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:

• 

  Fuel Disappointment - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By E J - August 14 - 9:03 am

  While we truly love this vehicle, we are more than upset with the mileage we get. It should be getting 31 mpg in the city; if we can get 22-23, we are doing good. Salesman said when car was broken in, we could expect even more. We now have more than 11,000 miles on it, and it has only gotten worse. It has been checked and rechecked to see if a problem exists... none does. We purchased this vehicle in good faith and feel Lexus has let us down. Calls to corporate Lexus have left us with no further satisfaction. Had we been aware of this situation, I dont believe we would have spent the extra money for it.

• 

  Luxury sport - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By ED - August 12 - 8:23 am

  I bought this car for my wife, but I drive it often. It was pricey at $50K, but it has just about every option lexus offers. Its very sporty, but dont think youll outrun a mustang or even a tiburon. This is luxury first and foremost. Quality youd expect from Lexus and its a great looking car. Youll get stares at every parking lot. Expect to seat 4 comfortably and in style.

• 

  Great Value! - 2000 Lexus LS 400
  By Wayne Strong - August 11 - 1:50 pm

  The vehicle handles like a dream. It is without a doubt an absolute great value. For a 10 year old car, it looks great! With over 100,000 miles, it remains extremely responsive. The fuel economy is awesome. I have gotten up to 30 mpg on the highway. This is the second Lexus I have owned. They are, without a doubt the best vehicles made.

• 

  Love It! Love It! Love It! - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By gallowaymm - August 11 - 12:56 am

  I love my new truck! It is the perfect size - not too big, not too small. My only complaint is that there are not enough compartments for storage. But, I do realize I had to give up something to get the smaller vehicle that I wanted. The ride is great. My 10 year has plenty of room in the middle. I have not yet used the 3rd row, so I have no comments about that. I do know I will stay in this vehicle for a long time. I was ready to get rid of my last SUV 4 months after I purchased it because it was just too large for me to handle. This is worth every penny spent!

• 

  Lexus problems - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By woodywood - August 9 - 10:50 am

  After driving two Lexus RX models and after walking away from two major accidents we purchased a 2010 Rx 350. We have the same problem with the bumper pulling loose. We had the same problem with a 2010 hs250h that we found had double back tape applied to hold it in place. All I can say is whats up Lexus ? If I want a car that is taped together . I think I can find one at a dump. I expect better than this from a company that says it takes pride in its quality.

• 

  Quit Staring ! - 2005 Lexus SC 430
  By senrveep - August 8 - 10:06 am

  One week old, but this car has the wow factor of my carrera cabriolet (when IT was new). The fit and finish is awesome, the exterior lines are distinctive and elegant and the interior is simply the finest. The car is very good with the top up, but only really struts its stuff when the top is down and mechanically loaded into the trunk. If you are seriously considering this car, make sure you live in an area where you can drive with the top down 8 - 10 months of the year because you will NOT want to drive it any other way. Sweeter ride than Benz or Beemer rodies, although not as fast as an M3 or SL500, but what it lacks in off-the- line performance, it makes up for it in every other way.

• 

  #1 Pound For Pound & Dollar-For-Dollar - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Mello-Tony - August 7 - 6:13 pm

  This is my 3rd Lexus and Pound-for- Pound there isnt a better car to be found. It has almost all the options found on my LS 430 and drives and rides almost as nice. The engine is extremely strong and smooth with that Lexus civility but now with true spunk and power! The styling speaks on its own. Its a beautiful car with an agressive front fascia and a gorgeous back-end. I average 24.5 mpg in mixed driving. And the high-end options normally found on top-end luxury vehicles are awesome. I even have a few options not found on my 2004 LS 430 like memory presets on the passenger side, knee bags and my favorite, the Auxilliary input jack for my iPod! This car rocks! I Love it!

• 

  Great car - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By JJG - August 6 - 6:13 am

  This is a great car in the snow. I went from all wheel drive to this and do not regret it. The stability control works great. It is a very quiet car low road noise.

• 

  IS-Fantastic - 2008 Lexus IS F
  By NorthCoast - August 6 - 1:23 am

  Overall this car has met or exceeded my expectations. I have been loyal to Lexus having 2 GS 430s in last 6 years but wanted more performance type numbers and feel. Magically, the IS-F was born. It is very unLexus in its stiffness and ride but what I was expecting in a true performance sedan. It still has many of the nice Lexus features and luxury components. However, this is not your fathers Lexus. I drove the M3 sedan after the Motor Trend article rating it better overall. I think some of their points are valid but feel their overall conclusion wrong. The M3 felt a little more clumsy in tight turns and I didnt like the long throws of the manual transmission. I have no regrets.

• 

  Excellent Ride - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By Wes - August 6 - 12:23 am

  This is the smoothest car Ive ever driven. The inside styling would make you think your in a $70k car. Bought this car certified from Lexus at 44,000 miles. Now has around 50,000 miles and all have been trouble free. I also have a 98 ES300 thats a great car too. It has 130k miles and still drives like a dream.