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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  Loved the IS300 since debut - 2005 Lexus IS 300
  By jeremp - April 16 - 8:25 pm

  I recently picked up the last year IS300 (2005). I have always wanted one and I do not like the IS250 or IS350, they look too much like other lesser vehicles. I love the reliability, mine has 93k miles but I have seen them with over 200k and still running. The sunroof doesnt work, but it is 7 years old and I dont use the sunroof. I love the inline 6, v6 are not as torquey.

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  RX 300 - 2003 Lexus RX 300
  By doris - April 14 - 2:00 am

  This car never give me any probblem except when I need to make a U turn. I need to backup several times to completed the U turnb

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  Mixed Bag - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By Matthew Jacob - April 11 - 9:03 pm

  The bean counters at Lexus have struck. My 2005 had a luxurious interior with an almost all wood steering wheel, shift knob and fine leather throughout. The 2010 has a trace of wood and cheaper leather. Accent lines on the exterior appear contrived and overall design not as attractive as the 2005. The 12V plug is buried in the console and needs to be more accessible. Trip computer on 2010 hard to read and use-much inferior to 2005. Cooled ventilated seats barely cool. Side molding on 2005 useful to avoid dents and dings-molding at bottom of door of 2010 virtually useless. The transmission, power and comfort are noticeably improved. But I miss my 2005.

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  Quiz dealer about concerns BEFORE buying - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By newowner - April 9 - 3:03 pm

  Traded in BMW X5 for the Lexus. Handles well; front seats less comfortable than BMW. Nice nav system. Rear blind spot not helped by camera which has distortion. When I picked up car, alesman told me "just learned" I should use premium gas - and not to expect decent mileage until at least 5,000 miles. Rear seats recline (slightly) - nice feature, but reduces already small cargo space. No light in small glove compartment and no logical place for loose change. Sound system much better than BMW. Very quiet drive and excellent acceleration. No wood makes car stark.

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  Great SUV,But... - 2008 Lexus GX 470
  By carenthusiast7 - April 2 - 1:16 am

  For an SUV its very good with plenty of space unless you have a family or carrying more than 5 people, then some issues arise. The third row isnt exactly spacious and kids will fight for the mid row to avoid the third. Gas mileage is self explinatory since it runs on a V8. Power is plenty when you need it on highways and even after years, the GX is still fairly quiet even with a V8. All in all, it is a great SUV, just be prepared for gas trips and the questionable third row.

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  Not So Bright Headlamps - 2013 Lexus GS 450h
  By gilnarro - April 1 - 3:10 pm

  We traded up from RXs to the GS450h for efficiency and environmental reasons. But, the first time we drove at night was a revelation. The bi-xenon HID lights are simply no comparision to the bright and expansive headlamps we expected. Theyve checked them out thoroughly, but no, thats what you get. A critical component that nobody ever addresses! The LED lamps that come with the luxury package are impossible to find on any Lexus lot, so a comparison is, well, impossible to date. My suspicion is that the LED lights are better; otherwise, why would they be available only with the luxury package. Have you experienced the LEDs on a Lexus? Weve driven the car a little over 1000 miles.

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  Mixed feelings - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By HFPjr - March 29 - 10:00 am

  Just passed 5000 miles. Superb drive train and visibility. Wonderfully quiet. Narrow and short driver seat, third row useless. Rear barn door a pain. Very busy ride. Worst issue is excessively powerful a/c creates way too much air movement. Passengers always too cold. Outside thermometer defective, dealer cannot fix.

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  Nice!! - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By Jon - March 26 - 11:50 am

  Drove BMW 3 series, G35, Volvo S60 and IS 300 just to be complete. Expected to buy the G35 but after driving the Lexus, I just loved driving it. It was by far the most engaging, quietest, and tightest ride. The G35 was faster in a straight line but I felt "one-with-the-car" driving the IS 300. Feels much faster than it really is. And it is not slow. Beautiful styling in and out and great build quality. Was also sold on the reliability record. Consumer Reports listed it as one of the top 3 most reliable cars for 2004. I hope that holds true with mine.

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  great fun car but not a BMW - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By hog4oc - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I had this car for 1 week, my wife and I love driving it, we also own BMW 5 series, it is definitly not a BMW, but different kind of fun car to drive around. It is a good experience for us, much better than any Toyota cars around.

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  Fantastic Car, Only Minor Quips - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By my03tundra - March 20 - 10:03 am

  For many years prior to getting my Lexus, I had been driving trucks and SUVS. I had a 2003 Toyota Tundra, 2007 Honda Ridgeline, 2008 Honda CR-V, and a 2011 Ford F-150. I loved my F-150 and for a pickup it got good mileage. Sadly, I was in an accident in May that totaled my truck, but I wasnt. After that, I was without a vehicle until September when I stumbled upon the car. Literally. I had told a family member "Im thinking about buying a used luxury car," when she did a Google search and found my car! I love the car. Comfortable, handles confidently, and has everything but USB and Bluetooth connectivity.