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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  Just what we needed - 2007 Lexus RX 350
  By KL - December 26 - 10:43 pm

  Got the RX 350 AWD new and so far has been great for what we use it for. It has been reliable with minimal issues that the dealership has taken care of. Not the most fun to drive as it is very plush and you really cant feel the road. It is just the right size for us and tows our 3500 lb boat just fine. Lately, @30k miles now, Ive noticed the mileage isnt as good as it used to be. Not exactly sure why but it gets about 16-18 mpg combined. Few years ago, it got 24/25 mpg on highway. Great vehicle, would consider another one when the time comes.

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  Problem not addressed - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By drives1 - December 26 - 5:40 pm

  I have one of the very first RX40hs off the line. I waited a year an a half on a waiting list to ensure I got the first one to arrive. Unfortunately, I think I have a lemon. The car pulls to one side and after a year and a half and 25,000 miles it cannot be fixed. Tires were bald at 15,000 miles, and the dealer replaced all four gratis (which was nice of them). The dealer has been good. But Lexus corporate has pretty much ignored me and does not call when they say they will, if at all. I am extremely disappointed. Lexus customer care does not care, it seems. All they do is send surveys, but it seems they never read them.

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  Rip Off at the dealerships - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By Lexus customer - December 24 - 2:00 am

  The Lexus GX lists for 45,900.00 on the Lexus website and on the vehicle sticker. Edmunds lists the vehicle at 45,500.00. The dealerships just received one demo car fully loaded with all the bells and whistles. However, they are telling people that they Lexus is only going to send fully loaded vehicles to the dealerships. That means, you will have to live with options you dont really want like the $1,200 LexusLink. The service is free for one year and then you can either cancel the service or use it. You will however, be out of $1,200 because that is the cost of the unit. I think Ill go back to the Acura MDX where I do have some options.

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  Fun and affordable - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By David - December 21 - 11:36 am

  The IS 300 is fun to drive, it handles really well. I have the 5 speed so its quicker than the automatic (I drove both). The interior is sleek and I love the exterior. All around I have been very pleased with this car. I have had a couple isolated issues that fell under warranty, but Ive talked to other owners who didnt have the same issues.

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  Quality, reliable, efficient car - 2008 Lexus ES 350
  By 2008 Lexus ES 350 - December 18 - 9:53 pm

  Ive had my car for about 2 months and I love the looks, quality, technology, and the efficiency of the vehicle. This is a very nice car and it has to be. You know this is a Lexus which stands for quality and leadership.

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  Lexus Sport Cross - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By kokomokid - December 14 - 10:00 am

  What I wanted in a car when I bought the IS 300 Sport Cross was a car that would drive like a sports car, but transport R/C model planes easily. It fills the bill, except that a manual tranmission is not available in the Sport Cross.

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  TCM, ECM Problems - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Henry Casimer - December 12 - 11:06 pm

  My wife is principal driver but in January 2006 I drove the ES330 4,000 miles from northern IN to Key West and return. The engine and transmission fails to respond to throttle commands and the vehcle does not downshift to third gear when needed. With the pedal to the metal at 60 mph it takes forever to get back up to 70/75 mph. Same problem on entrance ramps. Trying to merge in 4th or 5th gear at 2,000 rpm will not get you out of the way of 18 wheelers. Car is at the dealer now. Have reported this to NHTSA as a safety issue. 25 mph not too impressive. GM can do 30 mpg with 3.8 L.

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  Our 2002 Lexus Sportcross - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By WFLaidlaw - December 8 - 10:00 am

  Ours is full of add-ons to include navigation, leather, heated seats, etc, but the most appreciated add-ons are the Limited-Slip Differential coupled with Vehicle Skid Control. Cornering is uncanny and with superior braking makes a very competitive vehicle. Service is poor locally, so we drive 2 1/2 hours one way to the Charleston dealership. It is of the same quality as the car.

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  Disappointed - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By thresher - December 7 - 6:40 am

  The car has a very bad shifting which the dealer says is normal. Very jerky motion like something from a 10 year old car. Not what I would consider luxury. Engine revs way too high. The ac is fine the controls are good but still not what I would consider luxury

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  Lexus ES 350 - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By garsarno - December 3 - 9:00 pm

  The styling of the car, quality of materials are Lexus expectations. What is disappointing is the need for a new transmission within 1,500 miles of new along with valve noise when cold starting. The mechanical problems are outweighing the benefits with this car. The interior is beautiful, Mark Levinson sound system is the best out there. If only Lexus / Toyota researched the build quality before debuting the car early.