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:

• 

  F-Sport Special Edition a blast to own! - 2012 Lexus CT 200H
  By jmickens - July 10 - 4:44 pm

  Got this car after seeing it showcased at the annual car show and the suspension upgrade is VERY noticable. To go from getting 50+ mpg on the highway to carving up backroad twisties makes this car the new MINI only better looking and WAY more upscale. Would highly reccomend.

• 

  Why I dont buy American or German - 1997 Lexus ES 300
  By erpgupta - July 10 - 10:00 am

  This is by far the best car I have ever owned. 7 years of hard driving and not 1 single problem. Unlike my BMW 330i, $3,000 in out of pocket expenses that the dealer says are normal. Or the Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer edition that my wife used to drive. In the first year it was back to the dealer 32x. I have owned all of the German brands along with a few Swedes and Americans thrown in along the way. Lets just say that after owning this Lexus and my wifes new Acura, we would never sink another dollar into any car unless its Japanese.

• 

  Oh My God!!! - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By crimsonlights - July 10 - 10:00 am

  Just drove home today with my certified pre- owed RX 300. I am thrilled with my purchase. I know its the older style, but I actually like it better. Its a very smooth ride and extremely fun to drive. I test-drove the newer RX 330 (also a nice ride), but was satisfied with the look and feel of the 300. The price wasnt bad either. Far more reasonable than the new 330. This is the most fun Ive ever had driving a car.

• 

  Best Luxury Car Value - 2002 Lexus LS 430
  By Scott - July 9 - 3:16 pm

  Doing my homework paid off. I wanted the best luxury vehicle for the money and I found it with the LS 430. Smooth, powerful, quiet and comfortable are all great words to describe this car. Sitting at a stop light, you wont know the engine is running. At 70+ mph, the LS 430 glides down the highway. For my money, there is no option. Lexus clearly makes the best full size luxury sedan.

• 

  I love this car - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By jbcamel - July 9 - 5:12 am

  I have had my 2007 ES 350 since June 2006. Every few months I toy with the idea of getting a new car but each time I decide that I should stick with this car. Its the best one Ive ever owned and I love it. The only weak spot seems to be the brakes. I have 77k miles and have had to replace the brakes twice. I do not ride the brakes or use many hills. Past cars have never needed new brakes - they were all sold at about 55k miles. This car is quite and beautifully made. Add to that the fact that the dealership service department is outstanding and I just cant part with it.

• 

  Luv it Luv it - 2011 Lexus CT 200H
  By wisconsinowner - July 8 - 7:41 am

  Not much "not" to like about this car. We got the titanium pearl with leather and nav. Handles beautifully. Quiet inside and comfortable. A little tire hum gets inside, but little else. Sportly looks and sporty handling. The eco/normal/sport selector is a bit of a gimmick. The sport mode makes the steering quicker, but as far as acceleration, it just affects how HARD you have to push on the gas pedal to get what you want. Doesnt seem to matter if were in the city or on the freeway at 60--consistenly get over 45 mpg. Tip in city below about 35 mph: Accelerate moderately up to speed, then back off quickly--flip it into EV (batt) mode and then maintain speed whenever possible.

• 

  no need to buy the warranty - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By eazege - July 7 - 3:10 am

  My son was born and after much research i bought my wife an 03 LS430 with 90k.Purchased a two year warranty from the dealership which i never used.I have had the car for 3yrs now..not even a mere check engine light.This is the best luxury car for the money period.We love it and compared to benz or a bmw(which i still own )he makes them look like Divas that are all bark no bite.

• 

  in 2013 still turns heads - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By mrcongeniality - July 6 - 4:13 pm

  These cars were so ahead of there time in 2002. It is a great car overall and for a used convertible this is the best value you can get for a used convertible under 15k (2002 to 2004 used ones). Do not use in snow at all. Not even once inch it will crash. My friend who had one told me this. It drives smooth and refined and its reliable. If you buy a German used convertible youll spend a lot in repairs. You wont with this. I dont have the run flats but I hear they are a problem. The top is up and down in 25 seconds.

• 

  Go fast RX 400h - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Maria Ennella - July 5 - 11:33 pm

  This is my second RX series AWD. I like the reliability, comfort and style. The car is wonderful on a trip or just driving around town. The brakes are the best performance of any vehicle I have owned. I like the way they respond to the road especially in rainy Florida weather. In addition, the car has amazing pickup which is extremely important when entering some of the interstate highways that cannot be avoided. I enjoy the quiet engine of this hybrid. My next will be a Lexus.

• 

  Reliability and fun - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By DaveIS300 - July 4 - 10:00 am

  Its been 4 months and Im loving every second Im in it. Luxury plus sporty features, its just great. Has great handling, looks great, and built to last with that Toyota quality. The only thing is gas mileage. Your better off driving leisurely with it to get better gas mileage. Driving it all city would hit you in the gas budget really fast. Otherwise, I love my full package deal all leather. Comfortable and has good speed not great, but something a modifaction of an exhaust and intake can help.