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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  Hope 2017 changes - 2016 Lexus RX 350
  By Mitchell - August 23 - 3:23 pm

  Controls difficult to see and use because theyre behind the gear shift. Nav screen is gaudy compared to prior year models.

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  Sold my IS 300 after Seven good years - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By Aja1 - August 23 - 2:53 pm

  I just traded in my 03 IS after seven years and 161,000 miles (purchased new). During my ownership, I never replaced a light bulb, only replaced the brakes once and the tires twice. The car was a joy to drive and I would have kept it for another 100,000 if I didnt need a bigger car for a growing family. I wish I liked the new IS series as much, but I thought the styling dropped off and the inline-6 was special.

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  Lexus 350ES GREAT BUY - 2014 Lexus ES 350
  By Olivia Crouch - August 22 - 6:24 am

  Lexus 350Es is big, comfortable, quiet car. Have owned 3 of them & will probably buy a 4th

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  Recent Purchase - 1997 Lexus LS 400
  By Cross Creek Dave - August 22 - 2:00 am

  I have found no flaws with this car. I would say that Predictable describes the LS 400 best. It rides good, good mileage on a trip. No squeaks and rattles! It can be serviced at Wal- mart for $35 using synthetic oil.

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  Toms Lexus story - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By Sydney - August 22 - 2:00 am

  I traded in a 98 BMW328i for a cherry red Lexus IS300 Sportcross and have not looked back. It is fun to drive, styling is great... its a "looker"! I keep getting compliments on the car. It is the only one in the area, folks dont know Lexus makes this model. Only one negative comment (someone put a card on the windshield saying "next time you buy a Lexus, dont get a hatchback!). The only negative I have is the gas mileage, never over 21 MPG! At least with the Beemer I was getting 33 on the highway and 23-28 city/highway mix!

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  IS300 - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By MarkS13ct - August 22 - 2:00 am

  Traded a 2001 BMW 325xi for the IS300 after I was told I needed my 3rd transmission. I was a previous Lexus owner and missed the reliability, build quality and service missing from most of the industry. I am very pleased with this car even after giving up the all wheel drive. There is nothing like a Lexus.

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  Lexus LS 430 - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By Leighb44 - August 22 - 2:00 am

  Lexus has taken care of everything you can think of, and then some. I have never owned such a well appointed, quality car.

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  GX 470 Best Over 6000lbs Gross Weight - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By spinnerkt - August 22 - 2:00 am

  Was looking for a truck to take advantage of the tax code 179 before end of 2003. Must haves were great reliability and quiet ride. We also wanted a Nav system and felt this was the best for the money. The GX470 is quiet and smooth. Our daughter loves the DVD and wife likes the feeling of safety she gets when driving.

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  Love It - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By euskadi92 - August 22 - 2:00 am

  I love my GX470. I did not buy it for its safety ratings. I bought it because I wanted all the bells and whistles. The GX470 has turned out better than I could ever expect. I couldnt think of any other car that I had had what I enjoyed more. It is extremely comfortable on long road trip. I was in a serious car accident in my GX and I survived while those other cars involved did not. I took most of the energy in that accident. I am convinced that the GX saved me. So I originally bought it for the bells and whistles and it ended up saving my life. I will forever drive a large Lexus SUV. For had I been in anything else, who knows where I would be.

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  7 times in shop! - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Scott R. - August 21 - 8:20 pm

  Beware, this car is very problematic. I have 7 trips to the shop already. I would tell people to wait and buy the 2007 model. This should allow Lexus adequate time to fix all problems. This is my second GS300. I wish I kept my 2003 GS300! The headlights, head rest, dome light, back up camera and other items have been replaced. I also want to ad some have been replaced two times! When one item needs to be fixed a third time, I will begin the Lemon Law process. I just want all serious buyers to beware. The 2006 GS300 has become my worst experience ever with any automobile. I have owned or leased approximately fifteen new vehicles in my life. I wish you luck if you decide to purchase a 2006 GS