the conclusion that if you think theirs something wrong with this SUV, your a spoiled brat. Best vehical by far that I have ever drove. Nothing close.

• 

  Excellent Quality & Value - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Bill in DFW - October 16 - 4:30 am

  I traded a three month old Mercedes E320 CDI for this this Lexus ES 350 Ultra and couldnt be happier. The MB was a technical dinosour compared to the Lexus. For less money I got better quality, more comfort and luxury appointments, and vastly superior tech options. The Lexus nav system makes the MB system look like it was stolen out of a Yugo, and the voice command and bluetooth features found in the Lexus werent even available in my MB. Ive got a very bad back that makes it difficult to sit in a car seat for long periods, but Ive driven this car 5 to 6 hours in pure comfort. Most of all I appreciate the after the sale service rather than being totally ignored as I was by MB.

• 

  Great hybrid - dont expect "sportcar" performance - 2011 Lexus CT 200H
  By jcpharm - October 14 - 3:10 pm

  i bought this car because i wanted fuel efficiency first and foremost but wanted as sporty a driving-dynamic as was possible - this car delivers.

• 

  Classy suv - 2011 Lexus RX 350
  By Louis - October 14 - 4:09 am

  Hold great value

• 

  Love It! - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Gwen - October 13 - 12:43 pm

  This was a birthday present to myself. The drive is wonderful and is fun to drive.

• 

  2006 Lexus 400h hybrid - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By phigman - October 11 - 8:20 pm

  Best car I have ever driven. Would buy the exact same car again. love my car

• 

  RX400h - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By mz - October 10 - 6:33 am

  After 500 miles in part highway and part city driving, car is averaging 25 mpg. This compares to 19 mpg for an Audi A4 and 16 mpg for an 8 cylinder Touareg about the same size and weight as the 400h.

• 

  Lexus experience - 2004 Lexus LX 470
  By Texas Lexus - October 10 - 2:00 am

  This is my 3rd LX470 and I drive 50000 miles annually. They are great and this one is even smoother and better. It does lack horsepower and the performance related thereto...