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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  A Good Way to Spoil Your Wife - 2005 Lexus SC 430
  By David Mac - June 11 - 1:33 pm

  This is my third Lexus and it is every bit a Lexus - which is a good thing! (Previously owned 96 ES300 and 99 LX470) My wife is short and petite, and although this is not a performance car like my 99 Vette Convertible or 97 911 Carrera S, it fits her perfectly and she likes it much better. Having a manual top in the Vette, the automatic top is great - especially as we age! And for the price, any performance shortcomings are easily forgiven. If you want to win points and spoil your wife, this is the car!

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  Unsurpassed Quaility and Off Road Capabilities - 2008 Lexus GX 470
  By LC Prado - June 11 - 11:50 am

  I traded up from a FJ Cruiser to this. In short, its an amazingly comfortable SUV that excels at off road performance. Based on the Land Cruiser Prado sold pretty much everywhere else in the world except the US (think sand dunes and the bush), this truck is NOT a pimped out 4Runner. The full time 4WD, V8, rear air suspension, build quality, comfort and reliability combined make this rig unsurpassed for those who venture beyond the mall. These trucks are often referred to as out of date dinosaurs, and are compared to their unibody competitors who may outperform in terms of drivability and road manners; but this truck is built for towing, adverse driving conditions, and off-road capabilities while maintaining superior daily driver comfort for the whole family. If that’s not what you need, then look elsewhere. If it is, then look no further, spend a little extra up front, and drive it for another 200k miles. The KDSS version will decrease road body roll and improve off-road capabilities, as well, but they are hard to find. Not so great features include: limited 3rd row seating space and comfort, high (but rare) repair costs, fuel efficiency, styling (face it, its ugly front most angles), and rear door.

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  Great car!! Beware of wheels with respect ride - 2013 Lexus ES 350
  By scottl66 - June 10 - 7:35 pm

  Great car, but beware of the wheels w/ respect to the ride. Most ES come with the standard 17" wheel and rides like a dream. Quiet and smooth. If you buy the Ultra Luxury (UL) version it comes with the 18" wheels, or you can purchase them as an option. the 18" take a low profile tire and the car rides much differently. On the highway at speed you will feel a lot of the road coming through the cabin and may hear it too. Tires can help. Get the Michelins over the Bridgestones regardless of wheel size. the Michelins ride that much better! If considering the 18" wheels make sure you drive a car with them. dont drive a regular demo and think it will drive the same. learn from me :)

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  Perfect allaround - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Ron Overs - June 9 - 8:20 am

  Typical Lexus -- no problems, blemishes or engineering faults. Dealer makes me want to come in to visit & have coffee. My german cars may be more fun but I know I will get where Im going and back with "no worry"

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  Classy little car - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By oops - June 8 - 10:33 pm

  The navigation system makes this car really fun to drive... It was difficult to trust at first, but its absolutely awesome. I can always get home.... and its a great feeling.

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  Best Car I have Ever Owned - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Lauren - June 8 - 2:36 am

  Bought this car in March 2009 after it came off of a 4yr lease. I was hesitant to buy a car over 4yrs old w/ 40k miles. I took it to my family mechanic for a complete inspection before buying. He said "only needs new brake pads and oil change." It’s very comfortable inside and rides smoothly. This car has been driven about a dozen times btwn FL-GA (450 miles each way) and we recently drove to NYC (2k r/t). The car rode great, gas mileage averaged about 25-28 on highway. I have never felt more safe in a car. Ill never buy anything but a Toyota or Lexus again!

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  Lexus GS 300 - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By GCP - June 7 - 5:30 pm

  The GS 300 is a smooth riding and driving car. The sound system is awesome. I have enjoyed the heated seats and the passenger ajustable heating and cooling system. The controls are very nice and can be hidden out of your way. I am a Volvo driver and decided to get a Lexus. The lexus has exceeded my expectations.

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  Great performance, lots of luxury - 2013 Lexus IS F
  By peleg - June 7 - 3:11 pm

  I wanted one since the car came out in 2008. I bought a brand new 2013. I feel this car has everything one could want: V8 built by Yamaha, Brembo brakes, most advanced suspension (yet), 8 gears and a very nice interior. The trunk space is adaquate, but its not huge. The gas mileage is somewhere around 21 average, better on the freeway. The car is very easy to drive, but if you put your foot down, it will wake up. The secondary intake roar comes around 3600 RPMs and the car just TAKES OFF and disappears. There is a lot of technology in the engine, which every performance gearhead will appreciate. Car is very comfortable as well, good road visibility, no blind spots.

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  Head Turner - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By RLSW - June 7 - 10:00 am

  So far so good. The GX470 has a great look, and even better performance. Smooth quiet ride and surprisingly easy to manuever thru city traffic. The only glitch I have found is the mirrors tend "forget" the drivers side memory when taking the car out of reverse.

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  I love this SUV!!! - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By JLP - June 7 - 10:00 am

  We drove several luxury cars and SUVs before purchasing the Lexus GX470. When it comes to true luxury you have to go with Lexus. I have found nothing that I didnt like about this SUV. The only negative would be the price but its well worth it!!!