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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  Great Car!!!! - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By JR - February 4 - 2:16 pm

  I purchased my car in 2005. I enjoy driving it. Brighter interior light needed when you open the doors since my car has black interior. Display panel is easy to operate. I have run-flat tires and after two weeks of driving my car, I had a flat. I had to purchase a new tire. Didnt like that at all. Overall, great car, comfort and appearance. Ive never owned a Lexus before but I would recommend the Lexus to my friends. The ride is superb!!! No wind sound when all windows are rolled up.

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  negatives - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By T. J.J. - February 4 - 1:23 am

  Little space if any under fronts seats for minor storage. Backs do not lay flat. These, are the only drawbacks that I have encountered.

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  BEST DANG CAR IVE OWNED! - 2005 Lexus SC 430
  By myfirstlexus - February 3 - 6:06 pm

  This has to be one of the most luxurious vehicles Ive ever been in let alone owned. Fast mover, head turner and a perfect fit for a female (all the controls are really at arms reach.) I see ppl complaining about no back seat. I believe it wasnt made for ppl to sit back there, but for lower insurance premiums by technically being a 4 seater. Bentley has a new model out with the same "issue", that I can assure you they will not be addressing. Its done on purpose. Sure has more room than a SLK which has no space behind the seats.

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  Fantastic SUV! - 2007 Lexus LX 470
  By alexandre Vieira - February 2 - 11:36 pm

  Im from Monroe, NY a few months ago we had 31 inches of snow, no problem. It was amazing the way the car just cut into the snow, up stiff hills, of course you cannot fly through the snow, but you will not get stuck. I had Land Cruiser 99 for many years, I almost cried when I traded it in for this car in 2007, but Im in love again. A friend of mine told me one day, "The only thing that will stop a Land Cruiser, is if the road is closed." The fuel economy concerns me, but my LX 470 is sitting in my garage, shiny and clean, we only drive it on the weekends. I have also IS 250, but Ive been thinking of switching to a ES350, we need a bigger car.

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  Fantastic Vehicle - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By ray - February 1 - 9:00 pm

  This vehicle is pure joy to drive. It is very quiet, handles very well on the open road. Recently took a 1000 mile road trip and averaged approx 32 mpg.

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  My Favorite Car the RX330 - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Marti Ryan - February 1 - 7:26 pm

  Have owned Jaguar Sedans, Mercedes, Cadillacs, and Lexus LS400. This is my favorite car of all time. Great mileage, comfortable to ride in, tall enough to see over the BIG SUVs. Only negative would probably be the quality of the sound system.

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  dream car - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By jabber - January 31 - 10:00 am

  The SC430 should be car of the year, every year. Its a pleasure to drive and unlike other top end sports cars there are few on the road. One problem are the run flat tires. Only the dealership in orlando carry them and they are $295 each.

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  Whats not to like - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By statman - January 30 - 3:23 pm

  The Lexus GS 300 AWD is a high quality car that is as enjoyable to drive as it is to look at. Compared with todays complicated iDrive systems in competing cars, the Lexuss touch screen is incredibly easy to use and wonderful to look at. The push button start is convenient and fit and finish are outstanding. The ride is quiet and there is just enough road feel to make it enjoyable. There is plenty of power for every day driving and even a power mode for those who want to push the car harder. Visiblity is great, seats are comfortible, even the rain sensing wipers work well. The navigation screen is slightly over complicated and takes a little getting used to but is packed with features.

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  Review 2 - after winter - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By W.U. - January 30 - 12:33 pm

  I reviewed this car last October and have follow-up comments after a winter of New England driving. Mileage dropped about 3 mpg for both city and highway in winter conditions (I got about 24 highway, 28 city). This Spring I have reverted to the Fall mileage which is right on the EPA numbers, though I drive with the windows down and usually avoid AC.

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  One year on and no regrets! - 2008 Lexus ES 350
  By clearasmud - January 30 - 12:16 pm

  This is a well-rounded mid size luxury car. The ride is impeccably smooth and quiet, the controls (with the exception of the seat heaters) are well placed, and the fit and finish are superb. My only complaint with this car is the 6 speed transmission. It tends to hesitate slightly when cornering. Im not a "spirited driver", so this does not bother me tremendously. The gas mileage is better than expected. I average around 24 mpg (mostly city driving). On the highway, I get 30 - 35 mpg. This car is intended for drivers who value comfort and serenity over handling. Dont get me wrong, the car does handle well but there are sportier sedans on the market (but none ride as well).