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:

• 

  Great car... Love it! - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By travelingg - March 11 - 6:36 am

  I had an RX 300 for 4 years and did not think it could get any better. MY RX 330 is tremendous. I will never have a car without AWD and a GPS system. Cant recommend Lexus enough for quality, comfort, reliability and service. The Lexus buying experience is unique as they truly value your business.

• 

  Fun to Drive! - 2001 Lexus IS 300
  By GB - March 10 - 10:03 am

  Bought new. Currently 58,000 miles. Only one problem related to an ignition switch that was very hard to diagnose. Paint is very prone to chips and swirls. Graphite polished wheels prone to damage when tires are mounted. fuel economy isnt fabulous for HP level. A little small for infant seat when rear facing. Oil filter difficult to extract without a mess. Other than these items above, this car has been a joy. Still makes me smile when I blast an exit ramp.

• 

  Very Comfortable and Economical - 2010 Lexus RX 450h
  By Texan Brit - March 9 - 1:16 pm

  Had the car for 6 months and driven it on two long journeys over 1000 miles each way, as well as commuting to work. Journeys averaged 25 mpg, commute in traffic usually get 29 or 30 mpg which is sensational for a vehicle this size. Its only let down by the plastic finish on some of the interior fittings. Its very strange as some features are wonderful like the soft leather seats and the soft interior roof lining. Contrast this with the plastic finish of the grab handles that rattle annoyingly. Im sure Lexus will fix this on future versions. Overall though a great vehicle with good economy and pretty good performance overall.

• 

  Squeaky Luxury - 2014 Lexus LS 460
  By jirehrep - March 9 - 3:53 am

  BEWARE of the large brakes on the F-Sport model. I bought my 2014 in August 2014 and with only 2K miles, the brakes are driving me nuts. Lexus is aware, as my car is on version three of the brake pads, and these dont work either. "There is a price to pay to have this much performance" Hogwash! Thats PC for we cant fix them. Driver interface with the car via the mouse is circa 1995, very clunky and not intuitive. Love the ride, but shes underpowered. Would NOT buy this one again....and I love Lexus!!

• 

  Love my rx330! - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By kcarroll831 - March 8 - 8:07 am

  Im 17 and just bought my second car, and I love it. The only complaint is the power rear door.. Maybe I just dont understand it but the key fob button and the button the dash only work sometimes. Other times Itll try to open then just close. Its fun to drive, has some get up and go when you want it. Gas mileage is great, I average 23-24 in the city, 22 maybe in heavy stop and go. I hate when something raddles or shakes and this car is very solid. Even with the bass up and windows down no annoying noises! Very clean, classy, but fun car. Also I havent driven many cars but the few I have drove awful in the rain. This Lexus takes puddles better than my truck on 35s...

• 

  like a tank - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By Charles R. Williams - March 7 - 4:53 am

  This vehicle rides like a tank. My wife likes this. I dont. She is very happy with the car. She feels safe and the seats are good for her sore back. I dont complain but I do find it top- heavy and unresponsive. Do yourself a favor and put on the best tires money can buy, get them rotated regularly and have the alignment checked. We get 19 mpg on a mix of city and highway driving. At 80000, its been reliable. I shudder to think what a serious repair would cost. For this reason alone, I am agreeable to trading it in on a certified pre-owned RX330.

• 

  On month 7 - 2005 Lexus IS 300
  By Kevin - March 6 - 12:06 am

  I love most everything about this car aside from the craptacular gas mileage. The ride is also a bit harsh, but that might be just me getting older :-) To date I havent had any warranty work done to the car - a primary reason for buying this car for me was Lexus reputation. If you are considering buying this car I would encourage you to do so.

• 

  luxury tank - 2006 Lexus LS 430
  By TJ Sexton - March 5 - 4:55 am

  Built like a tank to last holds all the amenities of a true luxury sedan. Had this since day 1 brand new purchased from dealer for $65k, still running like a champ to this day. Hands down best luxury and reliability for ever penny I ever spent.

• 

  The New Designed Lexus RX 350 Is Incredible - 2016 Lexus RX 350
  By Greg Carroll - March 4 - 5:52 am

  Test drive one. You will see and feel the incredible design changes made to this vehicle. I have owned some very nice SUVs. This is my first Lexus and the best vehicle I have owned.

• 

  2002 ES 300 - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By GLR - March 2 - 4:20 pm

  Its an excellent fit of a car. I would never buy another American car because the service you receive is terrible in comparision to the Lexus dealership. They treat you and your car fantastic. But overall this is the best car I have ever had in 30 years. It can be a bit pricey with options but its worth it when you include the great service and support you get from them.