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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  I love my ES300 - 1999 Lexus ES 300
  By Jazzman - July 3 - 10:00 am

  I cant say enough about this car. I love it so much I bought out my lease. I drove the new model and did not like it as much. I have the chrome wheels and dark blue color which I think looks sporty. The coolest thing is that I have never had to take it in for repair. Not once!! I change the oil and thats it. I love smooth silky ride. The sound system is great. The cabin quite. It is very relaxing to drive. The leather seats are very comfortable. The new model drives more "boaty" and lacks the spark. I may hold on to mine for another 5 years. I want to get a new car but cant find anything I like as much.

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  Best car I have ever owned - 1996 Lexus ES 300
  By KPECOD - July 3 - 9:56 am

  I purchased this car in Nov. 99 as a certified used vehicle. The warranty sold me, but it was the comfort and styling that I was really after. I used this car for a sales job driving over 30,000 miles per year, mostly highway. Let me just say that it was an absolute joy getting in this car every day and driving for 6-8 hours! I have had not had to put a penny into it after 175,000 miles, and am sad to say that I have decided it is time to get rid of it. The good news is I have purchased a 2001 ES300, and cant wait to have the same experience!! If you are considering buying a 1996, please believe me when I say you can be confident in the reliability and performance of your "new" used car!!!

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  IS 300 Rating - 2005 Lexus IS 300
  By R. Freudberg - July 3 - 7:16 am

  A beautifully constructed vehicle, fun to drive, great looking and very comfortable for a sports sedan vehicle.

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  Best value - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Mr.S.Schiavo - July 3 - 12:23 am

  I have had this car for about 3 months now. It is well built, very quiet and a real pleasure to drive. Best near luxury car for the price. Quieter than our E-class Mercedes, and about 20 K less.

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  2008 Lexus IS F - 2008 Lexus IS F
  By redline78 - July 2 - 2:30 am

  Lexus built IS-F to compete with BMW M3. This car is supposed to go fast and have good handling at high speed. If people want softer ride and slower car, that is what IS250 for. I say go fast or go home! :P My previous car was IS350 and I sold it to get IS-F. I love my IS350 and I love IS-F more. Faster car, very nice muscular/louder engine, 19" gunmetal wheels made by BBS and brakes by Brembos... this car hits the mark in my book. I was going to buy the new M3 but I bought this one instead. This car go so fast so quick you dont notice you are going fast until you look down on speedo. :x

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  Bought - Sent it Back - 2016 Lexus NX 200t
  By MicheleZ - July 1 - 4:35 pm

  My husband and I bought the Lexus NX thinking that this would suit us better now that we were "empty nesters" and no longer needed the larger size of our previous Lexus RX, but still wanting the luxury and height of an SUV. After driving the car for a day we quickly realized that this SUV was far was luxurious! The front bucket seats curved in at the shoulders and the headrest was designed in such a way that it pushes the drivers head forward causing constant neck discomfort. There were a couple of other factors that caused us concern regarding this SUV (e.g. the touch pad for the multimedia screen and the limited side rear view when you are attempting to change lanes), but with time we could have probably learned to overcome these novelties. Thankfully the dealership took back the Lexus NX and we ended up with a 2017 BMW X3...which has given us the luxury, comfort, and size that we were looking for all along. I would like to say that I will one day go back to a Lexus since I was a happy driver of a Lexus RX for the past 8 years, but right now my heart is with BMW.

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  Accept no substitutes! - 2008 Lexus GX 470
  By Raingeardude - June 30 - 6:43 pm

  I cant say enough great things about this truck! Its a phenomenal piece of machinery and if you love the 4runner, the GX 470 will put it to shame and make you wonder why you ever drove one! The ride is smooth. The interior is plush and luxurious. It rides so quiet! As many have said already, there are a few things that need improving but thats the advantage when you own one. You know it will only be a few years before they roll out the next new model. I just couldnt be happier. I traded my RX350 in for this and I think I made an excellent choice. Much roomier, not too much difference on the gas mileage and its just a more solid vehicle. Truly outstanding product!

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  Dont buy in snow country! - 2012 Lexus CT 200H
  By slimpiks - June 29 - 12:20 pm

  Great dry road car and fun to drive. In our first snow of season, unable to move due to vehicle control system. At stop sign on snow/ice, car would not move and had to back out of traffic situation. Talked to Lexus dealer and no lock out for vehicle control system, which is on other Lexus models. Had to trade car for Camry, which has the vehicle control system lock out. Camry performs much better on snow/ice. Buy a Camry, which has almost same expected mileage.

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  Bumpy ride - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By MARIO - June 25 - 10:00 am

  I like the design and interior of the SUV.

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  Lexus lacking! - 2015 Lexus RX 350
  By Ed Brown - June 23 - 4:20 pm

  Great vehicle overall, but found some things annoying for this kind of price! Tire pressure monitor only shows that "a" tire is low, but no hints as to which! My 2005 Suburban showed me a reading for each tire, Lexus says maybe next model year! Navigation is quirky, put me out in the middle of nowhere on several occasions while saying "You have reached your destination, the route guidance is now finished!" Fortunately I could backtrack. Overall I like the SUV, but you would think that for over $50,000.00, you would get more refinement than it provides. Lexus is very proud of their vehicles, $80.00 for a synthetic oil change!