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:

• 

  Bullet Proof! - 1996 Lexus LS 400
  By shejean7 - October 31 - 4:00 pm

  I bought this car over a year and 1/2 ago with around 130K on it. I test drove different cars at the time, but when I drove the LS400 I was in love. I cant believe how silky smooth it glides down the road. I use Regular gas in it, due to high gas prices, and it has not missed a beat. Sometimes Ill use premium fuel, but it does fine with regular, so why pay more? As far as expenses, its been the cheapest car to own because nothing ever goes wrong with it. Ive only done a front end alignment ($60), a new batter recently ($100), and regular oil changes with tire rotations. The tires do not seem to wear down either. Purchased for less than $6,000! Now in the market for an RX330!

• 

  Exceeds expections - 2009 Lexus ES 350
  By Dave - October 30 - 4:53 pm

  Bought this car after driving my RX for 10 years, which now my son is driving. Love the features, bluetooth for phone, parking assist, navigation, rear shade, auto wipers, and heated/cooled seats. Black interior can be a challenge to keep looking new but love driving it and the gas mileage is 25+ City and around 30 on highway. Would recommend to anyone. Looking to buy a third Lexus now, which brought me to this page!

• 

  RX 330 - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Jeff Hopkins - October 30 - 2:40 am

  We love our new 2005 rx 330. It is a great car and is the best driving car that we have ever had. We love the Lexus navigation system in the car, although it does not have all of the destinations that should not be hard to find in it. It is a very comfortable car and i would suggest one for anyone! The cargo door can be opened with the push of a button on your key and that is a great feature.

• 

  Outstanding - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By leffen - October 30 - 2:00 am

  So far only 500 miles. Best car ever made in the segment. Outstanding quality, superior design, excellent owner support, max driver satisfaction.

• 

  GREAT - 1996 Lexus LS 400
  By EDDIE - October 25 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE OWNED THIS CAR FOR ABOUT 3 MONTHS SO FAR AND IT HAS BEEN THE BEST. I WAS CONSIDERING A 1995 BMW 740I BUT AFTER DRIVING THIS ONE I WILL NEVER GO BACK. THE JAPANESE KNOW HOW TO BUILD QUALITY , LONG LASTING CARS. I RECOMMEND THESE TO ANY ONE WANTING TO BUY A RELIABLE LUXURY CAR.

• 

  Love this car - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By James Taylor - October 25 - 10:00 am

  This is the car I have been waiting for forever.

• 

  Lexus - 2001 Lexus ES 300
  By anyone - October 25 - 10:00 am

  Very Nice, good quality, resposiveness, very quiet and smooth uptake

• 

  Lexus For Life - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By Ms Takee - October 25 - 10:00 am

  I have owned a Honda since remember driven I finally thought it was time to change and after test driven other LUXURY cars. The Lexus ES 300 is the best I found for price and performance so I guess I will drive a Lexus for Life

• 

  Exquisite !!! - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By AEC - October 24 - 11:13 pm

  I bought this beauty for less than a month as yet, but this car rides like best luxurious sedans. The hybrid system is seamless and excitingly responsive. At a stop, you cant feel the engine. The only drawback is the fuel consumption. So far the average has been only about 24-25 mpg. and this is an average on both city and highway. Still this is unheard of in a luxury SUV. Sometimes the voice activated nav system works. Overall this car is amazing in all its features.

• 

  Nice, Very NIce - 2009 Lexus LX 570
  By I Luv Cars - October 24 - 5:00 pm

  Traded in a Mercedes GL450 for this car. While the Mercedes drove more like a car vs. a large SUV the LX570 is much more of a luxurious ride. There is also much more interior space. My three kids noticed it before I did. We have much less issues with "Stop touching me!". We had a road trip in the car and found it to be very comfortable. Very pleasurable to drive. Lots of extras on the car. The Navigation system was outstanding and easy to use. The sound system is great and the kids loved the built in DVD. Overall a very nice car. We liked it better than the Mercedes, and the Range Rover.