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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  Fact not Fiction - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By Mister C - March 2 - 3:46 pm

  After 9mos. of ownership, Im still amazed how a 2004 can still outrank & perform 2009 Mercedes, Audi, BMW, & Infiniti. The LS430 is the car to own (Period). Good on gas, handles swell for a big car, instant acceleration when the light turns green, great on braking, awesome reliability like no other; even though in Chicago winter snow tires could help... although u may do fine without. This car is very quiet, comfortable, quality is a 10-of-10. Mark Levinson sound system-"The Best", Navigation is easy to work with. Privacy rear shade, heated-and cooled seats (front and rear). Dual Climate Control, nearly 300hp, HID lights, LED rear lights. Very low wind noise at 70mph. Also holds its value.

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  GS 300 on 18 inch Rims - 1998 Lexus GS 300
  By Mario (QC) - March 2 - 10:00 am

  A friend of mine had gave me the keys to his Lexus GS 300 for the weekend while he was out of town on business. On Saturday I decided to take it to the car wash and have it cleaned. Needless to say once I put the car in "Drive" I almost snapped my neck (WOW - What Power). After that day I decided I must have one. Today I still love my GS 300 and you know I had to put on my very own custom tires & rims (18 inch chrome). Now my friend is asking me to take my car to the car wash (lol).

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  Repeat owner - 2002 Lexus LX 470
  By MFF - March 2 - 10:00 am

  We love this vehicle, in fact it is our second one!

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  love my new ride - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By tresavaliso - March 2 - 10:00 am

  i came to this car from a bmw, and was worried about leaving the performance vehicle i had gotten used to, but this car makes up for it in luxury and comfort. I am totally happy with it. Seats go up and down easily in rear. roomy, comfortable, an no complaints from passengers.

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  What savings on gas? - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Woody Kaplan - March 1 - 6:16 am

  After owning 99 RX300, 2002 RX300 and waiting almost 2 years from time order was placed for Rx400h I trurly expected better gas mileage. Wife has been driving 04 Prius past year and is getting 48mpg. My expectation was set very high for my 06 RX. Second week of ownership we took off to Denver from Palm Desert, CA. On open highway with Air on always, going up and down hills with full load in car, driving as if egg was under gas pedal, we could only squeeze 24.7 mpg over all. Once back home in P.D I have been driving in city 100% of time. Can not get more then 21mpg while Pruis gets 48mpg with same gas from Costco. Lexus claims 28mpg highway, 31 city or so the sticker said.

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  Unstoppable - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By RJ - February 28 - 3:16 pm

  In 7 years Ive driven 160K+ fun, yet trouble-free miles. Replaced clutch & timing belt @ 100K. Other than that, just tires, brakes & fluids. Still looks & drives like new. I get 24 mpg on the highway @ 80mph. This car handles crisply and has a nice, broad powerband. I read Edmunds reviews on the 02 BMW 3-series & I cant believe it has a similar review score to the IS when every other review complains about excessive repairs & costs. I put more faith in the reviews of people whove owned the car for a while than those who post a review right after purchase. Reliability is the 2nd most important factor in my buying decision. Fun to drive is #1. IS doesnt disappoint in either category!

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  Best Car Buying Decision for us - 2008 Lexus RX 400H
  By Robert - February 28 - 1:13 pm

  We drive this car on bumper to bumper traffic daily about 30 miles round trip. We are averaging about 28 MPG on it. It has been a real pleasure to drive. We currently have 5000 miles on it and use it almost exclusively anytime we need to go anywhere. Has good pep and the gearless transmission is very smooth. Lexus provided the first 2 maintenance free. I looked at the book however nothing needs maintenance other than the traditional engine. The batteries are warranted for 9 years.

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  First Lexus - Great Upgrade from Sienna - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By Glenn - February 28 - 10:30 am

  Upgraded our beat-up 2000 Sienna to a brand new 2010 RX350. Totally thrilled! Smooth and powerful, luxurious, solid. My wife and I fight to see who gets to drive it. The RX350 was not a fait accompli for us - we strongly considered a traditional sedan. But in retrospect I think its the perfect size, super roomy and comfortable, with a sedan feel but with the very useful hatchback. Strongly suggest getting Lexus-branded black rubber mats from the dealer for the "trunk" area. Glad we did that, they look & fit great. After letting our toddlers trash the minivan, were looking forward to our slightly older kids taking care of this car!

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  Excellence Continues - 2000 Lexus LS 400
  By Dan Hitt - February 26 - 8:36 pm

  This is the third Lexus (of four) Ive bought since 1991. The two LS, one each SC and RX have each been tops in reliability, luxury and overall quality. An old friend advised me long ago that the only way to beat the high cost of automobile ownership is to buy a really good car and maintain it forever. Maybe "forever" is a stretch, but the philosophy really pays off with these cars.

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  So far Im enjoying the car - 2009 Lexus ES 350
  By Patricia - February 26 - 1:20 am

  I have never owned a Lexus. Previously we owned a 2001 C320 Mercedes, which I loved. It was just not a reliable vehicle, in the shop for problems at least once a year. After reading reviews about the ES350 we decided to give it a try. So far Im enjoying the car. The ride is nice, not quite as quiet as the Mercedes, but very nice. Gas mileage is great, 29mpg cant complain about that. GPS is fun, and the bluetooth I like. No complaints so far...