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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  Best Car I have Ever Owned - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Lauren - June 8 - 2:36 am

  Bought this car in March 2009 after it came off of a 4yr lease. I was hesitant to buy a car over 4yrs old w/ 40k miles. I took it to my family mechanic for a complete inspection before buying. He said "only needs new brake pads and oil change." It’s very comfortable inside and rides smoothly. This car has been driven about a dozen times btwn FL-GA (450 miles each way) and we recently drove to NYC (2k r/t). The car rode great, gas mileage averaged about 25-28 on highway. I have never felt more safe in a car. Ill never buy anything but a Toyota or Lexus again!

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  Lexus GS 300 - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By GCP - June 7 - 5:30 pm

  The GS 300 is a smooth riding and driving car. The sound system is awesome. I have enjoyed the heated seats and the passenger ajustable heating and cooling system. The controls are very nice and can be hidden out of your way. I am a Volvo driver and decided to get a Lexus. The lexus has exceeded my expectations.

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  Great performance, lots of luxury - 2013 Lexus IS F
  By peleg - June 7 - 3:11 pm

  I wanted one since the car came out in 2008. I bought a brand new 2013. I feel this car has everything one could want: V8 built by Yamaha, Brembo brakes, most advanced suspension (yet), 8 gears and a very nice interior. The trunk space is adaquate, but its not huge. The gas mileage is somewhere around 21 average, better on the freeway. The car is very easy to drive, but if you put your foot down, it will wake up. The secondary intake roar comes around 3600 RPMs and the car just TAKES OFF and disappears. There is a lot of technology in the engine, which every performance gearhead will appreciate. Car is very comfortable as well, good road visibility, no blind spots.

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  Head Turner - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By RLSW - June 7 - 10:00 am

  So far so good. The GX470 has a great look, and even better performance. Smooth quiet ride and surprisingly easy to manuever thru city traffic. The only glitch I have found is the mirrors tend "forget" the drivers side memory when taking the car out of reverse.

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  I love this SUV!!! - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By JLP - June 7 - 10:00 am

  We drove several luxury cars and SUVs before purchasing the Lexus GX470. When it comes to true luxury you have to go with Lexus. I have found nothing that I didnt like about this SUV. The only negative would be the price but its well worth it!!!

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  longevity - 1997 Lexus LS 400
  By smitty123 - June 7 - 10:00 am

  I have just seen my odometer pass the 150K mark and I have had no problems to date. My goal is to make it to 250K miles before I even think of getting a another car. I bought the car as a certified used car and it was the best move I could make. I got the car in jan. 1998 and cant figure out why the orignal owner turned it in. My only wish is that the cell phone included in the car could be switched out for a new model.

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  The Finest Car ever - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By John K. Powell - June 5 - 9:13 pm

  This is one excellent automobile. The design can be described as "subtle elegance". When you ride in the GS300, whether drive or passanger, the experience is fantastic.

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  Rusting SC430 - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By Malfarook - June 5 - 10:00 am

  I bought my dream car in 2003,a brand new 2004 SC430. Among other disappointments, I have rust problem. The alloy wheel is rusting out. The body also have many bubbles, under is rust. It is so disappointing. I did not expect it from a Lexus.

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  Day 2 Review - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Steve - June 5 - 4:00 am

  Downsized from LX470 due to longer commute to new job. Ive driven many of these as loaners when the the LX was getting scheduled maintenance. RX handling is light, tossable, but the ride quiet with smooth. A little more outside noise vs. LX. Acceleration is brisk and so much easier on the gas too.

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  A Graceful Hippopotamus - 2008 Lexus LX 570
  By DBK - June 5 - 2:50 am

  This car was bought for my wife; I drive a Porsche Cayenne. I think it is wise to point out a few differences in the vehicles. 1. This Lexus is really big and bulky. It does everything you want, but there is no escaping the fact that this is a large truck based SUV. The acceleration and handling is not as good as our other vehicle. The interior is quiet, but not as quiet as a nice sedan. I read one review that described it as a graceful hippopotamus and I think that sums it up perfectly. If you are looking for a capable, big, strong SUV, then this is the one for you. If you are looking for performance and agility, then I think the Porsche Cayenne beats it hands down.