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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  An affordable Lexus thats a Blast! - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By fob2000 - May 26 - 10:00 am

  Make no mistake about it, this is not your fathers Lexus. The look of the IS300 is both sporty and unique, and alot of other car manufacturers are starting to copy its styling. This car is a blast to drive, and will truly benefit those who are looking for a great driving experience in addition to quality craftsmanship.

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  IS joy - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By Rotech7 - May 26 - 10:00 am

  Alot of fun, seats dont go back as far as I would like with my long legs, but other than that, its all good under the hood.

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  Practical Power & Grace - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By frenchorne - May 24 - 1:00 pm

  After three months and 3,000 miles I can accurately describe this vehicle as practically perfect. It combines exhilerating power when you need it (especially from 50-70 mph when you are passing) and amazing average fuel economy (25.8 mpg so far). On top of that, it has the seemless integration of a multitude of creature comforts. Its as close as I will ever get to knowing what it is like to pilot a stealth bomber (Flint Mica/Black leather).

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  Great SUV - 2004 Lexus LX 470
  By B0B - May 23 - 10:00 am

  Very satisfying vehicle. Would recomment over Range Rover or G-class Benz. You dont get the quality, total elegance and quiet competence in all weather and terrain of the LX 470 in those vehicles. See for yourself.

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  lexus 04 - 2004 Lexus LX 470
  By patty van decker - May 23 - 10:00 am

  My LX470 is a pleasure to drive. It very much feels as if I am gliding over the road as opposed to riding on it. The controls are thoughtfully positioned, the navigation system is efficient and the interior; luxurious. One shortfall, which is akin to my previous Landcruiser, is the lack of leg space provided by the third row seating. However, this is not enough of a problem for me ot to purchase another 470 in a few years.

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  LS430 - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By Niceputt - May 23 - 10:00 am

  Best, imo, of any car under $100k. Superb in quality, handling (at 100mph rides/handles like 55 on new pavement), and reliability, except for two items that a dealer in North California refuses to deal with.

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  RX450h - 2011 Lexus RX 450h
  By ebaxley - May 22 - 10:47 pm

  Overall, great. Fuel economy is better than Highlander Hybrid I owned before. Getting over 29mpg overall, over 30 if I use pure gas. About 26-27 on Interstate. Apparently 87 octane is OK, no pinging. Mpg no different with high-test. Features were quite onerous at first but"Im catching on". Most disappointing feature is , by far, GPS. Map base is outdated, voice recognition poor and some functions wont operate while moving. I realize you shouldnt be inputting while driving but sometimes you have a co-pilot. I have solved problem by mounting a Garmin on the dash. Marvelous ride!

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  Best car ever built - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By Bixby503 - May 22 - 10:26 am

  I have had my RX300 since 2002. It now has 134k miles on it. This is the best car ever built in my opinion. I will not give it up ever, for any price. It is absolutely incredible on snow, ice and rain. It is very safe, drives great and rides even better. I also own an SC430, but I prefer the RX300 to it any day.

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  so far so good - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By newenegue - May 19 - 2:00 am

  Well our family just picked up the new GX470. so far i can say it is excellent. the ride is very smooth and the rear air suspension leveling system is fun to play with. we got it almost fully loaded, everything but the rear entertainment system. the dvd based navigation system is touch screen and makes it even more user friendly. the third row seat is a bit small for someone tall like me (6ft) but okay for small children riding. i really only have one problem with the car and that is that it is not offered with HID(High Intensity Discharge) lights. it would have made the car look even better.

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  Lots of power - 2002 Lexus GS 300
  By Nick - May 19 - 2:00 am

  I bought my car in September of 2002, and I love it, but it is almost impossible to drive in the snow. There is a traction control button, but it is basically worthless when you drive over 10 mph. I will probably sell it before next winter, but for those of you who have the fotune not to deal with snow, I highly recommend this car.