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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  Cant go wrong - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By K-Lex04 - November 14 - 10:00 am

  Prior to this Lexus I had a BMW which was nice, but ride too stiff. I have had 3 other Lexus and maybe too partial, but have no complaints. Rides nice and smooth. Seating is the most comfortable yet. I just got the Sport Edition which is well worth it. Ride is nice and tight with great handling.

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  New Lexus ES 330 - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Cliff - November 13 - 3:53 pm

  This is a great car for the money, however when accelerating, there is a definite hesitation in the take off. This has been a problem with many cars in the 330 line and Lexus should do something about it. This model could use a more powerful motor. Other then the above, this is a great car for the money.

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  Lexus Quality at its best - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By foxy_ maverick - November 12 - 6:16 pm

  After driving a Range Rover for five years decided for a change. Wow the Lexus was great compared to it. I had a lot of electronic problems with the Range Rover which was a reliability issue. From what I have heard Lexus is a very reliable make. Fingers crossed!

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  Certified - 2015 Lexus ES 350
  By Rico - November 12 - 10:36 am

  Only buy a certified used car

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  Smooth, Quiet, and Good Looking - 2000 Lexus ES 300
  By Scott Hastings - November 12 - 10:00 am

  It is a joy to drive this car. Interior and exterior styling are wonderful. I have the Platinum Edition that has the wood-grained stearing wheel. 3.0 Liter engine gives this car lots of pickup when you need it. I have a hearing loss and I can hear my childrens soft speach while driving. The stereo system is the best Ive ever heard in any car. Theres just nothing not to like.

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  Dont judge an RX by its cover - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By J the Cube - November 12 - 10:00 am

  The car looks and feels great. But I am truly dissapoimted with Lexus. The laundry list of problems has me running from Lexus. From the now twice broken back hatch door shocks, the dried out & cracked front window channels, the needed lubrication of the back windows, the bad idle control valve, the noisy brake pads....and this car only has 31K miles!

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  Best Luxury Sedan in the world - 2002 Lexus LS 430
  By Lexus Fan 84 - November 12 - 10:00 am

  The LS430 is and has been proven t be the best Luxury sedan out on the road. AMCI went through throughal testing and it proved over Benz and BMW and Infiniti and Audi and any other car maker that Lexuss LS430 is the best luxury sedan out there overall!! and I believe this firmly!!!

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  Flaws are few and far between - 2009 Lexus IS F
  By mkovalsky - November 12 - 7:44 am

  Yes the ride is firm and yes its competitors have more pedigree, but the ISF is what the old BMW M cars used to be - discreet. This car really is a wolf in sheeps clothing. The V8 is absolutely intoxicating, especially above 3500 rpms. The steering is good and the brakes are fantastic. The exhaust is louder than god and the gearbox is loads of fun when youre really hammering it. My favorite thing about this car is that you get the ballistic performance with the Lexus reliability, couldnt ask for much more.

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  Way better than new EPA mpg - 2007 Lexus RX 350
  By Bob in Texas - November 12 - 5:56 am

  I characterize the RX-350 as a luxury small SUV (most call it a medium size. With 270 hp it keeps the lead footers mostly pleased and for the more average to docile drivers the 26.8 mpg that I recorded on a 330 mile stint on interstate 10 on cruise control at 71 mph is EPA busting. On a 1040 mile trip I recorded an average of 25.8 mpg. Now mind you I never exceeded 75 mph on this trip, but for the economy fan, where else are you going with that kind of power.

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  A van in SUV clothing - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Zac in Jax - November 12 - 5:53 am

  The RX 330 is a great vehicle for running errands around town. It is extremely comfortable and its looks are eye-catching. Load carrying capacity is limited by the sharply angled rear door. It doesnt hold as much as you would expect for an SUV. On the highway, it handles like a mini- van. The car-based construction makes for a too soft, underpowered ride. With cruise control on, the engine constantly downshifts at the slightest rise in the road, such as going over a bridge. Definitely needs stiffer suspension and more power.