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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  Quit Staring ! - 2005 Lexus SC 430
  By senrveep - August 8 - 10:06 am

  One week old, but this car has the wow factor of my carrera cabriolet (when IT was new). The fit and finish is awesome, the exterior lines are distinctive and elegant and the interior is simply the finest. The car is very good with the top up, but only really struts its stuff when the top is down and mechanically loaded into the trunk. If you are seriously considering this car, make sure you live in an area where you can drive with the top down 8 - 10 months of the year because you will NOT want to drive it any other way. Sweeter ride than Benz or Beemer rodies, although not as fast as an M3 or SL500, but what it lacks in off-the- line performance, it makes up for it in every other way.

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  #1 Pound For Pound & Dollar-For-Dollar - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Mello-Tony - August 7 - 6:13 pm

  This is my 3rd Lexus and Pound-for- Pound there isnt a better car to be found. It has almost all the options found on my LS 430 and drives and rides almost as nice. The engine is extremely strong and smooth with that Lexus civility but now with true spunk and power! The styling speaks on its own. Its a beautiful car with an agressive front fascia and a gorgeous back-end. I average 24.5 mpg in mixed driving. And the high-end options normally found on top-end luxury vehicles are awesome. I even have a few options not found on my 2004 LS 430 like memory presets on the passenger side, knee bags and my favorite, the Auxilliary input jack for my iPod! This car rocks! I Love it!

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  Great car - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By JJG - August 6 - 6:13 am

  This is a great car in the snow. I went from all wheel drive to this and do not regret it. The stability control works great. It is a very quiet car low road noise.

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  IS-Fantastic - 2008 Lexus IS F
  By NorthCoast - August 6 - 1:23 am

  Overall this car has met or exceeded my expectations. I have been loyal to Lexus having 2 GS 430s in last 6 years but wanted more performance type numbers and feel. Magically, the IS-F was born. It is very unLexus in its stiffness and ride but what I was expecting in a true performance sedan. It still has many of the nice Lexus features and luxury components. However, this is not your fathers Lexus. I drove the M3 sedan after the Motor Trend article rating it better overall. I think some of their points are valid but feel their overall conclusion wrong. The M3 felt a little more clumsy in tight turns and I didnt like the long throws of the manual transmission. I have no regrets.

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  Excellent Ride - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By Wes - August 6 - 12:23 am

  This is the smoothest car Ive ever driven. The inside styling would make you think your in a $70k car. Bought this car certified from Lexus at 44,000 miles. Now has around 50,000 miles and all have been trouble free. I also have a 98 ES300 thats a great car too. It has 130k miles and still drives like a dream.

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  A Womans Dream - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By natalie - August 5 - 2:40 pm

  We purchased the car after downsizing from a Toyota Seqouia (which is another great vehicle). Both my children have gotten their licenses and being an active family from skiing to the beach house, this suv gives you the room, comfort and reliability woth no worries

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  Just what I expected, and then some - 2011 Lexus CT 200H
  By patentcad1 - August 4 - 12:38 am

  How youll like a CT depends on your expectations. The car LOOKS fast. Like an Audi A3 or Mazdaspeed 3 5-door. But we all know (or you should know) its really a Prius thats fun to drive, thats what I expected. I got more than that, a world class compact luxury sport wagon thats a blast to drive, Lexus quality/class (and comfort within its stiff chassis limitations) and 40+ mpg. My friggin motorcycle has a hard time getting 40+ mpg. The car is a blast, has enough cargo room for my needs (I regularly carry a couple of bicycles + gear to rides & races). The technology works, its surprisingly fast in Sport mode. And a bit of a head-turner too. Love the car. A winner for Lexus.

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  drove everything... - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By puma - August 3 - 2:00 am

  We drove all the SUVs out there... the only "close" call was the BMW X5, great car, not practical with two kids and golden retriever! We drive Porsches and BMWs as primary vehicles which have a tight concise ride. The Lexus has it too. We bought the base model and had the DVD installed in the head rest via after market... a better way to go. We traded in a Land Cruiser which served us well for 100k miles... we like the Lexus a lot more.

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  I Love This Car! - 2005 Lexus SC 430
  By Julieerick - August 2 - 5:40 am

  I test drove the BMW, Mercedes, and the Lexus convertibles before choosing the SC 430. This was an easy choice after comparing the comfort, ride, and noise levels. The SC 430 has smooth and quick acceleration, has a quieter engine, and has little road noise due to the hard top. The car handles corners and speed beautifully. Its fun to drive, is a comfortable ride with the heated seats, and the sound system is awesome. The GPS and bluetooth systems are amazing and easy to use. I think I am a Lexus driver for life.

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  NX 200t - 2017 Lexus NX 200t
  By Rob - July 31 - 1:11 pm

  Had this vehicle a month, there is nothing about it I do not like, the back up camera has saved me from being hit, the lane assist is awesome, the seats are comfortable front and back, it is quiet inside, great look outside, had plenty of compliments on it. The technology is understood and Im older, the sound system is great, corners great, love the suspension settings, the headlights work great. Man if your in the market for a vehicle of this size, there is absolutely nothing else that compares this is a luxury car with a fun drive when you ask it to be fun. Go get yourself one before their all gone.