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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  Stunning Car-Truck - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By PatrickF - July 22 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle has everything. It drives like a sports car, partly due to its 18" performance tires. It has more than enough power. It looks stunning. It is black with black leather interior with wood on the steering wheel and console. The new lines give it a sleaker appearance than the RX300, and not boxy like most cars of similar size. As you might expect from any Lexus, it has many other amenities including the 8 speaker stereo with 6- CD changer, auto-tinting rear view mirror, and heated front seats. On top of all that you get the top-of-the-line Lexus service. Great car/truck.

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  Great SUV - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Flint 330 - July 22 - 10:00 am

  First Lexus vehicle I have owned and I am very impressed. I had an Acura before and I cant believe that the luxury is so much better. The styling inside and out is great and it is comfortable to drive.

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  Best Car Ive Ever Owned - 1996 Lexus ES 300
  By Johnboy - July 22 - 5:13 am

  I purchased my 96 ES as it was coming off a 3-year lease (with 35k miles on it) in early 99... 11 years and 70,000 miles later, it still purrs like the well-oiled machine it was intended to be. Ive always used premium unleaded gas in the car, and change the oil every 4,000 miles or so -- both of which are critical in extending the engines life. Except for replacement of an alternator and an antenna motor, regularly scheduled maintenance is the only other work thats been performed. In my 45 years of driving American, European and Japanese cars, nothing matches the satisfaction of owning a Lexus. This baby is only worth about $5,000 now, but what could replace it for that price? Nothing.

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  Smoooth operator - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By lowrider4 - July 20 - 9:06 pm

  Smoooth best describes the GS 300 AWD. Have owned a number of mid-sized sedans including BMW 5 series, and Audi A6 2.7t, the Lexus is considerably quieter with a smoother ride, but gives up a bit of ultimate handling if you like to shave a 10th of a second off your time turning into the local shopping center. On the highway, its hard to beat with a natural (and potentially ticket collecting) cruising speed of 75 to 80 mph while returning 26 mpg. Overall, if you are not driving at 10/10ths all the time, its a great compromise between ride and handling, not to mention Lexus reliability and build quality.

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  Tuxedo Look, Limo Ride, Bulletproof Engine! - 1997 Lexus LS 400
  By telluride1 - July 19 - 5:25 pm

  I bought a 1997 Black Onyx with Black Leather, the Coach Edition with 120K that was driven about 7,000 miles a year. The Coach leather feels like a brand new leather couch and the paint has a mirror shine. It drives far better than any 2014 car we recently test drove. I plan to keep it showroom quality and drive it until it reaches 300K. While the premium gas isnt fun to buy, its worth giving this limo quality Lexus the best fuel that money can buy since it will return to you a smooth ride and miles of enjoyment. My only regret is not buying one sooner. I was a Toyota fan but now Im hooked on Lexus and while Im young to be driving an LS400 its a ride everyone is missing!

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  Love my Lexus...Would not buy German again! - 2002 Lexus LS 430
  By SebastianJames - July 17 - 10:15 pm

  Ive owner later model German Cars before and while you cannot beat their handling, this car is something out of its own breed. I call it my "Japanese Mercedes" less all the maintenance costs but all the luxury and ride of a Cadillac. Its the BEST of all worlds if you are looking to feel like a MILLION bucks and drive a vehicle that originally stickers for over $68,000 (I still have the original paperwork). All maintenance has been performed on the vehicle by either Lexus or an Independent Lexus-Certified mechanic who only uses genuine Lexus parts. The vehicle has had synthetic oil from the very first time the second owner owned the vehicle. Only have 115,000 miles and Ive been told by an independent Lexus mechanic that the car should easily drive another 100,000 miles or more! Talk about a return on your investment. Fuel charges are high for city driving. Average 11mpg for Los Angeles driving (no freeway driving). During trips, the Lexus just averaged 23-25. I just had it services and drove it cross country from Tennessee. Brake job, inspection, detailing and synthetic oil change from THE Lexus dealer in Knoxville, TN. Next scheduled maintenance is 116,000 miles. LEX-TECH in Silver Lake is the VERY BEST Lexus mechanic around. Ive tried to ask them to do more to the vehicle that what was recommended at the time and they actually REFUSED to do the work. They are a very customer-centric and operate under a budget friendly conscious business model. Cant say enough about LEX-TECH if you live in the Greater Los Angeles area.

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  JRs Revies - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By John Richter - July 16 - 10:30 am

  This car drives beautifully and handles well. The interior is spacious and extremely comfortable. The "sight lines" are excellent from the drivers seat. The automatic backup camera is a great addition and makes backing up less stressful.

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  Awsome in a 5-speed - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By Bernard - July 16 - 10:00 am

  I really love this car! It really does look good in any color.everybody looks at it when you at a red light.

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  Look Out Competitors! - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By pecos - July 16 - 10:00 am

  The best automobile I have ever owned.I have owned a 72 Pontiac GTO,78 Datsun 280Z,86 Saab 900Turbo,88 Porsche 928,97 Toyota Twin Turbo Supra and the car I currently ownn, a Lexus SC430.It is quick,quiet and responsive with the best standard audio system on the market.Priced slightly above a Mercedes SLK and substantially below an SL which comes closer to the SC.Im thrilled with my SC430 and can not see how Lexus can top this automobile.

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  Best Value - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Yawnoc - July 16 - 3:06 am

  The Lexus GS AWD is fun to drive and more youthful than the E Class and Acura RL. The GS has the best exterior styling. It is very quiet and has a very smooth ride. When it is time to go the GS moves quickly, like a trained stallion. The interior is rich, but not overstated. The controls are place perfectly. People just stare at the car. The GS has exceeded my expectation in value, ride/drive, and design. It is the perfect car for an excutive that runs a conservative and innovative business. The car adds to a persons brand.