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:

• 

  The SUV that all aspire to be - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By haultj - February 16 - 8:38 pm

  I purchased this new in May 2004. I have never been more happy with a vehicle purchase. Everyone loves this vehicle from the exterior look to the interior feel this is as close to perfect as they come. This has great power for the highway and is amazing in any weather or terrain. I have taken this where no other could go. Deep snow is no match. Off road is so easy. I use this to haul and deliver equipment to my clients and I could not be more happy with this vehicle. The Mark Levison sound is great! The navigation gets me where I want to go. Everyone feels safe when I drive them in this vehicle. Fill it with gas, do standard maintenance and it goes and goes.

• 

  Great sedan - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Tom - February 16 - 7:06 am

  I am very happy with my new GS 300. It preforms great. Not to mention great interior design. The only one thing that I would upgrade in my car is the engine. I would put 3.5 L engine.

• 

  Beautiful Sexy Car - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By Ill Tell - February 14 - 11:00 am

  I LOVE THIS CAR!!! I have had it for two years. My ultimate dream car. Could own a maserati, SL500, whatever, I DONT WANT THEM!!! I will keep my SC forever! I would recommend a lexus to anyone, this is my summer car and the GX 470 is my winter car.

• 

  One Great Lexus LS430 - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By Dr. Mark - February 13 - 10:00 am

  From the very first test drive, I could not believe the high level of comfort, ease, and overall smoothness involved. What a comfortable traveling vehicle, and yet agile and nimble enough for emergencies. Great looking, especially the utterly tasteful interior.

• 

  I LOVE MY IS3 - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By SXE-10 - February 13 - 10:00 am

  Not only the IS300 is fun to drive but Lexus Customer Service is one of the best!

• 

  Call me IMPRESSED! - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By elijahp - February 13 - 2:35 am

  Original owner here with over 200,000 very enthusiastically driven miles on my IS300. Still runs and looks great. Only unscheduled maintainence was swapping out all of the O2 sensors at about 120K. Bought Denso universals for about $60 ea and soldered them in myself. Did clutch at 100K with aftermarket parts and saved $$$ vs. OEM parts. Aftermarket clutch and flywheel holding up much longer than original, which started to slip a bit at 90K miles. Lots of great aftermarket support for this popular car due to its great driving dynamics, good looks, and wonderful inline 6 motor. Highly, highly recommended. Great drivers car, especially with the manual trans.

• 

  Versatility Plus - 2009 Lexus RX 350
  By rogue-1 - February 11 - 1:20 pm

  Bought an IS in March, found it too small. Received excellent trade value on it and bought this RX. Interior is much more luxurious than the IS and so is the ride. The engine is not as silky, though; feels and sounds more truck-like. Everyone loves all of the cool and innovative features. Fuel consumption is amazingly low. I averaged 24 MPG on my first tank. I like how you can fold down just the center portion of the rear seats. I am told that this is the best-selling Lexus vehicle. I can see why.

• 

  Combination of fun and milage - 2008 Lexus RX 400H
  By Dr Var - February 8 - 1:50 am

  Great for long rides and everyday drives. Absolutely love the feeling of CVT and can see the vehicles on the other lanes disappear in my mirrors with out the feeling of gear change.

• 

  Absolutely flawless - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By jragosta - February 7 - 10:00 am

  Ive driven dozens of cars and nothing under $40 K comes close to the quiet and luxury of this car. Nothing. Absolutely nothing to complain about - particulary since the 2004 is less expensive and more powerful than the 03. Great car.

• 

  Best Vehicle Yet - 1997 Lexus LS 400
  By Manuel McKenzie - February 4 - 6:23 am

  I was originaly looking to purchase a Q45T Infinity when I bought this car mainly for the additional horse power and rear spoiler. However when the availability of this vehicle was brought to my attention I didnt hesitate. I was well aware of its reputation and high ratings. It has lived up to all my expectations and beyond. It has been a pleasure both to drive and own. It has been cheap to repair though, but the cost comes with driving a 10 year old Lexus.