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:

• 

  Awesome Beuty One of a kind Monster - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By DannyO - June 20 - 2:00 am

  I love my SC430 it is Purple with white interior and my wife and I just think that this is a one of a kind true out of this world tranportation mechine. the only thing to keep in mind is children!!! they will hate sitting in the back seat and when they do the driver will have to drive very close to the steering wheel and that is not fun. so over all this is a true beauty

• 

  Lexus Es330 - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Wayne Helfer - June 20 - 2:00 am

  Sedan review, This car is superior to any we test drove in handling, comfort and safety.

• 

  First Time Lexus Owner - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By JimAtlanta - June 19 - 12:33 pm

  After driving a pick-up truck for years I wanted a vehicle with a more refined drive, styling and amenities but which would also provide the capability of a decent amount of cargo capacity. After looking around and test driving several SUVs the Lexus 400h caught my attention with its superior gas mileage, styling and refinement. I have had my vehicle for a month and find it as pleasurable to drive now as I did the first day....In fact it took me that long just to master the navigation system!! While my gas mileage hasnt reached the government rating it is still satisfactory for the size/weight and amenities of this vehicle.

• 

  The LS430 is second to none. - 2002 Lexus LS 430
  By LOR - June 19 - 10:00 am

  I bought the LS430 in February 2002 with the Ultra Package Option. The stereo system on board is unbelievable and so does the DVD Navigator. The car can respond to your voice command!

• 

  You gotta drive one to understand - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By Cant Believe It - June 19 - 10:00 am

  This car is unbelievable. Bottomless silky power. Shifts are invisible and the ride is top notch. I find it is quieter than the GS 430. Car is a real head turner. What a sound system! Simply a pleasure to drive.

• 

  One of the Best Overall SUVs - 2007 Lexus RX 350
  By Lucas Chang - June 19 - 12:33 am

  I have owned 3 different SUVs: 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee LE / 2005 Mercedes M-Class / 2007 Lexus RX 350 (AWD). I must say that by far, I have enjoyed the Lexus the most. Like all SUV owners you are looking for a particular kind of car... one that is spacious, versatile, and luxurious. This vehicle (Lexus RX 350) has definitely been my top choice for all of these. Although this vehicle was for my wife, I will often sneak off with it instead of my M-Class. For those of you who can spend a little more for the "extras" (Mark Levinson SS, Rear DVD , Nav. System), I would definitely suggest getting them. You will never regret purchasing this vehicle! I know I dont and my wife LOVES IT!!!

• 

  My first Lex - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By GhostRyder06 - June 18 - 4:53 pm

  When needing a new car with enough room for a tall family of (4), I did my research with the Lexus LS 430 and the BMW 745. As you can see, the Lexus LS 430 was my decision. I must say, what an excellent choice! For me to sit in the back seats and have room enough to close the doors and be comfortable was a must. Plus the reliability factor was a no brainer. Comfortable, quiet eye catcher! Not a car to reach 60 miles in 5.6 secs. Thats what the Lexus GS is for. This is a grown mans car. I took her for her 60k maintenance yesterday and it was a hefty bill. But I know it was well worth the money. My mind is made up to get another once the wheels have fallen off this one.

• 

  Id do it again - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By Linda F - June 15 - 10:00 am

  I really enjoy this car. I do crafting, home projects and gardening and its perfect for hauling my supplies. It also gives me the flexibility of carrying passengers in comfort. Everyone who rides in the car comments on how smooth a ride it is.

• 

  At home on the road - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By perdel - June 15 - 10:00 am

  Every thing is smooth. From the leather seats to the engine. No rough edges when it comes to comfort. This includes the ride. Ours came with the 18" wheels. No air suspension. Test drove with regular wheels. 18s cost a little for the handling improvement. You need to sit in it for a while before you can really understand all the controls. We traded a 03 Honda Pilot. It was very straight foward when it came to controls. Pilot was great we just did not need the extra seats.We would rather have the extra MPG. Lexus is a wonderful machine. Driven MB, BMW, VW, SUV but this is refined.

• 

  Asbury - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By elno - June 15 - 10:00 am

  Very confortable. Excelent ride for a suv. Lots of leg room. power trunk is used every day. Auto lights & winshild wipers are also on daily. I would recomend it to anyone considering a SUV of this size to eveyone. The one draw back is the gas milage. I hope that there will be a hybreed modle avaiable for my next purchase.