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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  Instead of the X-Type - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By likedlex - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I was deciding between the X-Type Jag and the ES300, glad I chose the ES. The Jag was nicer looking outside but that is it. The Lexus has all the amenities that one could want in a luxury sedan. Granted if performance is what you are after it is not the best choice. But hey, If I wanted performance Id get a Porsche right? I love this car, and better yet my wife does too!

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  Couldnt Be Happier - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By GC in Memphis - June 26 - 12:26 am

  I just bought a used 2005 RX330 and am so glad I did. At first, I wasnt sure I wanted anything other than a full- blown SUV, but this baby has all the interior room I need and more bells and whistles than I know what to do with. Aside from the smooth ride, great handling and spectacular amenities, there is a certain confidence and attitude that come with owning a Lexus. It is wonderful, yet hard to describe. I have received so many compliments. I have only owned it for a week, but, so far it has been excellent. I keep finding new features that blow my mind, seeing as it was so affordable.

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  Floating Heaven - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By Maazoo - June 25 - 10:00 am

  I am experiencing the privilege of owning my dream car. Its amazing that so much power comes from such a quiet engine. From the superb handling to the exquisite design, I am thrilled each time I get behind the wheel. She turns heads and drops jaws! Loving it~

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  New Lexus Fan - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By ajwells - June 25 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Lexus after four happy years in a 2001 Acura CL coupe (now discontinued)... I found the redesign of the Acura TL to be appalling so I looked at everything from BMW to Mercedes to Volvo to Subaru to Saab to Infiniti... was about to settle on a Volvo S60 when I drove the ES330... as soon as I closed the door I was sold... the quality, design, finish and drivability that was missing in almost everything I tested was here in spades... every move is silky and sure and the driving experience is wonderful, albeit more "adult" than some of the cars in this class... other than being slightly light on power I would say this car is close to perfect.

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  Love it... so far? - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By bobm - June 25 - 4:50 am

  Absolutely no problems so far. But reading some of the other reviews and forums, I wonder if the other shoe is about to drop? That said, my 2010 RX 350 is everything that I thought that it would be -- quiet, comfortable ride, decent performance, great build quality, and an exterior design that makes the prior versions look like Ugly Betty. Getting ready to go on a 2k road trip, so I will update after that.

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  Second Lexus... more to come - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Lexus fan - June 23 - 9:03 pm

  This is our 2nd RX, 1st was 2000 also bought used, now with 120,000 miles passed down to son. These are great cars, great company to work with even if there are issues; the perfect car. Crossover sits higher, easier to enter/exit, safer on road. Great in winter, fun to drive. Two recommendations: buy Certified Preowned from a dealership you trust. 2nd recommendation: do not scrimp on tires as they make a huge difference in road noise and handling. Recommended: Michelin Energy LX4. We compared the RX with a 2005 Acura MDX, which felt cumbersome with a boring exterior.

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  Love love love my Lexus! - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By amyb19xx - June 23 - 6:49 pm

  This is my second Lexus SUV. Reliable. Purchased used with higher mileage. Have had no repair issues just basic maintenance like oil changes. My SUV is now 11 years old but looks new and rides like new. We get compliments frequently. Stylish and luxury at is best. Planning to buy my third Lexus SUV soon.

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  Excellent - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By seth - June 21 - 2:00 am

  There is nnothing I can say except for excellent in every way!

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  A Luxury SUV with Great Gas Mileage - 2008 Lexus RX 400H
  By Peter M. - June 20 - 7:16 pm

  This is an incredible car, granted it is expensive, but well worth every penny. I dont understand the complaints about gas mileage. With a little coaching from the onboard "consumption" feature in the navigation system I am routinely getting between 29 and 30 mpg. 24-26 is a high speed highway average, 28-30 around town, and 30-33 in stop and go driving.

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  25000 and rolling - 2006 Lexus LS 430
  By KEITH HARTMAN - June 20 - 2:30 am

  The best car Ive ever owned, so good that mentioning a few nit-picks seems out of place. Still, the front door are too long for easy opening in a parking lot. The nav. system was very hard to me to learn. The voice-operated controls are not useful and I keep hitting the "on" button for them with my left knee. But -- the mileage average over 25 in my rural medical practice, the sound system works flawlessly, guests in the backseat keep raving about their experience.