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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  great car - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By john122485 - September 20 - 10:00 am

  great car, reliable, quiet, great handling, but it could use more horsepower for a v-8.

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  Going for my 2nd RX300 - 2000 Lexus RX 300
  By lexus lover - September 20 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle. No problems in 3 years. Lexus service is outstanding. Interior quality high.

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  Best RX to date - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By RX350 - September 20 - 9:26 am

  Coming from 2005 RX; I had compared with 2009 MDX, 2009 Veracurz, 2009 ML350, 2009 MKX. 2010 RX350 was best for what I/wife needed. AWD. Gen 6 Navigation, adoptive headlights, comfortable drive [standard 18’s], and perfect size [not too big or small] were primary reasons for the purchase. 2010 RX is noticeably improved in reduction of noise from both wind and road. Power and gas mileage is probably best in class as I have averaged 20 in mix driving. And suspension is not too hard or soft and it is perfectly tuned for what I want. Steering is another huge improvement over the 2005 and it is no longer “light” but has little more feel.

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  Excellent and Elegant - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Steve - September 20 - 4:33 am

  Great ride. Reliable, fund, and class from bumper to bumper. First Lexus and would buy again right choice. Outstanding service and dealership customer relations. Treated with respect and handled like you are only customer in the shop. Sales staff was excellent to work with and knew the product. Car is the buy for SUV / LUV in its class. Impressed with safety features and workmanship.

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  The LS 460 L - 2010 Lexus LS 460
  By wheelman4000 - September 18 - 6:00 pm

  This is the first Lexus I have ever owned as a car collector. The LS 460 L has much bigger back seats than other Lexus models do. When you drive around you feel like your in an S550. You would think this car would have like 14 mpg. but this car doesnt. The GPS always comes in handy but now I dont think you could call a GPS a luxury feature. So remember, S550 vs. LS 460. LS 460 wins.

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  diehard jeep fan who crossed over - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By grandma16 - September 18 - 5:01 am

  After only driving the Jeep Grand Cherokee for 25 plus years we decided on the Lexus RX 350 because its a beautiful looking car and we wanted something different. I keep looking in the reviews to see does anyone else have the same complaint as us.......the drivers seat sits way too low. Visibility is terrible. Thank goodness we got the navigation which shows whats behind you when backing up.When the drivers window is rolled down and you put your arm out,your arm has to rest on an upward angle. I saw someone state they had an accident,no wonder! It really makes me nervous on the highway. True,I am short but my husband who is 6 foot says the same thing.

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  96 LS400 - 1996 Lexus LS 400
  By oldblue - September 17 - 8:26 pm

  This is my second Lexus I am really pleased. The ride, the power and the overall design is outstanding. If you want luxury and power I recommend a Lexus, you will not disappointed. I have 120,000 and I believe it will go 300,000 without a problem if you follow the dealer maintenance schedule.

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  Model is too new. Wait a while. - 2017 Lexus RX 450h
  By Still Waiting - September 17 - 7:45 pm

  I had the car for 10 days and loved it. Brought it to the dealer because the seatbelt light stayed on. 12 days later I do not have the car and have no idea when it will be returned. A part called a "Cluster" that does not exist in the United States. I give the dealer a lot of credit for trying but Lexus will not commit to a delivery date. If you are going to sell the car YOU GOTTA STOCK THE PARTS.

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  Just Passed 200,000 miles - 1997 Lexus LS 400
  By James - September 17 - 3:33 am

  My car is still running like a true champ. Most people are amazed that I have 200,000+ miles and my car still looks great and performs awesomely. I dont think I will have any problems reaching 250,000 miles; my goal is 300,000. Lexus needs to reward long time car owners who have reached major milestones 200K, 250K and 300K+ miles.

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  Best of all the Rest - 2006 Lexus LS 430
  By val - September 15 - 12:53 am

  Ive not been a Lexus buyer in the past but when I gave up all the rest including the Mercedes I owned that challenges Lexus but doesnt perform as well no matter they hype, I found this to be my perfect car. Im hoping it doesnt last too long and hold my interest too long where I wont buy another new car for enjoying this one too much. And, the pre collision radar system is worth every dollar for safety making this Lexus the best of all.