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:

• 

  2001 lexusrx300 is great! - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By MarkSZ - January 29 - 10:00 am

  Awesome! This is the best car I have ever owned or driven. It beats the American competitors hand down.

• 

  Run Flat / Run Stupid - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Tom H - January 25 - 5:46 pm

  Run flat tires are an interesting concept, however, no spare tire comes with the vehicle. Run flat tires have to be replaced after driving no farther than 100 miles. My dealer has no run flat tire in stock. If youre somewhere more than 100 miles from a dealer,or its a Sunday, or, as in my case, the dealer does not have a replacement...guess what. Decided to order the non-full sized spare tire (the only one that will fit in the supplied empty tire well). Dealer price for the temporary spare is $331.00! Lexus Customer Service was a further source of aggrevation...they suggested that "a spare tire kit was available." Thanks Lexus, for incredibly un-Lexus like foresight!

• 

  I LOVE LEXUS! - 2000 Lexus LS 400
  By Spence - January 25 - 3:56 pm

  This is the second Lexus I have owned, and this car was a great deal with low mileage! I did my research and found a beautiful one with low miles! I love driving this car, it has power, plush luxurious comfort, and excellent reliability! All in a beautiful sleek package! I will always love the Lexus brand!

• 

  GS 300 - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Romeo Macelli - January 25 - 2:30 pm

  I absolutely love my GS. It is smooth, sexy, and relatively powerful. This one is a winner.

• 

  It purrs like a kitten! - 2004 Lexus GS 300
  By Trilogy - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I actually bought this vechile in 1998, I love to drive it and it has given me almost no problems at all! The frame is as tight as the day I bought it and it still looks like a brand new car. I love my Lexus!

• 

  Cant Beat a Lexus - 2004 Lexus GS 300
  By Henry Wayne - January 24 - 10:00 am

  A six time Lexus owner, I cannnot say anything negative about the vechicle or the manufactor or the dealerships. I wish the american car manufactors would wake up!!! I just baught a new 2004 Ford F-250 Pick-up with the new 6.0 Diesel and it has number of problems with just 3,000 miles. Please wake up!!! What pride the Japanese take in their customer service and procuct. The car is a dream to drive and the company is a pleasure to work with. I really enjoy giving my money to them for a fantastic vehicle.

• 

  Petes GS300 - 2004 Lexus GS 300
  By Pete Gilmore - January 24 - 10:00 am

  As a salesman, I drive approximately 250 miles perday in a 5-day week. Reliability, safety, comfort and fuel economy are the most important attributes for any car I drive. My GS 300 meets these criteria, and has eye- catching styling to boot. The Lexus dealers with whom I deal for routine service are nothing short of amazing. Their personna is such that they have become another reason to buy a Lexus. Their acommodations, such as loaner cars and complimentary cash washes, have further justified my decision to purchase. When I am ready to replace my GS, Ill look for another Lexus.

• 

  Simply Superb - 2004 Lexus GS 300
  By Steveshayan - January 24 - 10:00 am

  One of the best cars I have ever owned , And I have owned , lexus sc 300,3 mercedes e300 2 Audi , Nissan Maxima, Nissan 300 Zx . The Dealer have been the best in service and reliablity. The annual Maint fees are resonable.The Seats and leather interior holds up well. The A/C functions excellent. The VVTI engine performs excellent . The Interior is very quiet .Have Driven car for 36000 miles so far .Freeway driving in upward of 100 miles per hour at some freeway streches and have been comfortable with its handling. Words cannot explain my satifaction with the lexus brand.Now I saving my money and looking forward to buying an Sc400 Convertible

• 

  NEVER had a problem..Not even one - 2004 Lexus GS 300
  By fg1111111 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  switched from Mercedes to Lexus for the looks and now have 3 of them in the family and have never even had one prblem with any of them..knock on wood...but they as reliable as they can be

• 

  Your the BEST!! - 2004 Lexus GS 300
  By Bonnie Johnson - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I have a 1994 Lexus GS300 with 173,000 miles on it. This is my second Lexus, my first had 85,000 when I traded it in. God Bless you for making a car that really lasts. I maintain it very well and it has rewarded me.