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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  2008 Lexus IS F - 2008 Lexus IS F
  By redline78 - July 2 - 2:30 am

  Lexus built IS-F to compete with BMW M3. This car is supposed to go fast and have good handling at high speed. If people want softer ride and slower car, that is what IS250 for. I say go fast or go home! :P My previous car was IS350 and I sold it to get IS-F. I love my IS350 and I love IS-F more. Faster car, very nice muscular/louder engine, 19" gunmetal wheels made by BBS and brakes by Brembos... this car hits the mark in my book. I was going to buy the new M3 but I bought this one instead. This car go so fast so quick you dont notice you are going fast until you look down on speedo. :x

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  Accept no substitutes! - 2008 Lexus GX 470
  By Raingeardude - June 30 - 6:43 pm

  I cant say enough great things about this truck! Its a phenomenal piece of machinery and if you love the 4runner, the GX 470 will put it to shame and make you wonder why you ever drove one! The ride is smooth. The interior is plush and luxurious. It rides so quiet! As many have said already, there are a few things that need improving but thats the advantage when you own one. You know it will only be a few years before they roll out the next new model. I just couldnt be happier. I traded my RX350 in for this and I think I made an excellent choice. Much roomier, not too much difference on the gas mileage and its just a more solid vehicle. Truly outstanding product!

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  Bumpy ride - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By MARIO - June 25 - 10:00 am

  I like the design and interior of the SUV.

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  Extraordinary Engineering - 2007 Lexus RX 400H
  By RAC - June 22 - 6:26 pm

  We needed more cargo space in our vehicles but didnt want a gas guzzling SUV. The Lexus has proved to be a wonderful solution - we have plenty of cargo space inside and on the roof and the hybrid system, while taking some time to get used to, has been just terrific. The ride is smooth and quiet - the hybrid drive works flawlessly and is a wonder to watch on the monitor and there is more than enough power when you need it. The entire vehicle is beautifully built, roomy and very well equipped. The navigation system is a bit daunting at first, but use the quick guide - youll be fine. Mileage is getting there - when broken in we think it will be just about at published levels. Fantastic!

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  Great SUV - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By houston77079 - June 21 - 1:13 pm

  This was my wifes lexus. The car was great. Great engine and great ride. Never a problem. Lexus dealer is awesome. First class all the way.

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  Best most satisfying car ever owned - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By david - June 21 - 2:56 am

  Our SC 430 is the best most satisfying car weve ever owned. Reliable, still gets comments EVERY time it goes out in public. A great ego tripper as well as a driving trip. Although it has less than 25,000 miles, it is used every day. A joy to own and drive.

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  Favorite Family Vacation ride - 2004 Lexus LX 470
  By J squryes - June 20 - 2:00 am

  Drove 2300 miles over Xmas. this SUV kept everyone comfortable even after 15+ hour driving. Smooth, quiet and solid.

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  Solar Spectacular - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By Maylatht - June 20 - 2:00 am

  My baby is so worth the cost of having him! Even with the increasing price of premium in the Bay Area. I cannot wait until Lexus comes out with the IS430! Theyd better not have just been toying with me in LA at the Auto Show! Thatll be a quantum leap. Id expect 10s in everything but gas. FYI: I got it in 2002, not 2003.

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  Top Convertible Sports Car - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By edmagc2001 - June 20 - 2:00 am

  No other convertibles in the U.S. car market today can rival the quietness (top up or down)& interior quality of this Lexus SC430. And the rumble sound from the exhaust with top down will remind you this is a sports car. By the way, I also own MBZ 500SL with less quality, more noise & higher price. Its my last MBZ.

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  An SC for Me - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By rightmove2004 - June 20 - 2:00 am

  Great Car! It needs help with some...any luggage space. No Bike racks, Roof Racks and not enough cup holders. Its great for picking up milk at 7-11 but dont even think of stopping at Sams Club. Why fo I have to go to Best Buy to hook up XM?