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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  LS430 - 2002 Lexus LS 430
  By crmaynorjr - May 30 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive,powerful,silky smooth on and on.

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  Tweaking of the Highlander. - 2009 Lexus RX 350
  By John Sarkis - May 28 - 10:16 pm

  Ive only owned the vehicle for two months, so I have little to say about it; but so far so good. I really enjoy the interior room; Im a single person but do need the extra space from time to time. This car is based on the Toyota Highlander, which is a good vehicle to begin with; even though they both have Camry pedigrees, the car handles pretty good, and it was a bargain in contrast to other similar Lexus products.

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  Mine Has Radar Cruise Better Than Great - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By MANDALAY - May 28 - 8:23 pm

  I have to admit the dealer lied a lot but the car is super-I paid more than I should but radar cruise control is life saving and I love it-car is the best all around-there is nothing left I couldnt pu t on it-bought the 5 year warranty with tax cost me 79,800 but worth more and runs better than any German car or Jag. It is an amazing vehicle and will keep it a long time so I dont mind the cost-car is great but dealer & sales & managemtnt were not

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  The best crossover out right now - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By Anonymous - May 26 - 1:26 pm

  Okay, so no matter what any of these reviews say, none of this applies to my vehicle. The interior quality and design is superfluous and soft to the touch though it is true seats could be a little more cushioned. The ride is very soft though the power is there if u want it. Everything in the car works as advertised and I love it. Wind noise may be a little intrusive at highway speeds, but you could just roll up the windows and crank up the mark levinson audio system. For those looking for an all around great and functional crossover, you dont need to look farther than the rx350. I have test drove the ML, X5, MDX and none of these cars are as comfortable as this RX. It truly is the drivers SUV.

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  RX 330 FWD - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By GLFR 23 - May 25 - 6:10 pm

  Very high quality and reliability. Just changed from a RX 300 and its really improved; turning radius, console, more horsepower, stereo controls on steering wheel, really love this car.

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  Certified Pre-Owned Purchase - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By Certified Pre-Owned - May 21 - 2:46 am

  This car was a great for my luxury driving experience. The ride is so smooth as if I was riding on air. The cost for ownership was far better than other luxury cars. The extending warranty work just wonderfully. I love my certified pre-owned Lexus.

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  RX330 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By JASJASJAS - May 20 - 10:00 am

  This car is the most pratical 5- seating SUV on teh road. I picked this over the Highlander, BMW X5, Porches SUV (Audi and VW will be coming out with identical models), and others. It COMFORTABLY seats 5, and has trunk space, unlike the over priced and uncomfortable BMW X5.

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  awesome - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By aurea - May 20 - 10:00 am

  I bought a 02 4 Runner, and this 330 RX is exceptionally awesome, it drives like a car. I got the Flint Mica w/ Black interior, it does look classy.

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  Awesome luxury in a Sports car - 2006 Lexus SC 430
  By Myers - May 19 - 9:16 pm

  Awesome drive. Comfort and luxury in a sports car! Not a commonly seen vehicle that turns heads. Good gas mileage for its type. Attention to detail is spectacular. Hard-top convertible is unique and works flawlessly.

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  More Fun for the Dollar - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By curtkc - May 18 - 6:50 am

  Great looks; smooth reving and torquey engine with world class tranny and brakes. Seats are comfortable; Sportcross gives the hatchback appeal and functionality of some of the Euro cars: BMW; Audi et al. Steering is highly responsive and tracks on center; it talks to you; you know where you are in the curves when driving at 8/10ths or better. R&T ran this car thru the cones @ 65mph and .91g on the skidpad:nuff said about handling. Great car