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:

• 

  Fix for Interior Wind Noise - 2007 Lexus LS 460
  By Radman - May 11 - 8:36 am

  Although I would like to own an American car, I had to give up my Cadillac for this one. Originally looked at the 430 in 2006. Glad I waited for the 460. After much research, I think I made the best choice. Was recently advised that there is a service bulletin for interior wind noise. Dealer, once approved after tech ride along, will replace weatherstrip, install thicker glass and additional insulation. My parts are on order. Hope the fix works.

• 

  4 month review - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Dick - May 11 - 1:00 am

  Plenty of power and acceleration; rides firm but comfortably. Found my wife and I are relaxed after a 500 mile trip. Notice some wind noise above 80mph; almost no wind noise below 70.

• 

  the best - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By ronnie21748 - May 9 - 2:00 am

  Traded slk...no comparison...lexus quality more bells and whistles. A true joy to drive.

• 

  FUN IS BACK - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By TPAFL - May 9 - 2:00 am

  I have had several nice cars in the past, including Acura, BMW, and a two previous Lexus coupes. None of my previous cars matched the fun and excitement of driving the SC430. And if the fun and excitement arent enough, the unsolicited comments from people about what a looker the car is , or the wanting stares of people in cars around you while stopped at a red light are enough to bring a smile to your face!

• 

  Lexus ES330 is Just luxury Camry - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Paul Sneed - May 9 - 2:00 am

  Traded in a 2003 Camry for the ES330 Lexus. Ride and feel was the same. Controls are much the same. Gas Milage was less then the Camry. Overall the ES330 is just a Camry with more options and a higher price.

• 

  Another Great Lexus - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By johnp - May 9 - 2:00 am

  Recently traded my 02 ES300 for an 04 ES330. There are some significant differences. The extra 15 HP are an improvement. The new transmission no longer has the slow downshift issue. Interior design is great and the car is VERY comfortable. Steering/handling is tighter. The NAV system is very intuitive. This car is so good and so comfortable I just dont feel the need for a larger model.

• 

  IDR Lexus - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Donald Rosuck - May 9 - 2:00 am

  Great car, smooth riding, great on rough roads and real good in the rain. Holds the road well on turns, and the newer engine gives very good acceleration when needed.

• 

  I Didnt Think It Could Be This Improved - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By johnp - May 9 - 2:00 am

  Traded our 01 RX300 for an 04 RX330. The improvements are astounding from an already excellent vehicle. The tilt and telescope wheel, tighter handling, more HP, steering wheel mounted stereo controls plus other subtle changes make the new RX just outstanding. The NAV system is excellent and very intuitive. The Levinson sound system is superb. The backup camera is an excellent addition. The DVD entertainment system is very good, but just a bit overly complicated to use. The dealership is outstanding. If you go in with reasonable expectations, you quickly come out with a fine vehicle and no heartburn.

• 

  A pleasure to drive - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By joe - May 8 - 4:03 am

  We purchased the car in Dec 2006 and I have put about 2500 miles on the car we love everything about it. It rides great and the only slight problem we have is it is a little noisy when it is not warmed up. We get a lot of compliments on the looks of the car. This is our first Lexus after owning a Mercedes-Benz truck and an Explorer truck. The quality is much better in the lexus I would definitely recommend this car

• 

  Wow!! - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By L3X - May 7 - 10:00 am

  Superb Handling, good acceleration, Very comfortable even with 17" rims. test drove the BMW 330Ci, glad i bought the IS300.