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:

• 

  Awesome - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By bucket - October 3 - 9:36 pm

  I purchased this vehicle used and it had been serviced by a Lexus dealership. I immediately put Pirelli all season non run flat tires on it with a new spare tire. What a difference; it is now the perfect retractable hardtop; rides just as nice as my previous ES 330. Could not have imagined how many looks we would get sitting in traffic or driving down the interstate!

• 

  Love this SUV - 2016 Lexus GX 460
  By Julia - October 3 - 1:39 pm

  This is my second GX. My first was a 2012. I am always surprised by the expert reviews of this SUV. I have driven a Subaru outback, a Volvo XC70, a Toyota highlander and a Chevy Suburban and none of them can come close to the performance of the GX in the snow. I live in Wisconsin and missing a workday due to snow is not an option for me. I have been on the interstate in three blizzards this winter alone and the GX is solid on the road. The gas milage well outperforms stated (22-23) and in a SUV with true 4 wheel drive capability I am pleased. Unlike my husbands suburban, and my neighbors Mercedes and BMW, my 2012 GX has had no mechanical issues, even minor, ever! I traded only for new tech options and safety features and because my neighbor wanted to buy my 2012. I wonder if the reviewers have ever really driven in snow... because the is no better SUV in my mind. My teenagers often use the third row and have never complained. The way the back door swings open, even when parallel parked has never been an issue. The blind spot is huge and the addition of the blind spot monitor will be welcome, I did not have it on my 2012.

• 

  Lexus LS 400 Review - 1999 Lexus LS 400
  By M Schindler - October 3 - 6:36 am

  Fun, fast, durable, reliable. Good value.

• 

  Best Car Ive Owned - 1997 Lexus ES 300
  By BRock - October 2 - 1:26 am

  I bought this car wholesale for a real nice price. It had 107K and needed no work. Ive been driving it every day since and only have had to replace the starter which I could have probably avoided had I done something about the warning signs earlier. I also replaced the o2 sensor. Other than that gas oil and drive. I think it has at least another 100,000 in it.

• 

  6 years later and still loving my RX-300 - 2003 Lexus RX 300
  By Louis in Fairfax, VA - September 30 - 11:30 pm

  Justed changed by rear tail-light on my 2003 RX-300 and got to thinking that besides a set of tires and oil changes I havent had to do anything to this truck. It still rides like a new car and Im getting 17 MPG in town and 26 on the road. What more could you want from a car. My dealer is great for normal service (but high priced, I guess they all are) but I always drive off with a job well done. Might go for a 2010, but it would take a lot to get me out of this model, and have car payments all over again!

• 

  Great Truck - 1999 Lexus LX 470
  By homer32 - September 30 - 10:00 am

  We are very happy with this vehicle.

• 

  Terrific - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By mmk123 - September 30 - 10:00 am

  Car is perfect - complaints about trunk space...all convertables have this problem. No big deal. I like the back seat. It may be small, but if needed someone can squeeze for a quick ride. It is also conveient for extra packing - ie groceries. Overall - highly recomend

• 

  Just plain fun to drive! - 1995 Lexus LS 400
  By elgin - September 28 - 1:03 pm

  I really like the looks of this model, but as soon as I drove it I was sold! It hugs the road and rides better than a Mercedes. I read that Lexus has a patent on the seat design. Very comfortable and the leather looks almost brand new. Immaculate workmanship. Everytime I drive it I feel spoiled. My husband is impressed.

• 

  GS300 Replacement - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Fred Backhaus - September 28 - 4:23 am

  Coming from a 98 GS300 (great car) to my first SUV may not be a fair comparison. The steering is not as precise. My 01 Dodge Caravan accelerates quieter. But I guess as far as SUVs go it is at the top of the heap. The quality is definitely there.

• 

  RX 400h - 2008 Lexus RX 400H
  By jimbo - September 25 - 9:13 pm

  Excellent overall quality. Ive had no problems with the car. Gas mileage for hybrid is less than advertised but still I average 26.4 miles per gallon in mixed city and highway travel. Ride is smooth. There are some quirky noises which I attribute to the fact that the gasoline engine is not on all of the time. Interior electronics and controls are easy to use.