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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  Excellence & Suggestions - 2006 Lexus LS 430
  By Lexus LS 430 - September 20 - 9:26 pm

  The 2006 Lexus LS 430 has absolutely superb performance in a wide variety of driving situations. Recently, we drove to the top of Mt. Washington, NH. Going up the performance was excellent and even better coming down with the manual gear changes to meet the percent down-grade. Our trip of 2,400 miles averaged 28.2 MPG which is better than the manufacturer lists. This included the mountain driving in New England. Handling and sharp curves were sure and comfortable even in this non-sport’s car. The automatic climate control required only occasional single degree temperature adjustments from 80 degrees to 39 degrees at the top of Mt. Washington.

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  Perfection - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By Smooth Ride - September 20 - 11:36 am

  If you need a dependable good looking vehicle. Then the Lexus ES300 is perfect for you. This car is faster than what most people say. This car just is all around smooth luxorious ride. If you want a race car then I would stay away from it. Navigation is a must.

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  great car - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By john122485 - September 20 - 10:00 am

  great car, reliable, quiet, great handling, but it could use more horsepower for a v-8.

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  Best RX to date - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By RX350 - September 20 - 9:26 am

  Coming from 2005 RX; I had compared with 2009 MDX, 2009 Veracurz, 2009 ML350, 2009 MKX. 2010 RX350 was best for what I/wife needed. AWD. Gen 6 Navigation, adoptive headlights, comfortable drive [standard 18’s], and perfect size [not too big or small] were primary reasons for the purchase. 2010 RX is noticeably improved in reduction of noise from both wind and road. Power and gas mileage is probably best in class as I have averaged 20 in mix driving. And suspension is not too hard or soft and it is perfectly tuned for what I want. Steering is another huge improvement over the 2005 and it is no longer “light” but has little more feel.

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  96 LS400 - 1996 Lexus LS 400
  By oldblue - September 17 - 8:26 pm

  This is my second Lexus I am really pleased. The ride, the power and the overall design is outstanding. If you want luxury and power I recommend a Lexus, you will not disappointed. I have 120,000 and I believe it will go 300,000 without a problem if you follow the dealer maintenance schedule.

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  Just Passed 200,000 miles - 1997 Lexus LS 400
  By James - September 17 - 3:33 am

  My car is still running like a true champ. Most people are amazed that I have 200,000+ miles and my car still looks great and performs awesomely. I dont think I will have any problems reaching 250,000 miles; my goal is 300,000. Lexus needs to reward long time car owners who have reached major milestones 200K, 250K and 300K+ miles.

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  Best of all the Rest - 2006 Lexus LS 430
  By val - September 15 - 12:53 am

  Ive not been a Lexus buyer in the past but when I gave up all the rest including the Mercedes I owned that challenges Lexus but doesnt perform as well no matter they hype, I found this to be my perfect car. Im hoping it doesnt last too long and hold my interest too long where I wont buy another new car for enjoying this one too much. And, the pre collision radar system is worth every dollar for safety making this Lexus the best of all.

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  Love my Ct200h - 2011 Lexus CT 200H
  By chuck2012 - September 12 - 2:40 am

  In the compact, high mileage,near luxury market the CT200h is by itself. I have had mine since mid March. I bought it right after the Tsunami hit as i figured the supply chain would be disrupted for awhile. I could not be happier with the vehicle. I am averaging 49mpg in mixed suburban driving. It sips gas. After 400 miles I put in 8 gallons of regular gas. I love the style of the car. I call it a hybrid with an attitude. It is not a rocket, although the Sport mode (driver selectable by a dial on the console) gives better uphill acceleration. Remember it is a hybrid based on the Prius platform. If you want to decrease your gas consumption and want to do it style, get the Ct200h.

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  my car - 1996 Lexus ES 300
  By chuck pelham - September 10 - 5:36 pm

  It`s just a fun car to drive, gas miles is great because I work 50 miles from home (1 way). Its fast, comfortable,& stereo sounds good. However the disc changer in the trunk works but it will not play. It shows error on the radio display.

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  Elaishun - 2004 Lexus GS 300
  By Atheer - September 8 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is comfortable, secure, quiet and reliable.