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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  Great Luxury Flagship - 1998 Lexus LS 400
  By 90lsguy - June 28 - 4:16 pm

  After my 250k miles 1990 LS400 got trashed in a hail storm, I had to find a suitable replacement. After extensive research the 1998-2000 LS400 models fit the bill-40 more hp(290), 5 speed transmission, VSC and V8vvti engine. I bought online a one-owner, dealer-serviced, full records 1998 in mint condition that sold new for $59k. My test drive was the 1400 mile effortless drive back to Denver. Got 30mpg hwy doing 80mph with A/C on. The car absolutely looks and performs as new. The service history consists only of factory-recommended maintenance; nothing ever broke. A full dealer inspection after my trip revealed no issues. Spectacular vehicle for one-tenth cost new.

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  best car for the money - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By kobe - June 25 - 10:00 am

  test drove A4 1.8, Acura TSX, and Acura TL Type-S and none of them were as fun to drive as the IS. At the time of purchase, the Type-S has 2.9 apr which was why it was in my price range, but it was too big for my taste and the styling was not aggressive enough. Although the Type-S is an excellent car, it didnt turn the heads like the IS.

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  Love my Lexy - 1997 Lexus ES 300
  By Love my Lexy - June 23 - 10:00 am

  I bought my ES300 about 4 years ago with 92k. I have not had to do anything more than the usual upkeep and I now have over 275k. Yes, she is getting tired but her ride and style does not compare to any other car on the road. Even the newer style ES300 is smaller and not as comfortable as this one. I previously had the 95 ES 300 with 268k when it was totaled in 2006.

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  Very happy with lexus rx350 - 2008 Lexus RX 350
  By wezwa - June 23 - 10:00 am

  I have been in my rx350 for almost 3 years and have been very pleased with it. It is sporty, reliable, and luxurious all at once. It has plenty of room for the things I need to haul around as an interior decorator or to take a family vacation. Front and rear seats are both very comfortable. Only minor complaints are acceleration is a bit jumpy and there is a slight blind spot when backing up (resulting in a little fender bender!)

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  cool - 2000 Lexus ES 300
  By cman - June 19 - 2:00 am

  love the car it seems to wait till it hits around 30mph to take off [without punching it]but still like the car alot .smooth ride ,no noise,fun sportydrive yet soft not like a sport suspention

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  ultimate car - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By paul b - June 19 - 2:00 am

  Great new features of parking assist, headlights are amazing, & comfort is unsurpassed. Should have standard sat radio & navigational system for the price

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  Awesome car - 2007 Lexus LX 470
  By CYM - June 19 - 12:36 am

  This is a great car. I rated most of the comfort, performance, etc., a 9 and not a 10 because when rating cars comfort, a car is the gold standard compared to an SUV. For an SUV, it is pretty comfortable, esp. for one that can go off-road and isnt a "crossover." The only complaint I have heard is that the style is "dated." I would disagree, its a nice looking car thats tough, yet refined and not crazy looking like some of the new SUVs around. It does eat up gas, but thats expected with a V8 in an SUV. Great car if you want to be able to go anywhere. Better value compared to any other lux SUVs in terms of options that come with it as a standard.

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  8 months with IS 300 (and going...) - 2001 Lexus IS 300
  By max - June 17 - 2:00 am

  First impression from this sleek sports sedan is something I would never get from any other car. Great exterior design, flashy speedometer/tachometer, sporty shift nob and pedals help you cope with the size of available space. All options suit well with the outfit, just pick whatever suit you best. Service is excellent, acceptable maintenance cost, not as bad as BMW, but not as good as Toyota. Last time I went by the dealer, 2002 special edition looks so good I want to beat myself for not waiting for it. Bottomline: Best car for the price, find the right dealer that will give you services. Grab the key, and lets have some fun. -^_^-

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  8 months with IS 300 (and going...) - 2001 Lexus IS 300
  By MaX - June 17 - 2:00 am

  First impression from this sleek sports sedan is something I would never get from any other car. Great exterior design, flashy speedometer/tachometer, sporty shift nob and pedals help you cope with the size of available space. All options suit well with the outfit, just pick whatever suit you best. Service is excellent, acceptable maintenance cost, not as bad as BMW, but not as good as Toyota. Last time I went by the dealer, 2002 special edition looks so good I want to beat myself for not waiting for it. Bottomline: Best car for the price, find the right dealer that will give you services. Grab the key, and lets have some fun. -^_^-

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  a great car if you fit it - 2001 Lexus IS 300
  By cizeta - June 17 - 2:00 am

  a great car for me, but maybe not quite right for you.... its a car for those who want that balance of fun-to-drive with reliability... a car to go to luch with business associates then release it on windy roads on the way home... it takes a bit of getting used to- it doesnt seem to feed back, but it never goes out of control... you learn it, and can push it to great limits... awesome slalom capabilities- compare slalom speeds- their porsche like... but i dont haul people in the back seat to often... its greatest drawback. second would be gas milage... it sucks fuel when you open it up...