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:

• 

  luxury tank - 2006 Lexus LS 430
  By TJ Sexton - March 5 - 4:55 am

  Built like a tank to last holds all the amenities of a true luxury sedan. Had this since day 1 brand new purchased from dealer for $65k, still running like a champ to this day. Hands down best luxury and reliability for ever penny I ever spent.

• 

  The New Designed Lexus RX 350 Is Incredible - 2016 Lexus RX 350
  By Greg Carroll - March 4 - 5:52 am

  Test drive one. You will see and feel the incredible design changes made to this vehicle. I have owned some very nice SUVs. This is my first Lexus and the best vehicle I have owned.

• 

  2002 ES 300 - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By GLR - March 2 - 4:20 pm

  Its an excellent fit of a car. I would never buy another American car because the service you receive is terrible in comparision to the Lexus dealership. They treat you and your car fantastic. But overall this is the best car I have ever had in 30 years. It can be a bit pricey with options but its worth it when you include the great service and support you get from them.

• 

  Fact not Fiction - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By Mister C - March 2 - 3:46 pm

  After 9mos. of ownership, Im still amazed how a 2004 can still outrank & perform 2009 Mercedes, Audi, BMW, & Infiniti. The LS430 is the car to own (Period). Good on gas, handles swell for a big car, instant acceleration when the light turns green, great on braking, awesome reliability like no other; even though in Chicago winter snow tires could help... although u may do fine without. This car is very quiet, comfortable, quality is a 10-of-10. Mark Levinson sound system-"The Best", Navigation is easy to work with. Privacy rear shade, heated-and cooled seats (front and rear). Dual Climate Control, nearly 300hp, HID lights, LED rear lights. Very low wind noise at 70mph. Also holds its value.

• 

  GS 300 on 18 inch Rims - 1998 Lexus GS 300
  By Mario (QC) - March 2 - 10:00 am

  A friend of mine had gave me the keys to his Lexus GS 300 for the weekend while he was out of town on business. On Saturday I decided to take it to the car wash and have it cleaned. Needless to say once I put the car in "Drive" I almost snapped my neck (WOW - What Power). After that day I decided I must have one. Today I still love my GS 300 and you know I had to put on my very own custom tires & rims (18 inch chrome). Now my friend is asking me to take my car to the car wash (lol).

• 

  Repeat owner - 2002 Lexus LX 470
  By MFF - March 2 - 10:00 am

  We love this vehicle, in fact it is our second one!

• 

  love my new ride - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By tresavaliso - March 2 - 10:00 am

  i came to this car from a bmw, and was worried about leaving the performance vehicle i had gotten used to, but this car makes up for it in luxury and comfort. I am totally happy with it. Seats go up and down easily in rear. roomy, comfortable, an no complaints from passengers.

• 

  Unstoppable - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By RJ - February 28 - 3:16 pm

  In 7 years Ive driven 160K+ fun, yet trouble-free miles. Replaced clutch & timing belt @ 100K. Other than that, just tires, brakes & fluids. Still looks & drives like new. I get 24 mpg on the highway @ 80mph. This car handles crisply and has a nice, broad powerband. I read Edmunds reviews on the 02 BMW 3-series & I cant believe it has a similar review score to the IS when every other review complains about excessive repairs & costs. I put more faith in the reviews of people whove owned the car for a while than those who post a review right after purchase. Reliability is the 2nd most important factor in my buying decision. Fun to drive is #1. IS doesnt disappoint in either category!

• 

  Best Car Buying Decision for us - 2008 Lexus RX 400H
  By Robert - February 28 - 1:13 pm

  We drive this car on bumper to bumper traffic daily about 30 miles round trip. We are averaging about 28 MPG on it. It has been a real pleasure to drive. We currently have 5000 miles on it and use it almost exclusively anytime we need to go anywhere. Has good pep and the gearless transmission is very smooth. Lexus provided the first 2 maintenance free. I looked at the book however nothing needs maintenance other than the traditional engine. The batteries are warranted for 9 years.

• 

  First Lexus - Great Upgrade from Sienna - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By Glenn - February 28 - 10:30 am

  Upgraded our beat-up 2000 Sienna to a brand new 2010 RX350. Totally thrilled! Smooth and powerful, luxurious, solid. My wife and I fight to see who gets to drive it. The RX350 was not a fait accompli for us - we strongly considered a traditional sedan. But in retrospect I think its the perfect size, super roomy and comfortable, with a sedan feel but with the very useful hatchback. Strongly suggest getting Lexus-branded black rubber mats from the dealer for the "trunk" area. Glad we did that, they look & fit great. After letting our toddlers trash the minivan, were looking forward to our slightly older kids taking care of this car!