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:

• 

  happy with choice - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By tradedaBenz - August 3 - 10:00 am

  Recently traded old big Benz for RX330. More luxurious than the Benz, much better ride than a Grand Cherokee. I almost bought a small Benz -- what a mistake that would have been! Love the car/truck.

• 

  Awesome Upgrade - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Bill F. - August 3 - 1:20 am

  This is my second Lexus in my driveway (first is a GX) and apart from some headroom concerns for tall people and the lock on centre armrest that needs a location change, this is a luxurious and nice car. It is almost fully loaded and is a nice mix of features and value. It is a great handling car. We recently went on a 450 mile trip and it handled like a dream. I do not undertand the negative tranny press, because it seems to shift very well and effortlessly. As for purported wind noise, well, there is nothing excessive - indeed, it is very quiet. Now, I will admit that if you want a sports car this is not for you, but it is a great family of four vehicle that makes traveling easy and fun.

• 

  GX 470 - 2006 Lexus GX 470
  By Seidler - August 1 - 2:56 am

  Runs like butter, nice appointments.

• 

  Smart balance between comfort and performance - 2016 Lexus RX 350
  By NoRush - August 1 - 2:11 am

  Coming from 2007 RX that we had for a while to 2015 RX that lasted 8 months to 2016 RX. 2016 is a huge step forward, regaining light feel of the 2nd gen, bringing back lovely engine sound and finally having great, deep and comfortable seats. Its not the car that wants to hurry up but it will hassle when pushed with crisp steering feel and much less leaning compared to both models before it. Not sure about all the negative reviews on the net, got to be the grill influence. Get beyond it and it grows on you quickly with smart balance between comfort and performance.

• 

  Awesome vehicle - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By david - July 31 - 9:03 pm

  This car makes the long drive home fun and you cant wait for a long trip. Seats are terrific with excellent double lumbar support. Mark Levinson sound system is better than the one I have in my home. Brakes are wonderful and the 290 HP engine gets you where you want quickly and effortlessly. If you want a trouble free luxury sedan, there is only one car to have and the 430 is it.

• 

  Navigation system needs update - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Timothy Rossiter - July 31 - 10:16 am

  The 2004 ES 330 is an outstanding car. The major problem and I mean major is the navigation system. It is not accurate and reads from the bottom up not top down. It is extremely annoying while driving and limits your choices while driving the car. The car must be completely stopped to change anything with the system. If you are in sales and need accuracy especially at night this is not the navigation system for you.

• 

  Nice Ride - 2015 Lexus ES 350
  By sfs - July 31 - 3:56 am

  Would prefer a DIGITAL clock - clock is hard to see. Center console is a bit crowded & not useful - no space for sunglasses. Overhead interior lighting is cheap looking - "spot" lights would look more refined. Does not have blind-spot monitor - really wanted that. Just, a glorified TOYOTA

• 

  Dream Car - 2005 Lexus SC 430
  By DKF - July 30 - 9:50 pm

  I bought this car knowing less than 1/3 of its capabilities. The more I drive it the more I am amazed I am at what it can do. This is a FUN car.

• 

  lexus Es is very good - 2012 Lexus ES 350
  By jim - July 30 - 2:46 pm

  ive had an ES then a GS and then the current one. Everything on it works as new at 77k miles. The nav system is so so but no other complaints. Fuel Econ is very good and maintenance is minimal. The finish is good and the pAint shines so far without wax. My buds make fun of it cause its boring car. It is but I still like it. For 10-11k more you can get a GS which has more sexy lines but the ES is a better value . update 3/25/2016. At 90k, this car is smooth as silk. No complaints. Great long drive car. very quite and the mpg is 30+ if all highway.

• 

  LS and more - 2002 Lexus LS 430
  By lexx2 - July 30 - 10:26 am

  The LS 430 was a step up from my ES 300. The features are abundant, yet fade away fairly quickly. The car is quiet and extremely comfortable. The front seat gives the feeling of driving a smaller car, but the rear seat passengers have all the room anyone could want. I enjoy the nav system and the Mark Levinson stereo is fantastic. Suprisingly, the car handles extremely well in the snow and slop of a Cleveland winter. The VSC and "snow" button do make a difference in the handling and performance. The gas mileage is something I should have paid a bit more attention to. I get about 17 - 19 in the city and 24 on the highway. My twin engine boat came a close 2nd in fuel burn!