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:

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  feels like flying a plane ! - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By tamiami - January 24 - 2:00 am

  This car is absolutely a dream ! Would never go back to a porshe after driving this !

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  The vehical I have always wanted - 2017 Lexus RX 350
  By John I - January 23 - 10:28 pm

  I have had the RX 350 AWD for 4 months. I am not experiencing any of the vibration or noise that some reviewers are describing, to the point where I was shock reading those review. PERFORMANCE: I think this could be the smoothest car I have ever had, if I am being picky might be too bouncy over bumps. The shifting gears in the transmission is hardly noticeable and I have never found the 3.7 lt V6 is plenty powerful. COMFORT: I have owned Cadillac SRX, BMW X3 and Buick Enclave over the past 10 years. I think the comfort for the Cadillac and Lexus RX350 were the best in different way. The Cadillac has a the softness factor but the Lexus has a firm comfort. I like them both. The BMW X3 could have been the most uncomfortable car I have ever owned. INTERIOR: I love the two tone leather interior with the highlight of the brushed chrome accents. I seem to have more leg room than in the BMW X3. The backseat leg room is very good. I was actually embarrassed to have someone sit in the back seat of the Cadillac and BMW. I think they took some room from the cargo and gave it to the back seat because the cargo area is smaller than both of the BMW and Cadillac. In the Cadillac I had the panoramic moon roof, which was way cool, but I hardly used it. The standard moon roof is just over the front seat. I think the F sport model has the bigger moon roof. SAFETY: I am not a risk taking driver, so I might not be the best for evaluate this. However, the parking assistance package that I have really gives me confidence. I did test drive the Infinity Q50 and it had the 360 cameras. I thought this was a neat feature that is missing on the Lexus. TECHNOLOGY: I can’t imagine a vehicle having better tech features. The LCD screen is huge! I also have the LEXUS ENFORM and it is terrific. Real Time weather, Real Time Sports and Stocks! Need to know where the closest gas station is? Where the lowest prices? This car lets you do it. REALIBITY: I have had this car for 4 months and it has started every time. VALUE: Pricing is higher than the similar models for Lincoln or Cadillac but more affordable than the Porsche McCann, the Jaguar F-Pace, Land Rover. I think I got a good deal from the dealership that’s all I can ask for.

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  Doesnt get much better - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Julia - January 23 - 9:38 pm

  I got my ES330 with just under 100,000. Im at almost 130,000 after 2.5 years. So far its the best car Ive ever owned. Ive only had to do preventative maintenance on it, such as a timing belt, spark plugs and oil changes. Ive gotten everything done at the Lexus dealership and at very fair prices. Thanks to this car, it will be hard to ever drive anything other than a Lexus.

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  2 RX 300s, 2 Good Experiences - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By Southeatern Owns 2 - January 23 - 4:46 am

  I purchased a 99 RX 300 in 2005 for my college daughter. Early in 2008, after 3 years of excellent service and tremendous utility and service from that vehicle, I purchased a 2001 silver one for myself. Both had just under 100K miles when purchased, both perform better than most new vehicles. If you are looking for excellent service, a used Lexus is a good bet. Repairs are rare, maintenance costs are very reasonable, and the cost to operate are low for the level of service, reliability, and safety delivered. Regular gas is a plus, mileage on these vehicles is around 21-22 combined. Solid vehicle.

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  Gas Mileage - 2008 Lexus LS 460
  By williamjamos - January 21 - 9:10 pm

  While Im a little confused looking at the EPA estimated miles-per-gallon performance, I certainly do enjoy the performance of my LS. Around town, including a 25-mile interstate trip once a week, Im enjoying 19-21 mpg. On a highway trip when traffic is moving, I can almost achieve 32 mpg, and thats at 75-80 mph. Except for a trunk opener failure, this is an unbelievable machine.

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  My happy car - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By MCJ - January 21 - 5:23 pm

  Bought it in CA as Certified Pre-Owned. I love the CPO warranty (3 years from purchase and up to 100K total vehicle miles), but havent had to use it. Driving it never fails to bring a smile to my face. Now that its in New England, it is much more rare to see another one, but that only makes it more of a head-turner. The car is small, but comfortable enough for a foursome to go golfing in. I drove it across country in 3 days full of cargo with no complaints. Other than a problem with the dealer fixing my seat heaters (they eventually replaced my seats for me), no unexpected maintenance. Love this car!

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  Great car - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By luis - January 20 - 8:03 am

  The best touring car yet. Smooth is an understatement. Well built.

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  sport design - 2003 Lexus GS 300
  By audit - January 18 - 10:00 am

  The GS 300 sport edition is a fun car to drive. The cabin is roomy and I can put all three car seats in the back row. The titanium accents and unique color (graphite gray) are some of its special features

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  What a Fun SUV - 2003 Lexus RX 300
  By harapa - January 18 - 10:00 am

  We couldnt be more impressed with this SUV. Looked at ML350, MDX, QX4, Pilot; none has a match with RX. We wanted a SUV but not a truck. This is it. Driving is smooth and full of fun and my wife loves it. What else you can ask......

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  more power& better option packages - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By BENNY G. - January 18 - 10:00 am

  this car is great you guys have done it again.