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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  Oh My God!!! - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By crimsonlights - July 10 - 10:00 am

  Just drove home today with my certified pre- owed RX 300. I am thrilled with my purchase. I know its the older style, but I actually like it better. Its a very smooth ride and extremely fun to drive. I test-drove the newer RX 330 (also a nice ride), but was satisfied with the look and feel of the 300. The price wasnt bad either. Far more reasonable than the new 330. This is the most fun Ive ever had driving a car.

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  I love this car - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By jbcamel - July 9 - 5:12 am

  I have had my 2007 ES 350 since June 2006. Every few months I toy with the idea of getting a new car but each time I decide that I should stick with this car. Its the best one Ive ever owned and I love it. The only weak spot seems to be the brakes. I have 77k miles and have had to replace the brakes twice. I do not ride the brakes or use many hills. Past cars have never needed new brakes - they were all sold at about 55k miles. This car is quite and beautifully made. Add to that the fact that the dealership service department is outstanding and I just cant part with it.

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  Luv it Luv it - 2011 Lexus CT 200H
  By wisconsinowner - July 8 - 7:41 am

  Not much "not" to like about this car. We got the titanium pearl with leather and nav. Handles beautifully. Quiet inside and comfortable. A little tire hum gets inside, but little else. Sportly looks and sporty handling. The eco/normal/sport selector is a bit of a gimmick. The sport mode makes the steering quicker, but as far as acceleration, it just affects how HARD you have to push on the gas pedal to get what you want. Doesnt seem to matter if were in the city or on the freeway at 60--consistenly get over 45 mpg. Tip in city below about 35 mph: Accelerate moderately up to speed, then back off quickly--flip it into EV (batt) mode and then maintain speed whenever possible.

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  no need to buy the warranty - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By eazege - July 7 - 3:10 am

  My son was born and after much research i bought my wife an 03 LS430 with 90k.Purchased a two year warranty from the dealership which i never used.I have had the car for 3yrs now..not even a mere check engine light.This is the best luxury car for the money period.We love it and compared to benz or a bmw(which i still own )he makes them look like Divas that are all bark no bite.

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  Go fast RX 400h - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Maria Ennella - July 5 - 11:33 pm

  This is my second RX series AWD. I like the reliability, comfort and style. The car is wonderful on a trip or just driving around town. The brakes are the best performance of any vehicle I have owned. I like the way they respond to the road especially in rainy Florida weather. In addition, the car has amazing pickup which is extremely important when entering some of the interstate highways that cannot be avoided. I enjoy the quiet engine of this hybrid. My next will be a Lexus.

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  Reliability and fun - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By DaveIS300 - July 4 - 10:00 am

  Its been 4 months and Im loving every second Im in it. Luxury plus sporty features, its just great. Has great handling, looks great, and built to last with that Toyota quality. The only thing is gas mileage. Your better off driving leisurely with it to get better gas mileage. Driving it all city would hit you in the gas budget really fast. Otherwise, I love my full package deal all leather. Comfortable and has good speed not great, but something a modifaction of an exhaust and intake can help.

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  So good we bought TWO! - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By MrsLighting - July 4 - 10:00 am

  All I can say is that we loved the GX SO much that we bought 2! We traded in an LS & an RX & we think we got the best of both vehicles in the GX. I have 2 carseats in my GX @ all times as well as a dble jog stroller & Im still able to fit in more plants & groceries than you can imagine! The DVD player is a godsend; it keeps my girls happy & the headphones are great!My husband is a salesrep & puts about 40K + miles a yr on his vehicles & the GX has so many great features especially the GPS system that help him to make the GX his rolling office. Oh, and the GX can really MOVE! To sum it up; the GX is is an all round AWESOME vehical for anyone & everyone!

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  Refined middleweight cruiser - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Don Geeze - July 3 - 9:06 pm

  Drove every competitor and many others. Passed on the new Avalon because the doors covering the dash didnt close or open properly in any but 1 of the 6 I sat in. This is my 62nd car and by far the overall best. Extras like rain sensing wipers, auto leveling headlights, ventilated seats and voice activated navigation are surpisingly good to have. Smoother and quieter than many large cruisers, but more nimble and gets decent MPG. Interior is ergonomically almost perfect (and did I mention quiet?). Exterior is unique although easily confused with a Camry. Doors close with a solid thunk, unlike the Jaguars I looked at.

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  Even Better in 2008 - 2008 Lexus RX 350
  By Sean - July 3 - 1:16 am

  This is my second RX. Just traded in the 04 model and Im blown away with all the upgrades. Clearly there were focus groups held and Toyota/Lexus listened! Better acceleration/power, better fuel economy, and all the right upgrades to the navigation system. I bought again based primarily on the RXs proven track record for reliability, no test drive, no haggling, and I was blown away when I sent to pick up the car. Everything on my wish list from the 04 was delivered.

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  lets not get mad here, but.....just 12,500 miles - 1998 Lexus LS 400
  By JMC - July 2 - 4:17 am

  For years, I have been forced to see this magnificent automobile just sit in a garage...gather dust..be driven occasionally, and not very far. I begged, pleaded, and in many ways showed a willingness to damn near anything to buy that car. Finally, my sister in law gave in...and sold me the car. A true garage find. But I knew where it was all along. I no longer could just drive it once a year, to take it to the car wash and wish it were mine. I had all the fluids changed, belts (timing and serpentine) changed...the dealership screws up the belt change, but made good on the ensuing problems as I drove it back to Idaho (1300 miles) Lord, what a magnificent automobile. I have, until recently, driven Acuras....and they are great cars also. But this 1998 LS 400...is magnificent. I hesitate to take it out of the garage, leaving my 2013 Volvo out in the weather. Volvos dont need pampering. A Lexus demands it. I dont know if any of this helps you....I hope you get a Lexus that drives and performs like mine. And no, you cant have it. Now allow me to update...there is a rather strong smell in the "Queen"...cant figure out what it is or why. I tried a device that is supposed to take the smells out....just works for a while. Im going to wait until spring to search again...but its Im my garage and I love it.