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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  GS 300 "The One" - 2001 Lexus GS 300
  By Bear Inc - May 25 - 2:00 am

  This car is great. After owning various cars including BMW 5 series, Mercedes Benz Clk, and Audi I would still choose the LEX. This car is great in every respect and the Lexus service cant be beat. Truly this car is a keeper.

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  Great but not Fantastic - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By carperson - May 25 - 2:00 am

  Ive had the car for one week now and I have driven about 350 miles and have read through and figured out all the bells and whistles on the car. My previous car was a BMW 328i 2000 automatic 4 door sedan in titanium silver. I think this is a great car. It is extremely expensive however. Since I was buying an 04 in 03 I paid $3500 over sticker with an auto broker. However, I got a GREAT deal on the lease with a money factor of only .00164! I didnt want the smart key ($1K) option, but it seemed that all the cars with the Modern Luxury Package came with it. One problem with the smart key is that it interferes with remote start - nice for the winter.

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  Great Investment - 2008 Lexus RX 400H
  By dgmarnp - May 24 - 6:46 am

  Having owned my RX400H now for over a year, I can say that is a fantastic vehicle to own and drive. I drive over 1000 miles a month and average 24-28 miles per gallon. If you dont get this type of mileage, you are not driving it the proper way. It took me over a month to get used to the subtle changes you need to make to maximize your fuel economy. It is so quiet for an SUV and very comfortable. Whether I am alone, with my grandchildren, or my parents, everyone raves about the comfort of the ride.

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  Built to last - 1998 Lexus LS 400
  By Marwan AlNusif - May 22 - 2:00 am

  tied the LS400 for more than 10 years and found it one of the best cars.

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  Fun and useful - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By GT - May 22 - 2:00 am

  This car is just fun to drive. The extra space in the sport x version makes it useful as well.

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  dreamdancer - 1999 Lexus ES 300
  By baronface - May 22 - 2:00 am

  driving a lexus is a drivers dream come true. the Coach-leather seats are great (i have lower back pain)and i love the lumbar control on the seat. i have an injury to my hand/arm and the ease in wheeling this baby puts no stress on the injury, provides ease in parking, and performance to pass safely. most of the "bells & whistles" come standard and the size of the trunk is adequate and comes with a first-aid kit. all my friends who own a Lexus all comment on the great service and free car washes you receive at a Lexus dealer. try it, youll like it! p.s. my driving tends to be city/highway and i generally get 18-22 mpg and 24-26 hwy only.

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  Hands Down the Best Convertible availble - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By Duane - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Ive been driving my car for the past couple of months and i love it!!! ive driven various convertibles and couples before and the acceleration and handling on the SC430 is phenomenal, and the styling inside and out is just breath taking... RETRACTABLE HARD TOP and Navigation System makes this car even more awesome... and with my bad back run flats are an absolute heaven sent.

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  My 4th RX SUV - 2011 Lexus RX 350
  By Paulie - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Lexus has done it again. This model(3rd generation) is the fastest yet. Has its legendary smooth ride and I love the key less features. The bluetooth works well. So far my fuel mileage is not as good as my 2009, but I expect this to improve.There are other less expensive SUVs, but the feel of a Lexus cant be beat.

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  Power, Comfort, & Reliability. GX470 FTW! - 2007 Lexus GX 470
  By Lexus Believer - May 21 - 2:42 pm

  After we had our second child, we were looking to replace our 04 Jeep Grand Cherokee with something a bit larger, and higher end. With two kids, two large dogs, and the needed ability to tow and secure a motorcycle carrier to the tow hitch, the choices were limited. I researched several SUVs in this class, but all reviews and stats kept leading me back to the GX. I started looking for certified pre-owned GXs with low mileage, and there werent many. I took that as a sign that these vehicles were sought after and kept. I finally found an immaculate 07 with only 25K miles on it. After we drove it, we realized why everyone gushes over their Lexus cars and suvs. It drives much smaller than it is, and its really comfortable and very quiet. The power is awesome, especially off the line and charging uphill. It tows easily and has a tongue weight of 650+ lbs to handle my moto carrying needs. Interior storage space is more than ample. The 3rd row is handy when you need it, and easy to remove when you dont. Other than the 16mpg avg, I really have no complaints. We have taken our GX in the snow, mud, on icy roads, and everywhere in between, and it handles it all without flinching. I am thoroughly impressed, and would definitely recommend it. PROS: Powerful motor, smooth, quiet ride, car-like handling, comfortable seats, reliable, and go anywhere AWD CONS: Avg 16MPG, and the navigation is crap. (But, who uses the car nav with smartphones anyway?)

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  Flint Mica RX 330 - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By SPG - May 19 - 9:30 pm

  The vehicle is extremely reliable - no problems. Just follow the scheduled maintenance. Maintenance is pricey at 30K, 60K, but still less than Mercedes or Volvo. We really enjoy the vehicle. We will buy another Lexus.