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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  Room For Improvement - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By Socal GX470 - July 14 - 2:00 am

  This is our 3rd Lexus so you know we love the product. Overall we are very pleased with the GX, but as with any new product line there is room for improvement. Gas milage is pretty bad at 13-14 mpg, but we knwe that before buying. The center console could be better thought out to include cell phone storage compartment. The third row seat would be better served if it was automated like the Expedition.

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  Major problems steering rod, transmission, leak - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By mike - July 12 - 4:13 pm

  I have had this car for 4 years. It is a weekend car. The car is fun to drive. But I have had the transmission replaced, when it barely had 10,000 miles on it. It would change gears with a major kick. After a week my vsc came on. About a month ago when I would turn my steering wheel I would feel clicking noises. So back to the shop it went and their was a defect in the steering rods. I also had a oil leak and a plug was defective so they replaced that. Thank god! This car inst what I use daily.

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  Do It Again - 2000 Lexus RX 300
  By DoubleZ - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Its a Lexus. Lives up to all the hype. Excellent every day car. Just wish it would wash itself, too.

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  Best car in the mid 30s - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By Gulfvet66 - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Exceptional quality, fabulous service and support. These guys do everything but put a mint on your pillow!

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  Premier Hybrid - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Kurt E - July 12 - 7:10 am

  One of the quietest vehicles I have ever driven. Transition from gas engine to electric is so quiet and smooth I can never tell when the engine is running, unless I really get on the gas. Averaging 29 MPG which is extremely nice, considering the rising gas prices. Luxurious and quiet interior, Lexus has a winner!

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  Navication missing - 2016 Lexus CT 200H
  By Sajani Rao - July 11 - 10:42 pm

  The car has 3 choices in operation. Ev, normal and Sport. The car on normal and Sport act with loads of Speed. Climb an incline with speed on EV is a challenge( I live in a hilly area). The gas efficiency is amazing. Get the GPS. It Deff is worth it. It helps you interact better with the car.

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  Bad luck with this VIN# and Bulletins - 1995 Lexus LS 400
  By Sherwood - July 11 - 1:36 pm

  I bought this 1995 LS 400 because of its high reliability ratings. The first owner (I was 2nd) had it serviced regularly at a Lexus dealer. The problem is my particular VIN# was in a range of cars manufactured using defective engineering designs. One problem was a vibration at about 35 mph. I had it fixed according to the bulletin for about $2500. They had to replace the axles (evidently manufactured out-of-round) and add a supporting brace! The other problem is a shift-shock which entails replacing the computer for $3500! I asked Lexus to help defray the cost for these but they said the car was too far out of warranty (even though these are most likely manufacturing defects).

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  A great car to own - 2001 Lexus GS 300
  By mylexgs300 - July 11 - 2:26 am

  This my 3rd GS300, the previous being a 93 and an 00. When the opportunity came along to purchase this vehicle again, this time from my uncle, I couldnt resist. Besides, the normal routine maintenance, the car has required nothing bus gas. Its amazing to drive and feels like a pillow on the road. I cant see myself owning any other brand of car besides a Lexus.

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  Enjoying my new Lexus RX 350 - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By Jen - July 10 - 3:26 pm

  This is my 1st Lexus. I had been an Acura driver for 15 years & still love the brand. However, I craved something different & the RX 350 caught my attention. I love the cabin space, the power tail gate & the overall feel. Comparing this to my previous Acura RDX, the RX350 doesnt have as much power as I expected. I dont like the quality of the material on the console & near the radio. I definitely expected higher quality from Lexus. The power & usb plugs inside the console are HORRIBLE! Who ever designed this should be fired -- really, it is that bad! I have run the cables through, but occasionally the phone charger falls in & I have to take out all the items in the console. Gas is ok.

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  Great value for the $$$$! - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Z - July 8 - 11:56 am

  I have owned this car for just under 1 year. I bought it back in June of 09 as a certified vehicle with 34,965 miles for $26,000 + tax, tag, title. The vehicle has given me some large and small issues which others speak of on this website and my local dealer has been very nice in taking care of these problems at their expense. Overall the car is great. My suggestion to anyone interested in buying a GS is to buy a certified used vehicle a few years old that will provide you with 100k warranty at a better value for the money plus the peace of mind. Lexus customer service is the best I have ever experienced.