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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  Best of Both Worlds - 2007 Lexus GS 450h
  By Rick Crall - July 19 - 7:20 am

  My experience with the Lexus GS 450h, although brief, has been overwhelmingly positive, both in terms of performance and mileage. I drive 500+ miles a week; 80% highway, 20% city. I have consistently been averaging 28+ mpg highway (150 + mile trips), 27+ mpg city (5-15 mile trips). Having the minute-to-minute feedback from the gas consumption screen enables you to maximize your mpg, and once you learn the correct way to drive a hybrid, the fuel economy is certainly attainable, if not beatable! And that includes a mixture of usual gas-hungry aggressive driving such as frequent quick accelerations such as merging from an entrance ramp, and just blowing away fellow drivers when passing.

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  Sports car of my dreams - 2008 Lexus IS F
  By BILL BOULWARE - July 18 - 8:13 pm

  I have been buying Lexus cars for the last 15 years and they have always provided luxury, comfort, reliability and safety. Now they have all the above plus speed and fun. The IS-F provides great acceleration, agility and high speed with great control and safety. The top speed is over 185, but limited to 168 by a governor. The 0-60 time was 4.2 seconds but Lexus advertises 4.6 sec. Overall this is a great sports car that also feels good just with every day driving.

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  Black ES 330 - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By KR - July 17 - 8:50 pm

  This is my second Lexus, and I also have a new 05 Highlander Limited. I have owned many Toyotas and I keep coming back to their products because of the exceptional build quality and bullet proof reliability (a luxury in itself). This Lexus looks great in black and the black interior is easy to maintain. The ES has a smooth ride and predictable, if uninspiring, handling.

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  Love my 200h - 2011 Lexus CT 200H
  By Sarah - July 17 - 3:10 am

  Great small car with fantastic millage

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  Awesome - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By groverusty - July 16 - 4:16 pm

  Just bought this 99 RX300 valued at 10,000 plus for $5500.00 Had to put in valve cover gaskets, timing belt/water pump. This cost $1000.00 This is an awesome car. It is so quiet and fun to drive. Heated seats help our backs, and if I can keep my wife happy, then we are ALL happy. But seriously, I LOVE THIS CAR. The Pre-purchase inspection told us everything we needed to have done but even that mechanic said "If you dont want it, let me know because I do". AWESOME!

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  Pride & Joy - 2016 Lexus NX 200t
  By Don Zien - July 15 - 10:28 pm

  I am approaching 2 years on my NX F Sport lease. Every time I walk up to it I enjoy the gleaming silver lining paint and alloy wheels and the contrast with the red trimmed seats. As cars continue to get larger, it is the perfect size for me a lot like the original RX 300s I had. Today the RX is gigantic and there is a new even longer one coming out. I enjoy just about all aspects of the NX but there are some things that should be mentioned: 1. The safety technology is just now being included in the 2018 F Sport model such as lane departure and active cruise and braking. To put it in perspective, there are Toyota models including the Corolla that had this before the NX F Sport. 2. Until the 2018 model you couldnt get ventilated seats on the F Sport--only heated seats. 3. It seems Lexus is committed to the touch pad idea. They made it larger on the 2018 and I believe they are even incorporating it on their new flagship LS model thats coming out. Who decided this is the best tool for safe driving and use selection in the car? That should be interesting for the older LS demographic to try and learn. 4. I am not a big fan of the 4 cylinder engine or its drone. It doesnt get good mileage and requires premium fuel. It seems to me there are a number of 4 cylinder turbos like from Korea that dont require premium fuel. I am a reasonable driver and rarely get above 24 miles per gallon. Even on the highway. 5. Regarding the heated steering wheel, it should be the whole wheel not just the 9 & 3 positions. The switch for the wheel is not logically located way down low to the left. It should be on the steering wheel. And you have to reactivate it every time you start the car. 6. No one uses the SOS button up above. Lexus just wants you to subscribe. Put the sunglass holder back up there. All that said I love the car and would get another one--maybe the hybrid next time. Its something different, fun, unique and cool.

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  Everything I wanted - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By Saz - July 15 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car because I wanted some utility but not an SUV. The car is FUN to drive, very comfortable, at least for front seat occupants and is so different from anything else on the road. Its nice to have such a unique vehicle. I look forward to driving it every day. Steering/handling, and brakes are excellent and it has PLENTY of power for me vs. my old 4 banger. You can go 80 and feel you are not pushing the car at all. I am perfectly willing to but snows on in the winter for the RWD experience.

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  New Owner D Lite - 2006 Lexus SC 430
  By Lexie - July 10 - 8:56 pm

  I love this car its everything a convertible could be and exactly what I wanted. Large enough to be comfortable, sporty enough to be the talk of the parking lot. Interior detail is lavished with all that is lovely, outside is curvaceous and innovative. The top feature is intriguing to all who witness it, its truly convertible in every sense of the word. Sporting 20" Chromes with run flat Toyos it drives like a dream, all on-lookers drool. Some convertibles are made for the regular drivers - they neednt be speed demons, corner huggin, fastest off the line to enjoy -for those of you who always wanted a convertible - this car is for you. Its BODACIOUS Fun Drivin Fun To Own

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  F-Sport Special Edition a blast to own! - 2012 Lexus CT 200H
  By jmickens - July 10 - 4:44 pm

  Got this car after seeing it showcased at the annual car show and the suspension upgrade is VERY noticable. To go from getting 50+ mpg on the highway to carving up backroad twisties makes this car the new MINI only better looking and WAY more upscale. Would highly reccomend.

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  Why I dont buy American or German - 1997 Lexus ES 300
  By erpgupta - July 10 - 10:00 am

  This is by far the best car I have ever owned. 7 years of hard driving and not 1 single problem. Unlike my BMW 330i, $3,000 in out of pocket expenses that the dealer says are normal. Or the Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer edition that my wife used to drive. In the first year it was back to the dealer 32x. I have owned all of the German brands along with a few Swedes and Americans thrown in along the way. Lets just say that after owning this Lexus and my wifes new Acura, we would never sink another dollar into any car unless its Japanese.