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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  Sweet Ride - 2000 Lexus ES 300
  By adunwood - September 2 - 2:00 am

  This is my second ES300 so need I say more. The first one lasted 12 years and it was very dependable and sweet to drive.

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  great car/truck/both - 2000 Lexus RX 300
  By tbone15 - September 2 - 2:00 am

  best mid size suv out there for the price.

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  First Impressions - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By johnnieeve - August 31 - 5:00 pm

  We traded an ES-350 for the RX. Mostly positive results. Smoother, quieter ride with limited wind and road noise. Hitting some potholes will generate a quick rattle or two, but thats it. Comfortable seats, Recessed Nav screen at eye level and mouse controller a good plus, helps for safe driving. Interior storage much improved, including a cubby area under the center console. Mixed driving gets just shy of 22 MPG using 89 Octane. Plugins a bit awkward in lower console, but that location helps keep the cords hidden and out of sight when not in use. Neither our ES or Limited Avalon before that had side moldings, so no biggie for us. We are enjoying the car.

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  GS 300 Just as good the second time - 2001 Lexus GS 300
  By ggwes - August 31 - 10:00 am

  This is teh second GS 300 Lexus we have owned, and it is just as wonderful as the first one. (The first one was a 1998)

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  Cant find anything wrong! - 1996 Lexus ES 300
  By horstm3 - August 31 - 10:00 am

  I have about 90000 miles and the only thing this car has needed is one battery and a set of tires, besides oil and filter changes. No brakes even!

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  Would not have anything else. - 1998 Lexus ES 300
  By ggwes - August 31 - 10:00 am

  We are looking to sell the 1998 and get a 2001. Not only is it an excellent car, but dollar for dollar it is the best high line value out there.

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  Great except brakes - 2002 Lexus LS 430
  By sweetspot - August 31 - 10:00 am

  I have now had the car one year. I have had no complaints until now. Actually, I love the car. But, when I brought the car in for the $15k check, they told me that the car would need brakes soon. Either the Lexus has the worst brakes ever, or the dealer was trying to rip me off. Either way Im not happy. I thought I left the sleazy dealerships behind when I bought a Lexus. In any case, I am now going to have to have the brakes checked by someone else because I dont trust the dealer any more. One other thing, the lastest NAV disk is out. The big upgrade is that it now includes Canada, which actually is a plus for me.

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  Like other first-time Lexus owners, disappointed - 2008 Lexus ES 350
  By swa_tech - August 29 - 9:24 pm

  Based on the opinion of a friend, purchased a 2008 ES-350 w/ 56k miles from Lexus dealer. Immediately experienced transmission shift flares, abrupt downshifts. Software update didnt fix it, transmission was replaced. Other issues not yet addressed: soft engine knock (piston slap?), timing chain rattles briefly when engine not started for several days, plenty of interior rattles, and of course paint chipping. While baffled that a car costing over $40k new would exhibit these technical issues at avg miles, I must say the dealer service (Sewell in Dallas) has been exemplary so far.

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  Sorry I bought it - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By red in KCMO - August 29 - 9:30 am

  Not really any fun to drive around town. The tranmission does not shift properly. Lots of uncertainty about what gear the car wants to be in. I am a stop and go type driver and it is very irritating to have your head snap back when the transmission finally decided what gear to shift into. I would opt for the Acura next time---- Which will be next year. Hope my whiplash is cured by then!! Dealer service dept. says (regarding the transmission problem) "You will get used to it"

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  My GX 470 - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By KennyMitch - August 29 - 5:10 am

  We love this vehicle! I traded in a BMW 525i and a Jeep Liberty both with low miles. We can honestly say this is the best driving experience we have ever had. I can assure you that we have had some wonderful automobiles but, nothing beats our 2004 Lexus GX 470. We have style, grace and superior handling all rolled into one vehicle. Long trips are a breeze compared to any other vehicle and I really loved my BMW 525i until I gave it up for a Lexus GX 470. Its a Superb blend of quality and handling. We love it!