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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  GX470 vs. ML320 - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By letsee1 - July 14 - 10:00 am

  Recently replaced 2000 Mercedes ML 320 with GX 470. Mercedes had dozens of reliability problems. GX is much quieter, smoother and more versatile in terms of interior layout. Third row seats are easy for one person to remove. Fuel mileage is better than expected at over 17 mpg in mixed driving.

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  Once you own a Lexus you cant go back! - 1998 Lexus ES 300
  By Joanie - July 14 - 10:00 am

  My 98 ES300 was my first Lexus, and the main reason why I bought it was because my salesman (Carl is the best!) sold it to me. None of the other car dealers gave me the time of day. So, I took the plunge and bought my first luxary car. Ive now owned my ES300 for over five years, and Ive have put over 135,000 miles on it without a single problem! I spent less money on maintaining this car than any car Ive ever owned - all Ive done is change the oil, one minor tune-up and replace the brakes and tires (and I got 85,000 miles on the tires that came with the car!). Ill never buy anything but a Lexus.

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  Sportcross Hunting Brake - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By Terralunatic - July 14 - 10:00 am

  I like the overall appearance, the scale of the car and the tail gate within which to throw all your stuff. The Sportcross is quite rare and still gets a lot of looks, especially with the summer 17s on. The E-Shift is ridiculous and I just ignore it now, however I would have loved to get a 5 speed manual but Toyota/Lexus doesnt offer it in the Sportcross. One irritation though is all the squeeks. I have eliminated most with shimming or lubrication, but the belt anchor still squeeks. Not quite Toyota quality.

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  RX300 Pretty Damn Fun - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By acknbad - July 14 - 10:00 am

  As a devoted Chevy truck man, it was fun and easy to switch over to the front-drive RX.

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  Almost Perfect - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By mangophil - July 13 - 2:00 am

  Overall this is a great vehicle. Its styling and performance make up for the swing gate rear door. Why did Lexus downgrade from the 4runner lift gate. You cant open the swing gate when you pull a boat nor does it shelter the stroller when its raining. We have been surprised with the gas mileage; were getting about 17 in the city. The 3rd row seating really isnt practical except maybe for kids 5-10. Does the vehicle height increase the likelihood of a rollover? I saw a report that the GX has a lower center of gravity than the 4runner and the stability control should help the driver recover control.

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  2007 Lexus ES 350 - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Lexbg - July 12 - 3:16 pm

  I have had this car 10 months with 11,000 miles currently and have read all reviews. I agree with jerky transmission when below freezing, otherwise OK and you get used to the transmission. Be careful when coming to the first couple of stop lights because it will jerk. No mechanical issues but dashboard has this creaking noise every time I hit a bump. If you turn up radio you dont hear it but I dont always want to listen to the radio that loud. I have taken it to dealership twice and very helpful but no solution. They said something about rubber stoppers that are between glass and dashboard. Surely this will be a recall on the initial builds.

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  Good enjoyable car - 2016 Lexus RX 350
  By Harish Patel - July 12 - 6:57 am

  It is very pleasent automobile, I wish price could be little better. Harish Patel

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  Smooth ride? - 2013 Lexus RX 350
  By larouse - July 12 - 12:01 am

  Have our 2013 Lexus RX 350 for about a month. It has all the bells and whistles. Over all, I am happy with the car so far. However, I do not agree with those who say it has a smooth ride. This car has a very stiff ride, and I can feel every bump on the road. Unless I am driving on a very smooth surface, the ride is bumpy. Also, I find the seats rather tough. We have a 2011 Honda Accord which is smoother than this car! Maybe, it has something to do with the bloody Dunlop tires. Can not tell about reliability yet.

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  Wow, what a great little car. - 2011 Lexus CT 200H
  By travelnman1 - July 11 - 11:57 pm

  I have previously owned three Lexus vehicles an ES 300, ES 350 and my last car a GS 350 AWD. When the CT 200h came out, I took a test drive and fell in love with the car. I drove it home that day. I liked the looks, red with black leather interior, and sporty. Its very quiet and has the ride quality of the ES 350 I had. You do hear the CVT under acceleration but it quiets down once up to speed. The cars computer indicated I got 44mpg on the first tank of gas. This includes some interstate driving. Currently, it shows 46.5 mpg will do an actual check on my next fillup. Go out and test drive one. Would make a good entry level to Lexus or 2nd vehicle

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  A Day with a Matador - 2009 Lexus RX 350
  By Rene Clarence Caynan - July 9 - 12:10 am

  I have purchased several Lexus vehicles from IS350 to LS430. I was reluctant to drive/purchase an RX 350 because I considered it to be a "ladies" SUV. But everyday I noticed a lot of men have been driving an RX 350. So then I realized that it is no longer a ladies SUV. About two months ago, I decided to purchase the RX 350 (Matador Red). I couldnt be more happy with my new RX 350. It is fun to drive as it drives like a car and yet my gas mileage is over than 23 MPG.