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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  WOW! - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By Peters902 - July 31 - 2:00 am

  Having owned 6 Q-45s since 1992, I thought I had the best styled and riding car sold. I was wrong, as my 2003 LS 430, with Euro-tuned suspension, blows it away. This car is simply more luxurous, larger, and. . .WOW! What a car.

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  Almost got a Volvo! - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By liguy - July 31 - 2:00 am

  I was choosing between the GX 470 and the Volvo XC90. Man, am I happy. My friend got the Volvo and has complained ever since. The GX is beautiful. No flaws after 2 weeks. I replaced an RX 300 with this SUV and it is far superior in luxury and utility (no SUV Ive ever been in rides like the RX, though). Even my 52" wife loves this car. I cant find something to complain about. We thought we might not like the 3rd row configuration or the rear door at first. Theyve both been easy to use and very convenient.

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  I Love my IS 300 - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By Diana504 - July 31 - 2:00 am

  I just got this car for my birthday. It is everything and more. Extremely fun to drive. It curves easily and has quick pick-up. E-shift is fun to use.

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  Expensive with problems - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By ExpensiveFun - July 31 - 2:00 am

  I was so happy with my 96 ES300 I got an RX300 for winters. What a disappointment. Within a year I had it in 3 times for the same problem. I never had service other than oil changes on the 96. It rattles alot. I just had my 45,000 maintenance and feel as though I got charged $90 an hour for labor when it looks no different and I have no proof for what was done.

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  Reliability - 2003 Lexus RX 300
  By Bruce Lipe - July 31 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car because of the fact that everyone I know who has a Lexus has had no issues. I traded an Audi 2.8 quattro in for this and miss the sporty driving experience, but it was in the shop frequently. The RX 300 is very practical and drives more like a car than other SUVs tested. Now I wish I would have opted for the navigation system.

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  Surprised at cost of service - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By GRAMP - July 31 - 2:00 am

  For the most part i am satisfied with the Es 300. I had a couple of rattles in the back door , but after two times the dealer took care of that problem. I was very surprised at the cost of service. 10,000 mile service cost $129.00, and i just called the dealership to find out the cost of 15,000 service-----HOW ABOUT-$359.00, so much for a LEXUS

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  Best car I have ever owned - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By JW - July 29 - 6:50 pm

  We bought this LS430 with 6000 miles on it. The car has been flawless ever since. All we have to do is the standard maintenance and that is it. Fuel economy is good for a large car with up to 26 mpg on trips. Ride quality and comfort are excellent for a large sedan. The powertrain is powerful and quiet.

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  Best Lexus yet! - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Arthur Davis - July 28 - 3:26 pm

  Have mainly used GS 300 belonging to a friend as ours was just delivered today. I find this vehicle very light on its feet, quiet, comfortable and assembled (if possible) with even more precision than any of our previous Lexus models. Available options make the GS 300 a very real mid-luxury all-star.

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  2007 ES 350 Daily Driver - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By mbolan54 - July 28 - 2:11 pm

  For the entry Luxury Car category, could not recommend more highly. Bought a 2007 CPO in summer 2010. Ruby/Tan appearance always brings praise. Quiet, smooth, with powerful acceleration. Maint: CPO-warr drivers window gasket, later a battery, MXV tires & shocks in late 2012. Mileage 21/33. After years of Detroit (no complaints) and 4 Camrys (run & run) this is the greatest stepup at an equivalent price (CPO vs Camry new). Love the comfort & non-ML sound. A Top Recommend.

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  been only 3 weeks - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By daniel - July 28 - 7:06 am

  and so far I LOVE this car. Granted its my first lexus ever... I feel like im doomed to buy lexus forever now. I really like the smooth ride, the fit and finish of the interior is very nice, and its surprisingly quite roomy inside. There are some minor complaints - inflexible option packages (not too many stand alone options), couldnt get the price lower than the msrp, where are the running boards?, where are the coin holders? Trash tray? And someone already mentioned this - this car is waaaaay too common. Mines the 4th in my cul-de-sac of 9 houses.