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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  Fantastic Car - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By palmjumper - March 8 - 2:00 am

  The best car I have ever owned including Cadillacs, Lincolns and even a Rolls Royce. It is fun to drive and the engineering is impressive. There is power when you need it and even massaging back seats. The radar assisted cruise control takes the drugery out of long trips. It automatically slows you down or speeds you up depending on traffic. You can almost "set it and forget it."

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  Awesome Driving Experience - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Larry C - March 8 - 2:00 am

  We drove and compared the 330ES to the Acura, Volvo, BMW, Accord and Camry. By far the best handling vehicle of them all. A smooth quiet ride like I have never experienced before. Interior is elegant and comfortable. the people at the Lexus dealership treated us wonderfully, all and all agreat car and a great experience. I am sold on Lexus. A whole lot of car for the money.

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  dirst 100 miles - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By zaus - March 8 - 2:00 am

  timing on my car ES 330 2004 is very poor--complained to the service manager and was told until 100 miles nothing could be done--i REALLY DONT UNDERSTAND THIS AS FAR AS i KNOW NO NEW CAR HAS TO BE BROKEN IN--- I think Lexus made a mistake

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  So far so good - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By PerrinD1 - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Have only had the vehichle a few months , but it gets around like a champ on the ice and snow. Gas mileage leaves something to be desired from a relatively small 6 cylinder. Power is adequate. Tranny is smooooth. Brakes are good. Lets give it 20000-30000 more miles and see how it does.

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  First Love - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By chelms - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I shopped for three days before finding the love of my life. I never wanted any type of SUV until I saw this one sitting in the show room. I test drove the GS 300, a Cadillac CTS, and a small Lincoln. After having driven a GS 300 for the past ten years, I wasnt thrilled with the new model. I felt like I was in my same car. The Cadillac and Lincoln just impress me. However, when I eyed the RX 330 and then test drove it, I fell in love. I had no doubts that this was what I wanted and I have no regrets after two months! It is like driving a sports car but with all the comforts of a luxury car. That is why they call it an LUV, not an SUV!!

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  My RX 330 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Tom Papaccio - March 8 - 2:00 am

  It drives very well, handles well and is very comfortable. My biggest complaint is the dashboard rattles. Second biggest complaint is the headlight washing system goes when you wash the windshield and gets the car full of window washer.

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  sexy lexy - 2002 Lexus GS 300
  By hiyo silver - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Absolutely an amazing car, everything Ive always looked for. Great stereo, Nav System, zenon lights, cd changer in dash, heated seats, memory package, graet interior (second to none much better than mbz,bmw)-- why get anything upgraded? Great service from dealership always with a smile.

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  The review - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By i am steve - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Good car but small tires and doesnt handle as well as some others

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  GX IS NOT smaller version of LX - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By C. Moore - March 7 - 2:40 am

  consistent issue with transmission slippage which dealer has been unable to eliminate. dealer refuses to acknowledge issue. tailgate is hideous. ride is like that of a tractor. LOVED my LX. no similar feelings for the GX.

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  I love this car - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Dr. Bob - March 6 - 1:50 pm

  My Lexus ES 350 is very nearly perfect. I love the clean functionality, the comfort of the car, and the driving ease. My mileage in stop-and-go traffic is near 20 mpg; my weekly commute and around town driving is near 26 to 27 mpg, at 55 mpg the mileage is in the 33 mpg range; and at a long-distance 75+ mph the mileage is 29 to 31. The mileage is better if I can buy gasoline without ethanol. My only issue is that the front head room is not adequate, but not enough for me to trade this car.