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 - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By Amy - August 22 - 4:44 am

  Bought this car used in 2006 from Lexus dealer. Absolutely love it and looking to sell now that I have to use a car seat for my grandson.

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  Great car - 2001 Lexus LS 430
  By M. Plott - August 21 - 3:36 pm

  My current Lexus (LS 430) was bought in 2001 on the strength of the performance of my first Lexus (LS 400), which I owned/drove for ten years. I faithfully have "scheduled" maintenance but never had to have either serviced for other work - absolutely problem-free! I love the way it drives, the way it looks and hope my next purchase will be a 2007 Lexus (LS 460) or later. My current one still looks and drives like new after 5 years and only has 30,000 miles on it - its only the handsome styling of the newest generation that is tempting me!

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  Reprieve for AWD - 2010 Lexus RX 450h
  By NoDuplicates - August 21 - 7:10 am

  I wrote the "Great Car but Performance Lacking" review on 10/3/09. This is an update based on new info. In the prior review the RX350 and RX450h were both FWD. I went back and "put-the-pedal-to- the-metal" on the AWD versions of both cars. Only when "Eco-Mode" was turned off (RX450h only), RX450h acceleration from standstill was nearly as good as the RX350 - a significant improvement. The RX450h engine does roar at first as it seems to lag in realizing you want to lead-foot it. On the highway, there is no difference. With Eco-mode on, you cannot get away with such rude behavior. This mode was probably on in my first review. Also, realize that with Eco-mode off, mpg will be less.

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  Dont drive it... youll have to buy it. - 2007 Lexus RX 350
  By Bob - August 21 - 4:00 am

  My mistake was test-driving a used RX 330, which prompted me to go to a Lexus dealer to check out a new one. My mistake! The 07 RX 350 has enough added zip to eliminate any doubts that this may be the perfect car. Smooth, silky ride with more than enough power when you need it. Everything you might think of as a "wouldnt it be nice?" option has been thought of and tastefully designed in the car. Every detail is perfect. It is truly an amazing vehicle. I was not one who fell in love with my car... until now. As I said: dont drive one. Youll have to buy it.

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  Loooove it! - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Liz - August 20 - 6:20 pm

  Actual mileage about 23-24. Best vehicle I have ever owned. Only defect is paint, Bamboo Pearl. There seems to be something wrong with it.

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  Liked it so much... - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By MichaelCMTX - August 19 - 11:26 am

  My wifes choice. Definitely not the place to look for sportiness, but for a relaxed, comfortable ride thats roomy and reliable - very tough to beat. Fuel economy pretty doggone decent for a car of its size. The price of getting it CPO was right up with a new Camry, but we made the right choice. Traded it in today for a CPO 2006 ES330. Sad to see it go, but not so sad we didnt get basically the same car in a different color (albeit with heated/cooled seats!!). Figured if I was going to drop $1000 for a timing belt, why not just upgrade? Some tires ride nice but wear fast, so be careful.

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  closing in on 200k - 1997 Lexus LS 400
  By mike - August 18 - 2:10 am

  this car looks as good is it does from the day I bought it back in 2002. I must admit I dont wash it every day but I do garage it. This car runs great and is a dream to drive. One knock I have on the car is it is not a car you drive in the winter, even with the snows on. But I will put up with that because there are so many positives to this car. I have a brand new American made car and the Lexus is so more of a car than the new ones. I will be driving this car until the wheels fall off

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  Best in its class! - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By gr8blazerfan - August 18 - 1:00 am

  After driving much of the competition, we decided on the ES 350. It was leaps and bounds above any of the vehicles that we drove in luxury, performance, and comfort. It drives and handles like a dream, is extremely comfortable to travel in and has all of the incredible amenities you could want. Drive a Lexus and you will buy one. These cars sell themselves.

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  A superb sedan - 2007 Lexus GS 450h
  By former vette owner - August 15 - 3:43 am

  I migrated from an 06 Corvette C6, and was expecting a letup in performance. Not so! This car is extremely fun to drive, and I am averaging around 26 mpg, compared to 19 in the much-lighter Corvette. I am totally satisfied with this, my first Lexus ever.

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  Nothing but Lexus - 2004 Lexus LX 470
  By Bromad - August 14 - 10:00 am

  This automobile has been more than I ever imagined. It has met all of my expectations and beyond. To add to the top, every Lexus Service Department, I have ever encountered, has been top notch and had the most impeccable customer service all the way around. That is priceless. I will ONLY own a Lexus from now on.