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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  Bit disappointed - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By AndyH - February 12 - 2:00 am

  Poor performance, not enough horsepower. Poor fuel economy. A MB V8 has better fuel economy not what I expected from Lexus. Also quite noisy. Too much body roll. Should have bought MDX or MB.

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  Never again will I buy it again. - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By MT X - February 12 - 2:00 am

  The AWD software cant decide between 1- 3 gears through 30 mph. Lindsay Lexus of Alexandria, VA couldnt get the replacement software. The power socket and the instrument panel pulled out with my phone charger. The AWD system is useless when going up icy roads even when the wheels on either side are on "DRY" pavement. The brake lights are unsafely high. It takes a long time to accelerate when merging and changing lanes. Metal strips on floor of every door step/entrance get dented easily. It is not fun to drive. Im averaging 16 mpg for the first 3500 miles.

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  Awesome package - 2016 Lexus RX 350
  By Doug Neal - February 12 - 1:52 am

  Total satisfaction with purchase and ownership. I like the moe aggressive lines and look of the 2016 model.

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  Cert. pre-owned the way to go - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By Jay - February 11 - 11:30 am

  Just bought a used 05 LS 430 (55k miles), tremendous condition and certified through Lexus (3yr/100k bumper to bumper warranty). Wow! what a car! Previously owned a Porsche. Different types of vehicles, but the LS is an overall winner. 24- 26 mpg on the highway, tons of space, baby seat in back and front passenger can still stretch out. Quiet, powerful, smooth as silk ride. An 05 LS more reliable than most brand new vehicles. Major head turner. Would highly recommend one.

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  The Best Car Ever - 1998 Lexus LS 400
  By Midprof - February 11 - 7:30 am

  Let me begin by telling you that Ive owned many different cars...American..Never again, German...great cars but high maintanence...Japanese Lexus...the BEST ride ever...maybe doesnt handle as well as a Beemer...but reliability, Quality and plushness....this car has it all....

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  There is always one! - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By Richard D - February 10 - 10:00 am

  Guess Im just the luck one. I have had nothing but problems, defective fuel guage, defective outside temp guage, cracked leather seat, scratched glass, over 25 paint chips, incomplete "clear bra" that resulted in more paint damage and parts replacement, dealer induced body damage. This is my second RX 300, and I regret the day I bougtht it!

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  Great Value Package - 2010 Lexus HS 250H
  By EEnglander - February 10 - 9:06 am

  Ive had the car for three weeks and its awesome!!! The car handles very well for a hybrid but it would be nice to have the option for more zip in acceleration in exchange for a few less MPGs. The suspension is a little soft and the driving experience could improve if the suspension were sportier-maybe similar to the IS. I have the HS Premium with navigation and the gadget loaded interior quickly makes you forget the drive-train and truly enjoy each drive.

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  Very Nice Car! - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Iqbaldhillon 2 - February 10 - 7:20 am

  In January I bought a brand new ES 350 and was very impressed from day one. I average 25 miles to the gallon all the time. The power is also great, the new 6-speed automatic transmission packs a punch when driving. The ride is also very smooth and comfortable, only one problem so far, which is my CD player, everything else seems to be very impressive.

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  I love my Lexus - 2009 Lexus RX 350
  By bryanjeffrey - February 9 - 10:30 am

  I have a 2009 RX350. After driving Audi and BMWs for some time, I fell in love with the RX350. It is my daily commute car, the AWD is like Velcro in the snow and ice, and compares favorably with Audis Quattro, which I still feel is probably the best AWD system there is. The RX has plenty of power (thank you again to the WI State Patrol officer for being so understanding), plenty of comfort and is ideal for long or short trips. Probably obvious, but make sure you use only synthetic oil. Mileage is good, performance is beyond solid for an SUV, it is a blast to drive, top end is very responsive and I have never lacked for acceleration when needed.

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  Absolute Best! - 1998 Lexus LS 400
  By Dennis Greene - February 5 - 5:13 pm

  This is absolutely the best car on the planet to own for the long term! I purchased mine certified for $25K two years ago and I simply love this car. I actually get about 30 MPG highway cruising about 5MPH over the limit. No mechanical problems...none. Took a hit in the rear on a snowy day on I-95 causing $8k of damage, but protected me and my family as advertised and the ABS and vehicle anti-skid worked as promised. Also, Lexus service has been excellent and not too overly expensive like my last Mercedes 560 SEL. My family and friends are surprised to learn that I paid less with a better warranty than they did for their new SUVs, and I get much better mileage to boot. Winner!