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:

• 

  Best vehicle - 2010 Lexus LX 570
  By chiggy1 - March 23 - 10:54 pm

  This is my third Lexus, the first two were LX 470s and after I sold the last one I decided to get a two year old Rang Rover Sport (supercharged) for a change. And what a change, overheating problems, brakes binding requiring new pads and rotors after 30,000Km and a leaking sunroof that caused a wiring short inside the passenger side quarter panel. Looked good and was reasonably comfortable and was incredibly fast with that supercharger, but horribly let down by reliability issues. I then decided that for that kind of money I should get something I know would be reliable like my two previous Lexuss. I wasnt disappointed and have found the LX 570 to be many times nicer than the the 470

• 

  LS 460 - A Great Buy - 2008 Lexus LS 460
  By Rick S. - March 21 - 2:43 am

  Our 4th Lexus over the past 14 years, and clearly the best ever. Previously drove a 98 GS 300 for 10 years and considered the 08 GS. In the end, nothing compared to the overall comfort, performance, quality, features and styling combination offered by the LS. It is an expensive "value" compared to many other cars in the same or higher price ranges. I recently turned 40, and wasnt sure if I was "old enough" yet for the LS based on the styling of older models. The 2007 / 2008 is a significant improvement in every respect and I have no regrets whatsoever for going luxury instead of sports/luxury. Levinson stereo is incredible and navigation is better than most reviews indicate.

• 

  RX330 Awesome - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Shelby - March 20 - 5:36 pm

  This vehicle is the most fun of the 4 Lexus I have owned. Its exterior design is just beautiful, interior luxurious. Smooth, comfortable, QUIET ride. The shortened the turning radius so it is even easier to turn around than my RX300 was. The engine is very responsive and the gas mileage is GREAT. I get about 19 -20 mpg driving around town and 26 on the highway. Best of all, I trust this vehicle--since it is a Lexus, it will not break down. Suberbly constructed with a well-thought out design. Thank you Lexus engineers.

• 

  Wonderful car - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By mikey f - March 20 - 10:00 am

  My experience? Easy. A perfect car. I dont even know why Lexus has a service department. Other than regular scheduled maintenance, there are NO repairs to be made ever!

• 

  Great Buy - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By Peter L - March 20 - 10:00 am

  This is a lot of car for the buck. It drives like a nimble responsive car. The interior is very luxurious and spacious. Acceleration is quick and smooth. Brakes are strong. I got the premiem plus packege without the nav system. After negotiating, we got the car for 33,400.

• 

  Love this car! - 1998 Lexus GS 300
  By mish0039 - March 17 - 11:26 pm

  This is my second GS 300 (first was a 95). I love this car. I have also had a 97 BMW 528i, although they may be a little bit more fun to drive, but who can afford to keep fixing them? The Lexus still looks new and feels like it is built like a tank. I get a lot of compliments.

• 

  I hate driving...or at least I used to! - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By PLG - March 17 - 8:10 pm

  You know your car is awesome you look for excuses to drive...especially when you hate driving. I love my GS300. When I walk up to it in the parking lot, it makes me smile...oh, the anticipation of a fine, smooth, and comfortable ride!

• 

  Great Car! - 2004 Lexus LX 470
  By Tim Currin - March 16 - 10:00 am

  Amazing handling for a full time four wheel drive SUV. Super interior appointments. Great looking exterior. Navigation system is wonderful.

• 

  Lexus LX 470 - 2004 Lexus LX 470
  By Lexus driver - March 16 - 10:00 am

  I love my Lexus! My son drives a 2003 Range Rover and my family agrees that the Lexus is much more comfortable to ride. It is just an amazing SUV!

• 

  Antoines Review - 1998 Lexus ES 300
  By Antoine - March 16 - 10:00 am

  My experience with this car has been great. You cant ask for a better entry-level luxury sedan. A wonderful automobile.