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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  Best Sport Ute Ever - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By Tim Swinney - July 15 - 9:33 pm

  After surviving a near-fatal 50-mph rearend accident as the driver in a sports car, I wanted something more substantial behind my body. The GX- 470 gives me all the security I need and more. I cannot imagine feeling safer in a vehicle yet the ride and comfort baby my damaged back and neck. The short list is what to change--more cup holders, uhh, dash input for digital player, maybe 4 inches longer for more room for cargo? Its damn near perfect!

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  Not bad... - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Geo-Green - July 15 - 8:36 am

  I own a 2005 Prius too. Obviously, the Lexus is much more luxurious, $$$, with impressive acceleration and space. I am pleased with the quality of this hybrid and am averaging about 27 mpg in day to day driving that is a mix of highway and town. I have to admit, however, that I actually prefer driving the Prius. Why? There is just something remarkable about its "hybrid" combination of fuel efficiency (48mpg), fun, its real time message: CONSERVE. With two teenagers the Lexus provides the room that the Prius cannot and its terrific that a SUV type car can get decent mileage, but, truthfully, its just not the same as my little funny-looking, fun-to- drive Prius.

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  Ultra lex. - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By Ultra Lex. - July 14 - 2:36 pm

  The look, the feel you get when you drive this car. The ultra luxury Lexus has all the gadgets. Heated/cooled seats front and back, massages, reclining back seats. And dont forget the cooler in the back for your drinks. Wow, this is just the beginning.

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  Room For Improvement - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By Socal GX470 - July 14 - 2:00 am

  This is our 3rd Lexus so you know we love the product. Overall we are very pleased with the GX, but as with any new product line there is room for improvement. Gas milage is pretty bad at 13-14 mpg, but we knwe that before buying. The center console could be better thought out to include cell phone storage compartment. The third row seat would be better served if it was automated like the Expedition.

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  Do It Again - 2000 Lexus RX 300
  By DoubleZ - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Its a Lexus. Lives up to all the hype. Excellent every day car. Just wish it would wash itself, too.

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  Best car in the mid 30s - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By Gulfvet66 - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Exceptional quality, fabulous service and support. These guys do everything but put a mint on your pillow!

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  Premier Hybrid - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Kurt E - July 12 - 7:10 am

  One of the quietest vehicles I have ever driven. Transition from gas engine to electric is so quiet and smooth I can never tell when the engine is running, unless I really get on the gas. Averaging 29 MPG which is extremely nice, considering the rising gas prices. Luxurious and quiet interior, Lexus has a winner!

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  A great car to own - 2001 Lexus GS 300
  By mylexgs300 - July 11 - 2:26 am

  This my 3rd GS300, the previous being a 93 and an 00. When the opportunity came along to purchase this vehicle again, this time from my uncle, I couldnt resist. Besides, the normal routine maintenance, the car has required nothing bus gas. Its amazing to drive and feels like a pillow on the road. I cant see myself owning any other brand of car besides a Lexus.

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  Great value for the $$$$! - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Z - July 8 - 11:56 am

  I have owned this car for just under 1 year. I bought it back in June of 09 as a certified vehicle with 34,965 miles for $26,000 + tax, tag, title. The vehicle has given me some large and small issues which others speak of on this website and my local dealer has been very nice in taking care of these problems at their expense. Overall the car is great. My suggestion to anyone interested in buying a GS is to buy a certified used vehicle a few years old that will provide you with 100k warranty at a better value for the money plus the peace of mind. Lexus customer service is the best I have ever experienced.

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  Good first sports sedan - 2001 Lexus IS 300
  By shifted - July 8 - 2:00 am

  Ended up leasing the IS and have had it 3 years and 33000 miles. Still on original tires and brakes. I have had it up to 148 MPH. Exterior and interior are stylish, the instrument cluster makes the interior. The low profiles cause the car to pull to the right every now and then. When stepping on the gas it will sometimes hesitate, has less low end power than expected. Once you hit about 110mph it kicks into O\D, simply incredible at high speeds. Handles beutifully, will pull 90 deg turns at 30+ mph with little back end swing around. Nice car, but planning on stepping up to the bmw 540i or a gs400.