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:

• 

  Greatest head turner - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By John - June 9 - 4:33 pm

  Even though several auto companies are now making hardtop convertibles, people are still amazed whenever the top goes up or down. Great fun to drive especially in sunny California. in 25 seconds the roof is down with the push of a button. Great mix of luxury and sport with the best reliability of any hardtop convertible. If you buy it with runflat tires, immediately change them out and you will find it has the most incredible ride. INCREDIBLE CAR!!

• 

  Good but not "Great!" - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By ws - June 8 - 1:33 am

  This is 4th Lexus Ive owned and has surprised both on the upside and downside. Mileage was a pleasant surprise. Im not a lead foot but do push the car hard. I thought the mpg on the Nav display was bogus when it consistently showed 30+ on road trips...but it was nuts-on when it came time to top the tank. Fit and finish were excellent and Ive had zero unscheduled trips to the dealership in 60K+ miles. That said, interior road noise is far too high for a car of this caliber. The run-flats are a joke - a point echoed by other reviewers. The drop down tray to hide infrequently used buttons is a good idea, but placement is problematic. Ive nailed my knee more than once.

• 

  1st SUV - 2016 Lexus RX 350
  By sandy - June 7 - 6:41 am

  I am 64" first SUV that I could fit in comfortably. Ease of getting in and out a pleasure. Have all the bells and whistles - like the 12.3 nav screen added mud guards pin stripping( outside vendor) body side moldings - like riding a luxury sedan

• 

  A sharp SUV, NAV is excellent! - 2007 Lexus RX 350
  By K.Nolan - June 7 - 3:53 am

  I looked at several models before deciding on the RX, my first SUV. Its a stylish vehicle, and the features have been great. I drive a lot and have moved as well, so the NAV has been priceless for ensuring I never get lost. It has great features Im still discovering after several months such as being able to preview your route. I love the interior, though as a Jaguar owner, some things have been an adjustment such as the wiper system, and the fact that the seat does not retract when you get out, only the steering wheel. The rear seating is great, esp. the center console which has plenty of room for drinks and snacks for the kids, not the flimsy front of seat you find in some cars.

• 

  My 2003 Lexus LX 470 - 2003 Lexus LX 470
  By j smith - June 5 - 11:00 pm

  I am on the road a lot and carry 400-500 lbs. in the back. I have just turned 200,000 miles and my only expense beside maintenance was a wheel bearing. I could never say this about any other car I have driven.

• 

  A great second generation hybrid - 2010 Lexus RX 450h
  By reeveswilson - June 5 - 8:30 pm

  I bought the Rx450h after leasing the Rx400h, buying it off lease and giving it to our son. While the Rx400h was great, the Rx450h is a great improvement with even better mileage. The size is perfect - larger than the 400h but still small enough to be nimble in town and larger enough to feel roomy on the road. We get 28mpg+ (about 1mpg better than the Rx400h). I love the improved comfort, the ventilated/heated seats, the technology plug ins; did I say it was great throughout the last 3 snowstorms that hit Washington, DC? The technology and interior design are improvements over the the rx400h. I loved the RX400h I bought he RX450h when the 400h lease was over.

• 

  Looking forward to 2006 Model - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By M Bell - June 3 - 4:13 pm

  It seems reliability has finally become an issue with Lexus with the LS 430 2004 model. My car is 12 months old and has already had 4 recalls, some rather serious like a bad fuel pump and faulty automatic transmission. I have also had my park-assist quit which was not a recall. However, Lexus dealerships are the best and you couldnt be looked after better unless they put you up at the Ritz while they worked on your car. Mercedes and BMW seem to care less, which is why my 2006 will also be a Lexus.

• 

  Wonderful Car - 2008 Lexus RX 400H
  By slo-jim - June 2 - 10:00 am

  My RX 400h has been the very best, most reliable vehicle I have owned; buying my first car in 1967. Gas mileage has been super, averaging 28.5 MPG since day one. it is solid, very comfortable, has lots of power and a joy to drive. I recommend this car to anyone who wants a quality, energy efficient hybrid!

• 

  The best - from a former German car snob - 2007 Lexus RX 400H
  By reeveswilson - May 31 - 3:46 pm

  Im writing this review after leasing this car for 3 years and 54,000 miles. Until I leased the Rx400h - I had always owned German performance cars. However - this car was a "game changer". I loved the car - the mileage was great - 28+mpg, the maintenance was almost nothing (5k oil changes, on "big" service at 30k) and my original tires lasted the entire lease term. The car taught me how to drive to get great mileage. All of the technology worked beautifully. It was great having bluetooth that actually worked with my blackberry. Service open almost 24/7. We liked the car so much we bought it off lease and gave it to our 26 year old son as we bought the new RX 450h

• 

  Not Quite Lexus Quality - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Ron - May 31 - 11:03 am

  The wind noise is a deal killer. It drives me crazy. The ticking of the motor on cold start is like driving a diesel. Many noises made by this car are not Lexus quality. The interior lighting is very moody and dark. There is no switch for the backseat reading light in a Lexus? There are numerous squeaks and creaks from the windshield and dashboard. My ES 300 was better.