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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  Well worth it. - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Thebeeguy - April 3 - 2:00 am

  This car handles very well in snow and ice. During a tight turn, it automatically corrected itself. Probably the safest car on the market.

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  We Love Our Lexus RX 330 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Peter Finney - April 3 - 2:00 am

  We love everything about our car.We live in the Northwest and experience snow and icy roads"It handles great!" Very smooth ride.The grandkids love the DVD system and on short or long trips it is great. It was worth the money.

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  So far, soooo good! - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By jockoB - April 2 - 10:00 am

  A blast to drive. Could be a little roomier, but I can still squeeze in the rear facing infant car seat. It is more sport than sedan. AGAIN, a blast to drive.

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  Best car in the world - 2001 Lexus LS 430
  By Savio - April 2 - 10:00 am

  Drives like a dream. Silky smooth engine. Ultra quite cabin and better ride quality than anything Ive ever Driven! Way to go Lexus, Worth every dollar spent!

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  maliks review - 2000 Lexus RX 300
  By maliksul - April 2 - 10:00 am

  Excellent suv good in snow, this is my second lexus and I wouldnt have any thing else. the only problem is gas mileage.

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  Lexus Hybrid - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By tom - April 1 - 4:20 pm

  Just got the car this month. The mileage is a little less than advertised, but its a fun car to drive with pop when you need it.

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  Disappointed in Louisiana - 2008 Lexus RX 350
  By Kelly B - April 1 - 9:43 am

  I traded in my 2005 4Runner for this car two weeks ago and I am so disappointed. I thought I was buying a luxury SUV, but that was not the case. There is way more road noise than I expected. I dont know if this is due to the tires or a lack of cabin insulation. The ride is average, definitely not luxurious, and do not plan on seating more than four adults comfortably. Also, the radio is terrible for a car in this price range. It crackles already at medium volume. I miss my 4Runner!

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  Traded in S500 Mercedes - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Marvin Smith - April 1 - 3:00 am

  Purchased in August 2006. Drove 3500 miles in five weeks. Cant believe what a great car in a great package. Love it, wish I had purchased Lexus before the last three Mercedes. All had too much trouble and fun was not part of driving mercedes due to always in shop. Enjoying.

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  My first non GM vehicle - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By charlie - March 31 - 9:40 pm

  I bought the ES330 for the ride comfort, and it does the job. The fuel economy is not as expected (sticker ratings). The engine/transmission function is not smooth, but lots of jerk when shifting. Too soon (13K miles) to speak to quality, trusting the market over the years to be right. If the comfort was NOT my main need, I would not buy another. Just not a performing vehicle as I am used to.

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  A Must Experience - 1998 Lexus ES 300
  By Moe - March 31 - 1:23 pm

  Bought the car with 69k miles; 9 months later, it has 94k miles. The car has been flawless and fun to drive. Its extremely quiet. One day I picked up my buddy from the airport and when he got in the car he was convinced that the engine was off. I silently uttered "the car is in drive." He looked but still didnt believe it until I pushed the gas pedal. Also, the car has great power and good gas mileage, exceeding my expectations. Furthermore, most of the ES300 parts are interchangable with the Toyota Camry so oil changes and other maint. parts arent expensive. In fact, I take my car to Toyota for oil changes, however, the service at Lexus makes you feel like a celebrity...