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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  My Sixth SUV - 2004 Lexus LX 470
  By Dr. Mike Schuerman - August 8 - 2:00 am

  This is my 6th SUV and the best thus far, including my 1999 Lincoln Navigator. There is little, if anything, that I do not like about this vehicle. Fun to drive and a pleasure to be in. The Lexus name tells it all, perfection, at its best. The price is alittle higher than most, but you get just what you pay for with this beauty.

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  LOVE IT - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By WARREN - August 8 - 2:00 am

  GREAT LOOKING WITH THE TOP UP OR DOWN. VERY COMFORTABLE, QUICK AND EXTREMEMLY FAST RIDE.

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  Been driving once since June 2001 - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By stober - August 8 - 2:00 am

  An exceptional vehicle in all respects. It is almost three years old, and it still handles as if it just came off the assembly line.

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  Best Luxury SUV EVER! - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By Desi Bandha - August 8 - 2:00 am

  For the price, this is an excellent value. Not sure, why anuyone would pay $20K more for the LX470. It beats competition, tough they may seam cheaper. When you add all the options on the others, this one is so much more worth it.

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  Lexus ES 330 - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Fred34 - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Excellent handling and stylish appearance and design. Luxurious interior. Very smooth and comfortable. Well worth the price...a smaller LS is what it is.

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  2004 lx - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By tete - August 8 - 2:00 am

  smooth ride, good mileage, quality, excellent service.

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  A GREAT CAR WITH THE RIGHT TIRES - 2002 Lexus GS 300
  By jedi - August 7 - 10:00 am

  Had my GS 300 (premium pkg.) for a little over a year now and I love this car ! Quietest, smoothest ride Ive experienced. No problems after 21,000 miles EXCEPT problems with the Bridegestone tires the car originally came with. One tire ran flat first 1000 miles; had fixed at dealer. Dealer could NOT balance these tires on the chrome wheels. Car shimmied at highway speeds (65mph+). Dealer finally replaced Bridgestones with Michelin Pilots AND WHAT A DIFFERNCE ! No problems AT ALL other than Bridgestone tires. Dealer experience the best.

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  Lexus Nexus - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By sstix - August 3 - 9:20 pm

  The comfort, the drive, th design and functionality of this vehicle make it one that is a pleasure to drive and own. It is also a bit more family friendly - with rubber cargo mat, gently reclining back seats and places to hold the familys "stuff".

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  Great car for the price - 2008 Lexus GX 470
  By BoRock - August 3 - 4:26 am

  I just picked up my new car last night. Already put 200 miles and loving it. If you want speed, performance and fuel economy, get something else. If you want plush luxury ride with great ergonomics this is it. I had 2000 LX 470 which was a little too big for me. My wife has a 2007 RX 350 - a little too small for me and too many chicks riding in that. But when I got into GX, I knew right away, its a match made in heaven.

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  Purchased a low mileage lease vehicle - 2014 Lexus ES 350
  By T. Juerisson - August 2 - 6:17 am

  -My last car was a 2002 Maxima GLE . A " lower tech " vehicle but outstanding in its time I dont like all of the new dash controls & menus seen through the display screen. Havent figured out yet how to operate more than the basic controls so far. The owners book is well illustrated but is almost two inches thick. Backing this vehicle up would be treacherous without the rear camera & screen plus the side mirrors ( High rear glass line ) . The Lexus is very quiet on the open road. Mine is black / black . Love the way it looks.