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:

• 

  In the Lap of Luxury - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Ed - April 30 - 7:33 am

  Beautiful in & out. Lexus thinks of too many great small details to list. Love the soft leather and real wood. MPG as advertised, averages 21 mpg.

• 

  It is a Toyota with below par electronic - 2015 Lexus ES 350
  By David P. - April 30 - 5:11 am

  This car is sold as a luxury vehicle, but after owning it for while we realized nothing is luxury about it except the grittiness of the company and the dealership. Basically, this is a Toyota with a little better paint job outdated electronic and very frustrated entertainment system. Most disappointing is the outrages maintenance prices $300 for an oil change and $475 a yearly charge if you want your navigation system to be updated. Personally, I would not recommend buying this car.

• 

  Great car - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By TimSmith - April 29 - 4:16 am

  This car has everything I wanted. I bought my car fully loaded and I must say I am glad that I did. The variable suspension and stability control are nice options. This car has no transmission problems and rides real nice.

• 

  Not easy to drive - 2017 Lexus RX 350
  By Mike - April 27 - 9:00 pm

  I had a Lexus RX350 which was much more comfortable and easier to handle on the road. The 2017 I have is cumbersome and not fun to drive like my ex 2010 rx350. I wish I had never bought the 2017. It is big and boxy and difficult to park.

• 

  Supper SUV - 2010 Lexus GX 460
  By minh banh - April 27 - 2:56 am

  What can I say, one of the best SUV from inside out. Anyone planning to purchase this, go ahead and do it. Dont be fooled by consumer report, one little thing they make it bigger. Lucky I am a first one got it on January 2010 and receive $500 off sticker window

• 

  I am in love with this car - 2012 Lexus CT 200H
  By cindyropp - April 26 - 3:37 pm

  I was lucky and found a 2012 fully loaded with only 6k miles on it for $26k. I love this car, while I have a lead foot, I am only getting 37 to 40mpg...if I am driving like an old lady on a straight road, I might get 40 but I live in san diego, hills everywhere and going up hill, the mileage goes down. I love the handling. this is the perfect combination of sporty, economical, practical, fun. Definitely beats the competition of the other hybrids in $28-35k range!!

• 

  Finest Luxury Car Made - 2001 Lexus LS 430
  By Lexus Cruiser - April 26 - 2:03 pm

  Have owned my LS 430 for about 6 months. This is the best car in the world. Super comfortable seats front/rear. Superb fit and finish. Quiet as a tomb. Killer Levinson stereo - best I have ever heard. Efficient motor can get almost 30 mpg on long trips. Navigation is easy, cant live without it now. Very quick off the line and can cruise over 100 mph silently. I go for rides just for fun/relaxation. Looks very classy too. Clients love it.

• 

  Amazing automobile - 2011 Lexus RX 350
  By dcmachead - April 25 - 11:22 pm

  The RX 350 is a very well thought out car and quality is evident throughout. The interior is sophisticated without "trying too hard". We got the AWD with navigation, comfort, premium, and tow prep package. The seat ventilation is wonderful in the summer time. Im also in love with the proximity key and the personalization settings of the vehicle. The navigation takes some getting used to, but the hard drive-based navigation is a lot snappier than portable units and DVD-based Nav Ive used on other vehicles. Passenger and driver comfort are amazing. Theres plenty of room for 5 people, though I miss the 3rd row seating of my Honda Pilot.

• 

  bang for buck - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By tony shaw - April 25 - 10:00 am

  after owning all types of autos i find the 430 to be the most complete vehicle i have ever driven.

• 

  LEXUS MAKES THE BEST CARS - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By LS4 - April 25 - 10:00 am

  There is nothing better than to own Lexus. The car combines all the best qualities of luxury, performance and reliability.