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:

• 

  My first Lexus - 2010 Lexus RX 450h
  By Duiwee - February 26 - 9:40 am

  This is my first Lexus and it will not be my last. The RX450h is not a performance machine, it more like a family car. It’s fun to drive, very conformable. I have driven the LS460 and this RX450h is more comfortable then the LS (IMO). The RX have a quite cabin in city driving, but on highway driving is also quite but it can be better. The interior feels a little cheap for a 50k luxury SUV. I would prefer Lexus would pay more attention to the quality of the interior. The exterior is superb (IMO). I know there are mix reviews out there about the exterior styling of this RX. To me I like it. If you are looking for a luxury crossover dont miss this RX. Comfortable, safe & Fun to drive

• 

  Time to Turn in the Lease - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By CD - February 26 - 2:53 am

  A great SUV. Will turn it in and get another one.

• 

  Disappointing - 2006 Lexus GX 470
  By Jim R - February 25 - 2:23 am

  I have been so disappointed with this truck that, in the middle of my lease, I ordered a BMW X5 (Im going back to this better performing, more luxurious SUV). The GX 470 is boring to drive. It lumbers down the highway like a full sized American car. The "premium" sound system is no better than average. The gas mileage is worse than the X5 - I rarely get more than 12 mpg. The interior is average - the leather and wood trim are not nearly as nice as what is offered by BMW or Audi. Overall, I paid 55,000 for this truck and its worth about 35,000. I cant wait to get back into a BMW.

• 

  As solid as a Mercedes E-350 - 2015 Lexus RX 350
  By george166 - February 24 - 8:50 am

  After owning three E-350s, a 2000, 2006 and a 2010, I traded my 2010 in August for the RX350 because I needed more trunk space. I was hesitant at first but now I am not disappointed with the RX. The high speed maneuvers however are not like the Mercedes, as expected of course. The quality of the RX is as good as the Mercedes and the ride is much smoother. The steering feel of the RX is better and the body leans less than the Mercedes. The RXs leather seats are more comfortable and luxurius, very much like an S Class Mercedes. Overall, the RX is quiet, luxurious and easy to handle.

• 

  SC430 - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By S HARPER - February 24 - 5:13 am

  Always draws a crowd. Drives well especially when accelerating through turns. Not really a sports car, but itll do considering cost to purchase.

• 

  Great Car - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By IS3Driver - February 24 - 2:00 am

  This should be on anyones list who is looking for a sport sedan in the low 30k range.

• 

  Great Crossover SUV - 2003 Lexus RX 300
  By MrElussive - February 24 - 2:00 am

  This SUV is extremely easy to drive. The ride is extremely smooth, and this car is just loaded with luxury. The AWD system is excellent in the snow and the car has a really solid feel overall.

• 

  F Sport. Think twice before purchasing this car. - 2015 Lexus RX 350
  By Lee Hagen - February 24 - 1:02 am

  My wife wanted a Lexus... Bad. I tried talking her out if it but she wouldnt listen. When it came time to pick one out, I made the mistake of pushing for the F Sport because it was much better looking than the rolled under front bumper standard version. The big problem with the F Sport is the ride and the transmission. We live in Wisconsin and test drove the car in the summer on decent roads. The ride is stiff... really stiff. I was concerned but the style got in the way of my judgement. Now that its winter and the roads are crap (you know what I mean if you live here), I hate the ride. Our subdivision is older and the heaving on the street makes the car feel like youre riding a bucking bronco. I actually drive on the wrong side of the street in some places to avoid the bumps. The stiffness has gotten old in a hurry. The other issue is the transmission. Its a joke. Why on earth would Lexus put in a eight speed tranny when theyve programmed it to get into top gear as soon as possible? First gear is way too low. You step on the throttle from a stop and if you dont ease back to almost an idle position, it over-accelerates and makes it feel like youve mashed the pedal to the floor. Theres a very fine line between idling away from a stop and lunging up to second gear. Then it shifts...shifts...shifts... and by the time your going twenty miles an hour... youre in fifth gear. Hit forty... youre in eighth. The engineers have programmed the trans to get into top gear as soon as possible to save fuel. Then comes the downshift issue. You get off the freeway, slow to thirty, as you step on the throttle to accelerate off, it doesnt downshift. You press harder and it still wont downshift. Not until you really give it some serious throttle, it will finally decide to downshift. The other annoying thing is... youre moving along at 70 and you hit a headwind, or the road heads uphill. It immediately downshifts as soon as you give it the hint of more throttle. Oh... one more transmission programming oversight. The paddle shifters. Youre driving along at 55, you apply throttle to accelerate, it wont downshift as usual, you pull the left lever to downshift... and it goes from eighth to fifth. Whats up with that? I want seventh, then sixth. Dumb. On the good side... Styling is nice, considering these cars are so cluttered trying to find their identity. Interior is very nice. Stereo is good. Seats have everything including the drivers side moves back when you shut it off. Its quiet. Motor goes well (when you really press on the gas) On the not so good side... For a $53,000 car, the steering wheel isnt heated, its hard and has no grip at all. The exhaust is annoyingly loud (another brilliant marketing move just for egotists). The car developed an rattle in the left front fender that took a couple trips to the dealer before the they found the problem. They thought I was nuts after multiple complaints and in the end my analysis was spot on. The tire pressure monitor had problems after a few thousand miles and weve been back twice to balance and rotate the tires trying to eliminate noise. Hasnt helped. To me, the cars a loser. I pushed hard for the Pathfinder but lost out. My wife keeps a stiff upper lip and says she likes it. I guess thats what counts in the end. I bet its gone at the end of the lease.

• 

  Amazing Ride! - 2007 Lexus RX 350
  By jeff - February 23 - 2:23 pm

  What a great vehicle! I just purchased my new RX 350 a few weeks ago and this is one amazing SUV. Bought this for my wife and she loves it. No road noise compared to my Suburban. The people at the dealership were friendly and helpful. A bit pricey, but if you are looking for a reliable, luxurious, sporty but classy medium sized SUV, this new RX 350 is worth considering.

• 

  Navigation Audio - 2010 Lexus ES 350
  By 12voltman - February 23 - 7:40 am

  1200 miles is not enough for an accurate rating, but a couple of items really irk me. First being the destination cannot be changed while driving unless you pull over or call the enform service that will COST you $250 bucks after the first year. Second is the audio. Lexus says for safety reasons you are blocked out of scrolling for artist on the IPOD, USB and CDs. However can you can scroll tracks, select from over 200 satellite channels and have full use of a Blue tooth capable portable player. Whats that all about? It should be all or nothing. And if it is nothing they will be at a competitive disadvantage. Lexus needs to have a consumer focus group on this one.