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:

• 

  Extraordinary Engineering - 2007 Lexus RX 400H
  By RAC - June 22 - 6:26 pm

  We needed more cargo space in our vehicles but didnt want a gas guzzling SUV. The Lexus has proved to be a wonderful solution - we have plenty of cargo space inside and on the roof and the hybrid system, while taking some time to get used to, has been just terrific. The ride is smooth and quiet - the hybrid drive works flawlessly and is a wonder to watch on the monitor and there is more than enough power when you need it. The entire vehicle is beautifully built, roomy and very well equipped. The navigation system is a bit daunting at first, but use the quick guide - youll be fine. Mileage is getting there - when broken in we think it will be just about at published levels. Fantastic!

• 

  Need Avalon Interior - 2017 Lexus ES 350
  By Lexus Daddy - June 22 - 1:07 am

  Love everything about the car EXCEPT the interior storage is VERY limited. No storage for glasses under the rear view mirror and the doors will not hold a soda bottle. Avalon has Lexus interior beat. Also, complimentary maintenance is better in Avalon. For purchase price difference one has to hope resale will return a portion of price increase. Remote start is ONLY available if you subscribe to the Lexus suite after the one year subscription expires. $35 a month is TOO EXPENSIVE to continue remote start and from what I am told, is there is not a dealer or after market remote start available.

• 

  Great SUV - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By houston77079 - June 21 - 1:13 pm

  This was my wifes lexus. The car was great. Great engine and great ride. Never a problem. Lexus dealer is awesome. First class all the way.

• 

  Best most satisfying car ever owned - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By david - June 21 - 2:56 am

  Our SC 430 is the best most satisfying car weve ever owned. Reliable, still gets comments EVERY time it goes out in public. A great ego tripper as well as a driving trip. Although it has less than 25,000 miles, it is used every day. A joy to own and drive.

• 

  Liked my old RX 350 Better - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By RX owner - June 20 - 11:00 pm

  I agree with people here who say to stick with prior model of RX. We miss our comfortable seat - this one has much harder seat. My back hurts after sitting in this seat - in my previous RX I was fine. We miss arm rests, the sun glass holder, the lights by home link and the entire car to be frank. The auto lights include the brights and for us the brights go off when we need them on and the solution is to turn off auto lights totally. If you have the older RX and are considering this as an upgrade keep the old one! Lexus needs to rethink this RX and add back in what they removed. Leather quality and wood in older models was much better than the 2010.

• 

  Favorite Family Vacation ride - 2004 Lexus LX 470
  By J squryes - June 20 - 2:00 am

  Drove 2300 miles over Xmas. this SUV kept everyone comfortable even after 15+ hour driving. Smooth, quiet and solid.

• 

  Solar Spectacular - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By Maylatht - June 20 - 2:00 am

  My baby is so worth the cost of having him! Even with the increasing price of premium in the Bay Area. I cannot wait until Lexus comes out with the IS430! Theyd better not have just been toying with me in LA at the Auto Show! Thatll be a quantum leap. Id expect 10s in everything but gas. FYI: I got it in 2002, not 2003.

• 

  Top Convertible Sports Car - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By edmagc2001 - June 20 - 2:00 am

  No other convertibles in the U.S. car market today can rival the quietness (top up or down)& interior quality of this Lexus SC430. And the rumble sound from the exhaust with top down will remind you this is a sports car. By the way, I also own MBZ 500SL with less quality, more noise & higher price. Its my last MBZ.

• 

  An SC for Me - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By rightmove2004 - June 20 - 2:00 am

  Great Car! It needs help with some...any luggage space. No Bike racks, Roof Racks and not enough cup holders. Its great for picking up milk at 7-11 but dont even think of stopping at Sams Club. Why fo I have to go to Best Buy to hook up XM?

• 

  Great Fun - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By nssc430 - June 20 - 2:00 am

  This car is fun to drive with the top up or down, in the summer or the dead of winter with snow on the streets.