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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  Drives as good as it looks!! - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By Julie - October 15 - 1:06 am

  I did a lot of research on SUVs, and I kept coming back to the RX 300. I think its the best looking, and the reviews sang high praise. So we have had this one about 3 months and I LOVE it! And whats even better is were getting 20-26 MPG! We both drive moderately and the MPG shows. Will probably buy another RX after this one.

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  Perfect Luxury Car - 1998 Lexus LS 400
  By RomeoF1 - October 14 - 2:00 am

  This car is an incredible piece of machinery. It is quick, luxurious, attractive looking and reliable. It is a treat to drive and only requires gas and oil.

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  rollin in style - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By horace - October 14 - 2:00 am

  i would recomend this vehical to any one between ages of25-38 has all of the features you need four doors if you have kids easy to get them in and out it also has style no need for station wagon not to mention power 215hp and lot of rear wheel fun with TRAC CONTOL OFF you know what i mean and to finish it off drivers and passanger front and side air bags to keep every one safe

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  the best - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By bob430 - October 14 - 2:00 am

  the best car ive ever had and i get a new one every other year my last 3 have been an 2002 t bird mercedes 320 clk chrysler 300 m this is the best

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  Luxury @ a reasonable price. - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By Mary R. - October 14 - 2:00 am

  Bought used. Beautiful! Smooth, quiet ride and fuel economy. Power when you need it but enjoyable just cruising.

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  RAVINDER H KAPOOR - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By RAVINDER H KAPOOR - October 14 - 2:00 am

  EXCELLENT CAR # 1

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  Brians RX - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By bgreenjr - October 14 - 2:00 am

  I love everything about my RX, the ride is smooth and quiet, my gas mileage has been around 18 miles per gallon in the city and 22 on the highway. I get excited every time I get in this vehicle. This is the nicest vehicle Ive ever owned.

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  Great but could be better - 2006 Lexus GX 470
  By yellow enzo - October 13 - 11:33 pm

  The only regret i have with this car is ours is without the kenetic dynamic suspension. i would consider this a must have option the fit and finish in our car is not up to lexus standards. The fuel economy is the biggest suprise it can easily get upwards of 24mpg on a road trip and about 17-19 on the twisties

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  Meets expectations - 2016 Lexus NX 200t
  By Diana - October 13 - 11:32 pm

  We recently purchased an NX200T relatively base model ( couple small options but nothing major ). Overall it is a good car and no complaints other than it would have been nice if a couple items standard on non luxury vehicles were included or offered without having to take a pricey package but for a low to mid 30s Lexus you cant expect too much and you cant get too hurt when trading it in. This vehicle was essentially a hold over vehicle for us while we await some new offerings in the small 7 seat cross over segment ( Toyota Highlander refresh and new Mazda CX9 to name two ). If there was one thing that would have given us some buyers remorse it would have been that this is not a good family hauler. The back doors are kind of tight for getting car seats in and out and our 2 years olds feet easily hit the back of the front seats but based on our currently family size it is acceptable. On the positive side of the NX we did test drive Rav4s and CX5s as other options but the they just seemed a little too slow as they are both 1 to 2 seconds behind when accelerating to 60 but the equipment and options standard or offered in vehicles thousands of dollars less was significant. A Rav4 with decent options and the Lexus engine in the low 30s would be the best of all worlds.

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  Very satisfied - 1997 Lexus LS 400
  By chulent - October 13 - 10:00 am

  Little or nothing has gone wrong with this car. I am not used to such reliability in a used car. I find parts to be available and reasonable.The fuel mileage on the highway is great (25 MPG). I smile with joy every time I think the prior owner paid of 50,000 dollars for my car, I paid under 20,000 I have heard of, and actually met owners with 150 to 200,000 miles on thier LS 400S, I find this amazing. The engine is so smooth and quiet you cannot feel or hear that it is running. The Nakamichi radio is so clear, and plays so nice I sometimes sit in the car in my driveway for extra time after arriving home just listen to music.