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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  One Sweet Ride - 2016 Lexus RX 450h
  By David K. - March 27 - 2:17 pm

  I really like the design of this car, contrary to what others have posted. To me it is modern and very distinct. The only negatives on the design are that the rear cargo area and visibility out the back window is somewhat limited. However, as soon as I got used to using the camera, mirror, and warning systems, visibility was not an issue. Also I am glad to give up a little cargo room to avoid the boxy rear on you see on most SUVs. The backup warning system lets you know if a car is coming when you are backing up. I dont know how it sees around corners, but it seems to. The design of the interior is amazing. I got the parchment and bamboo interior, and it feels and smells very luxurious. The seats are leather trimmed, but most surfaces are what Lexus calls NuLuxe, a synthetic leather. The material is not cheap feeling at all and is supposed to be a lot more durable and less prone to wear than real leather. It feels very substantial and leather-like. The bamboo is beautiful, especially on the steering wheel. The only vehicle I would compare to this Lexus is a classic Rolls Royce, circa 1960 ( I rode in one once). The car accelerates OK, it is no Tesla, but has plenty of torque on the low end when you press the pedal to the metal, thanks to the 3 electric engines. Braking has a different feel because of the hybrid system, but stops quickly for a 2 1/2 ton vehicle. Cornering is just OK. it is a tall, heavy car; not a sport car feel but what I would expect in a big luxury car. The vehicle has a tendency to over steer when you accelerate into a turn, which does not inspire confidence in handling. The ride is silky smooth and quiet. Passengers are well insulated from road noise and imperfections in the pavement. The remote opening 5th door is a convenience. The vehicle side doors seem heavy for such a luxurious vehicle. Everything else is so refined it seems like they would have some kind of power assist or counter balance. The rear door is always operated electronically. The Infotainment system is the only real negative I have for an otherwise superb vehicle. I have been working with the voice commands with varying degrees of success. The voice command options seem too limited. Lexus apparently went with its own navigation system rather than partner with somebody that knows what they are doing like Google or Garmin. Note to Toyota: you are a CAR company - why would you think you can make a competitive navigation system? You cant. And they want $240/year after the first year, much more than buying a better Garmin. The manual states you can integrate the voice command system with an iphone - and a small and otherwise worthless compartment in the middle console seems designed to hold a small iphone. The on-board bluetooth integrated my Samsung cellphone seamlessly into the cars voice and sound system. Mileage has been less than claimed, but has improved since the battery has become conditioned and I learned to drive the vehicle. I got 29 MPG (vs. claimed 28) on a recent highway trip, averaging 70 MPH. Around town Ive averaged 26 MPG (vs. claimed 30), but that seems fine for such a heavy vehicle. Most of my trips are short, and the air conditioning is usually working at warp speed in our Las Vegas heat. The Lexus RX450h requires premium gas. I have driven a lot of nice cars, and this is the nicest. I love it.

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  Perfect ES300 - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By es300 - March 27 - 10:00 am

  I sold my BMW325 and purchased ES300. I really love it.

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  Fun car to drive - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By drivininaz - March 24 - 10:00 am

  The car is very fun to drive. It takes corners well with little to no sway. E shift is fun but cumbersome to use on a regular basis. The gauges take a little time to get used to - The speedometer is hard to read around the 5s. The MPG guage is very distracting since it bounces all over the place telling you the instant MPG - not helpful over the long haul. Looked at the TL and G35 as well as the ES300 they drove like a larger family car which wasnt what I was looking for at this time. Inifinty dealership went old school w/me with the hard sale. Lexus dealership was the easiest car purchase I have made to date.

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  Great SUV for $ - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By mombo - March 24 - 10:00 am

  Had RX 300 for 3 1/2 yrs prior. Many improvements and added niceties. Only have for 1 month so far, but so far so good. Never had a problem with prior one, which has made me come back.

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  Great - 2007 Lexus RX 350
  By Wes - March 24 - 3:40 am

  We just purchased the RX 350 as a family SUV now that we have a baby. Even though the car is still very new we are so happy with our decision. The 07s have huge discounts now and are much more affordable than the list price. Drives great, very quiet, amazing NAV system and bluetooth. Would recommend to anyone looking for a great family car.

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  my first lexus - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By kamal - March 23 - 3:16 pm

  Most luxurious, reliable SUV for the price.

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  Nice Move - 2007 Lexus GX 470
  By New GX470 Owner - March 23 - 4:40 am

  Just drove my new GX 470 off the lot yesterday. So far, I am loving it! It has plenty of room. Very commanding on the road with the height of the vehicle. Quality fittings. Buy the ones with Nav. Very high quality. This is something I am going to keep for a while, a new one is worth the money.

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  Less gas is great! - 2010 Lexus HS 250H
  By T.J. - March 21 - 4:26 pm

  Bought it for my wife. She wanted great MPG and comfort. Replaced Mini Clubman JCW. Maybe not as quick, but more than makes up for it with comfort! GPS and Bluetooth are friendly. Great ride. Enough pep to get on expressway with no trouble. Funky shifter takes a moment to get used to and keyless is a feature my wife loves. No love for the oil companies. Nice that is is not covered with "green" logos too. Third Lexus, and never unhappy with them.

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  Great car - 2010 Lexus ES 350
  By Don carducci - March 20 - 12:10 pm

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  Great car - 2014 Lexus ES 350
  By Mark l - March 20 - 6:03 am

  Easy to keep clean. Gets better gas mileage than I thought it would. Averages 28 mpg. Enjoying it ever time I get in it.