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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  Pleasant, reliable ride - 2001 Lexus GS 300
  By bflobk - January 3 - 6:00 pm

  After owning several German cars (Audi, Mercedes, BMW) we purchased a used GS. The styling is very sporty. Powertrain is silky smooth, however the mileage as not that good for the 6 cylinder. Aside from oil changes and brakes, no service problems. Thats a relief.

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  The Best of the Best! - 1995 Lexus LS 400
  By Troysoft - January 3 - 10:00 am

  Incredible car. Ive put some custom performance parts on mine, and it is even better and faster! Not only Grandpa drives these, things are changing. Add 20" Chrome rims, performance tires, custom intake system, custom exhaust, 10" subs, limo tint all around and youve got a sweet looking ride!

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  Outstanding Luxury Vehicle! Unmatched! - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By Dukevonage - January 3 - 10:00 am

  This was an outstanding all-around luxury car, with both power and comfort levels exceeding the Audi A8, the BMW 7 series, and the Mercedes S class. Surprisingly, it is several thousand less than these inferiour German competitors.

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  Best SUV - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By Noel - January 3 - 1:36 am

  Absolute perfection in a vehicle as far as reliability and build quality. Rides a bit stiff, but with solid rear axle and frame construction its to be expected. Nothing missing in Lexus plan for a vehicle.

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  2010 Lexus RX 350 - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By smscapital - January 2 - 5:13 am

  This is a nice car. Has a nice finish and great performance. The problem is wind noise. Once you get over 70 MPH it sounds like you have the windows down. I have taken it to Lexus in Ontario Ca twice for the problem the car has less than 1,000 Miles on it. They are telling me the noise is normal for this car. I have a Chevy 2500 with 100k miles and the wind noise is less. I am very disappointed in the car and will be trading it in for a different brand. I hope Lexus can improve the wind noise in the future but for now my $25,000 toyota has less ride noise than my $50,000 lexus. I would recommend staying away from this model unless wind noise is not a problem for you.

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  We love the SC430 - 2005 Lexus SC 430
  By Marshall Craig - January 1 - 3:23 pm

  Great driving, beautiful automobile. This car is so much fun, we will keep it for years. Yes, the backseat is too small. Yes the cup holders need improvement. But who cares! This is one great car!

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  Best In Class - 2007 Lexus RX 350
  By Big John - January 1 - 5:53 am

  I had a RX 300 for seven years. After test driving the RX 350, I bought it on the spot. I have only had it a month but just completed a 2500 mile trip. This is one of the best cars I ever owned. It averaged 27.5 MPG the first 800 miles then jumped to over 29 MPG at 70 MPH average. I didnt buy it for economy but it outperforms my PT Cruiser. The cabin is so quiet and the water repellent windows are unbelivable in a rainstorm. This is my wifes daily driver and she loves the liftgate feature and the comfortable seats. Im 63" and I have plenty of room. This is by far the best in class overall. Lexus got this one PERFECT.

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  Best used car value - 1995 Lexus LS 400
  By Clyde Bailey - December 31 - 11:26 am

  This has been an amazing car. It has not given me the first problem, I have been a Lexus driver ever since. My daughter is still driving it today!

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  great car - 1999 Lexus LS 400
  By mike f - December 31 - 10:00 am

  well worth the money

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  Cooler looking and same $$ as Camry - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By bgk - December 31 - 10:00 am

  Shopped last minute for a 2002 before the 2003 arrive at the end of September. All dealers were willing to give them away at cost (28,888), so I couldnt resist. Great lease (4.2% over 39 mos). The rare charcoal color is cool and it drives like a dream (easy cruise at 80 from Santa Barbera this weekend)