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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  As close to perfection as it gets - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By DMH - July 15 - 10:00 am

  Having owned Mercedes and BMW, I know the competition. And the LS 430 Ultra Luxury I have the privilege to own beats anything under $130K. Uncanny combination of smooth ride and controlled handling. Quality of materials and workmanship second to none. Excellent outward visibility (the main downfall of the Audi A8). Tight turning radius (better than any of its competitors). Outstanding gas mileage for its considerable size and weight (27 mpg on the highway). Large trunk even with rear air conditioner. Doors open wide for passengers. Adaptive self-leveling HID headlights are amazing. LED taillights fast and bright. Stereo is like being there.

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  The Best SUV ever made!!! - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Takki808 - July 15 - 10:00 am

  Everything about it is a dream! Drives smooth!!

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  LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my RX330 - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By 1summerred - July 13 - 1:19 pm

  I really do love this vehicle. I wasnt even in the market for a Lexus. I have owned 3 Toyota 4-Runners in the past and was looking for another 4-Runner when I found my Lexus gem. I was looking in the $15K price range and wanted leather interior and 4 wheel drive. I was not able to find a 4-Runner that met these needs in my price range. I haphazardly saw the Lexus RX330 at a dealer lot, test drove it and fell in love. It didnt hurt that it only had 65k miles and was $15K with more bells and whistles than what I was originally looking for. I wont buy anything else. I also had a great dealership to work with which helped immensely.

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  A Completely Different RX - 2017 Lexus RX 350
  By Mighty Mike - July 12 - 10:45 pm

  Disclaimer - I apologize for one, long paragraph (I cant get the character return to work in the Edmunds review no matter how hard I try!). While I dont want to discount other peoples experiences, I am trying to understand some of the criticism of this car. We previously leased a 2015 RX; when the dealer provided us with a 2016 loaner for a few days, we used the opportunity for the ultimate test drive. Our decision was easy - as much as we loved the refinement of the third generation RX, the fourth generation provided a more rugged durability that makes it an "everyday" car rather than a "night on the town" car. We have driven our 2017 RX for three months, and have put it through every type of driving condition except snow - in-city, suburban, freeway, winding two-lane highway, rain (lots of that here in the Pacific Northwest). We have hauled around three adult passengers for extended periods. Each time, the vehicle has performed well, and everyone has commented on their comfort. I have carefully listened for engine vibration that so many other owners have mentioned between 1,500 and 2,000 RPM, and I just dont hear it. The car is certainly "throatier" than the previous RX, but I expected that to come with the edgier, sportier handling that was lacking. At speed, this RX is just as silent but handles better and provides better viewing angles from the drivers seat. My partner recently said, "I thought Id miss our old car, but I dont." Neither do I. PROS: safety technology, cabin comfort, interior quiet, panoramic moonroof (option), Mark Levinson sound system (option), increased handling, automation (parking brake, seat heat/cool, lights, wipers). CONS: outdated infotainment operating technology, intermittent buzzing/humming near glovebox that can only be heard near idle and with stereo off/low, wiper blades cannot be accessed, less rear cargo room

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  Simply great - 2006 Lexus LS 430
  By Jim T - July 12 - 1:00 am

  I have owned quite a few cars, about 19, including a couple of Q45s and BMW 741iL and this one takes the title. The BMW was junk, the infinitis nice but not at this level. Only drawbacks, are drivers seat is so-so and has a cassette deck ( which I knew when I bought, no mp3) and the nav system is outdated, even for an 06. Otherwise, wow, what a ride and problem free for the past 23,000 miles having bought this new. It really does live up to its reputation, fun to drive, good performance when you step on it, and smooth as silk. Even my teenage daughters want to drive it, so the kewl factor survives, once you get into it.

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  Best Es yet - 2016 Lexus ES 350
  By Lexus guy - July 11 - 11:39 am

  This is a very comfortable car. I came from a 2014 328i M sport. That car was great too but it was a little small for a family. Plus the reliability scared me every time I got in it. Not this Lexus though. This is a family car! I never worry about if something expensive is going to break or going into limp mode "bmw". I am 35 years old and I always thought I will look like an old man in this car. You know what this car makes you mature and look established. The led headlights are bright and show the road well. The navigation still looks like my 2008 Toyota Camry navigation though. I really wish Toyota would update their nav systems. The seats are la z boy comfortable. I am ready for a road trip. Standard stereo is more than enough. More than enough acceleration and very serine interior. I definitely would buy this over any other brand. Bmw drives nice but costs way too much. Acura is boring, Mercedes is over rated and Audi is in trouble. Buy a Lexus!

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  Lexus live the dream - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Demo - July 9 - 7:23 pm

  Today is 7/10/05, although Ive only been a Lexus owner for less than 2 months Im having the time of my life driving it. Sometimes its worth cutting down on lunch expenses to ride in luxury. This car give you all you need in power & relaxation, and most important features are all standard except for navigation. Which for me its not needed.

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  One Fantastic Car - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By David - July 9 - 3:06 am

  The ES 330 rides like a dream. And dont be fooled, the get-up and go is there whenever called upon. The exterior design is classic, and the interior is simply georgous. Mileage is fair, and it runs on regular fuel - no small consideration these days.

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  Great vehicle with only a few complaints - 2013 Lexus RX 350
  By j0hnnyb1 - July 8 - 4:10 pm

  The 2013 has made subtle changes from the 12 model but the changes are noticeable. The front of the car looks great now and unfortunately those with the 2012 model look outdated and antiquated next to it. The interior is clean, modern, and sleek without goddy ornamentation and flare. Its a luxurious car without looking ostentatious. The ride is smooth and you cant hear the wind outside going 70mph down the highway. The technology is a win, Ive driven Mercedes (2011), Jeep (2012), BMW (2006), and so on... none of them come close to the Lexus for tech. Pandora is a huge plus.

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  Ride of my dreams - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Carol - July 6 - 6:20 am

  From the minute I got in to this car, I fell in love. This is the ride of my dreams. The luxury features make me feel pampered. I love to drive, but I have never had this much fun on four wheels. The color is the most perfect shade of metalic red, which accentuates the stylish lines. I was too excited to catch everything from the salesman the night I bought the car, so I keep finding neat things that make me fall more in love. The best part is that I dont have to hunt for my keys anymore, because Im such a scatterbrain. What a ride!