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:

• 

  Terrific SUV - 2004 Lexus LX 470
  By SMS - August 5 - 5:46 pm

  Wonderful build quality, excellent interior, and pillow-like ride. Could use more power, though. And it wanders more than it should on the highway.

• 

  A Womans Dream - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By natalie - August 5 - 2:40 pm

  We purchased the car after downsizing from a Toyota Seqouia (which is another great vehicle). Both my children have gotten their licenses and being an active family from skiing to the beach house, this suv gives you the room, comfort and reliability woth no worries

• 

  Just what I expected, and then some - 2011 Lexus CT 200H
  By patentcad1 - August 4 - 12:38 am

  How youll like a CT depends on your expectations. The car LOOKS fast. Like an Audi A3 or Mazdaspeed 3 5-door. But we all know (or you should know) its really a Prius thats fun to drive, thats what I expected. I got more than that, a world class compact luxury sport wagon thats a blast to drive, Lexus quality/class (and comfort within its stiff chassis limitations) and 40+ mpg. My friggin motorcycle has a hard time getting 40+ mpg. The car is a blast, has enough cargo room for my needs (I regularly carry a couple of bicycles + gear to rides & races). The technology works, its surprisingly fast in Sport mode. And a bit of a head-turner too. Love the car. A winner for Lexus.

• 

  New 2010 RX 350 - Lots of Initial defect - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By omgl777 - August 3 - 9:53 am

  I have had my 2010 RX 350 for about 4 months now. In total, I have gone back 5 times for 3 different defects on the new model. I have had Navigation, A/C Radio problems (which all have TSBs issued by Lexus now). Not to mention the exterior defect of the driver side bumper I now have, due to wind damage from long distance driving. The front corner bumper is "popping" out of place every time I go on long drives. Im going to have to wait until the next time I go in for service to have it checked out, Im tired of driving loaners and paying for a new car. Overall, I am very disappointed that Lexus would send a car out on the road with so many problems.

• 

  drove everything... - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By puma - August 3 - 2:00 am

  We drove all the SUVs out there... the only "close" call was the BMW X5, great car, not practical with two kids and golden retriever! We drive Porsches and BMWs as primary vehicles which have a tight concise ride. The Lexus has it too. We bought the base model and had the DVD installed in the head rest via after market... a better way to go. We traded in a Land Cruiser which served us well for 100k miles... we like the Lexus a lot more.

• 

  I Love This Car! - 2005 Lexus SC 430
  By Julieerick - August 2 - 5:40 am

  I test drove the BMW, Mercedes, and the Lexus convertibles before choosing the SC 430. This was an easy choice after comparing the comfort, ride, and noise levels. The SC 430 has smooth and quick acceleration, has a quieter engine, and has little road noise due to the hard top. The car handles corners and speed beautifully. Its fun to drive, is a comfortable ride with the heated seats, and the sound system is awesome. The GPS and bluetooth systems are amazing and easy to use. I think I am a Lexus driver for life.

• 

  So far, great car! - 2008 Lexus RX 350
  By J.S. - August 1 - 3:26 am

  I am enjoying driving this car, but still getting to know it. I was driving an Infiniti sedan before purchasing this vehicle so the I am still getting used to the change in feel. The RX 350 is not a "fun" ride, but it is a very, very nice ride and calms my soul and makes me feel very nice about the day. I now enjoy driving to run errands or drop off kids to activities instead of loathing it. Overall, I really like the car and look forward to the many years we will have together.

• 

  NX 200t - 2017 Lexus NX 200t
  By Rob - July 31 - 1:11 pm

  Had this vehicle a month, there is nothing about it I do not like, the back up camera has saved me from being hit, the lane assist is awesome, the seats are comfortable front and back, it is quiet inside, great look outside, had plenty of compliments on it. The technology is understood and Im older, the sound system is great, corners great, love the suspension settings, the headlights work great. Man if your in the market for a vehicle of this size, there is absolutely nothing else that compares this is a luxury car with a fun drive when you ask it to be fun. Go get yourself one before their all gone.

• 

  A Canadian built Toyota - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By Mark - July 30 - 5:43 pm

  Smooth yet dull ride. Way way overpriced for what it is. Canadian built .

• 

  AWESOME VEHICLE - SMOOTH RIDE - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Karen M - July 30 - 2:30 pm

  This is my first Lexus. This car drives like a dream; quiet, smooth and extremely responsive. One of the easiest car purchases Ive ever made. I love everything about this vehicle.