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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  the Best of the Best - 2000 Lexus LX 470
  By ja1105 - April 24 - 10:00 am

  Couldnt have picked a better vehicle! Just love my LX470!

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  A fun car to drive! - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By busy_doc - April 24 - 10:00 am

  This is an absolutely outstanding car. It is fun to drive this car. The stereo system is awesome and so is everything else with the car. If you love to drive a well priced quality covertible sports car, this is it.

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  Shocker - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By AndyRoo - April 24 - 10:00 am

  I was originally looking at the new RX330 but really was not in the moood to spend a whole lot of money. I decided with a used because it has a good reputation and there was not a lot of difference in features. Im Impressed!

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  Wonderful SUV for a family - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Ashgun - April 24 - 10:00 am

  While waiting for XC90 to arrive, we test drove an RX330 and immediately fell in love with the design and ride quality. One of our best buys ever. Like a piece of jewellary it pampers you. On top of all the luxury, it is a very practical vehicle. Attracts lots of oohs and aahs from our childrens classmates at the school.

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  just awesome - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By drjellyfinger - April 24 - 10:00 am

  Great car, great ride. You get what you pay for. Nav system is great worth the extra wait. Only bad thing, NO Levinson sound system yet. Anyone who says it is good does not have 2004 rx 330, they just arent building the car with the levinson radio yet. too bad!

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  Rides like a Lexus - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By c fernandez - April 23 - 8:00 am

  When I purchased this car in 04 I was looking at Mercedes Benz E class. Buying the Lexus I stepped up in build quality, comfort, reliability and performance, plus I kept $25,000 in my pocket! You cant beat Lexus for those qualities, and after three MBenzs I was tired of mechanical problems after 40,000 miles.

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  The Best - 2008 Lexus LS 460
  By Ferdi - April 23 - 1:40 am

  Waited for 2008 model because of the wind noise, grabby brakes I read for 2007, but I have this car for a month now and I dont see any of these complaints. The LS 460 is smoother, slightly quieter and faster than my 2001 LS 430, although there is a little engine noise on low speed which I think is the current design. The brakes are as good or better than my LS 430. The rear seat leg room is more than enough. I dont see this small footrest complaint for 07, this car is simply the best.

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  So far so good - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By WR - April 22 - 6:20 am

  Great car and fun to drive. Dont buy it if you are simply focused on gas mileage. My average after 3 months of regular driving is 24.2 MPG. Great for SUV but does not compare to Prius. Price tag is high but if you like gadgets this is the car for you.

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  Elegance, Sophistication, Power - 2013 Lexus RX 350
  By Diane Cartwright - April 20 - 11:28 am

  Lexus spoiled me. After driving my GS 300 22 years and 191,100 miles I thought Id like to drive a newer car. I test drove several Toyotas including the Highlander and was close to being sold until I went across the street to Lexus. Ah, the comfort of my GS 300, the beauty of the elegant lines, gorgeous starfire pearl exterior and parchment interior and supremely quiet inside. How could I ever accept any other car? I cant, never will. This is a most exceptional car and, after looking and researching this model for 3 years, I finally have my dream car. Its about as perfect as one will find with a roomy interior and power on the road. What a beautiful, elegant vehicle. There is only one little annoyance: Im a petite person at 52" and, even when the drivers seat is adjusted as high as possible, I cannot see on the other side of either side mirrors. The size and placement of the mirrors completely blocks my view of any other car that may be close to me. I have to jump up and arch around the impediment to see any car I might hit or any curb I approach in a turn. My GS 300 had the mirrors lower than eye level and I never had a problem seeing any other cars. For this reason my next car will probably be another Lexus but a more driver-friendly, safer view one. Word to the wise: Be sure your Lexus RX 350 Is made in Japan not in North America. Nothing excels Japanese attention to detail, pride in workmanship and acceptance of nothing less than perfection. Teaching American workers about technical requirements doesnt convey teaching ethics and a sense of self worth that extends to Japanese made products. Those are the cultural differences. Youll be able to tell the country of manufacture by the VIN number. When it begins with a "J" its made in Japan. Anything else, like a "2" and its made in Canada. You take your chances if its not made by the Japanese.

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  Great Car Overall - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By fairnxqure - April 18 - 10:00 am

  Almost bought a ML500, glad we didnt! Dealership experience was good -- no high pressure, only professional salesmanship. Car is REALLY comfortable fun to drive! Killer navi system -- voice input and touch screen features are awesome compare to ML500s little joy stick thingy. Not too cracy about the swing-out back door at first, but actually like it now since we only use the 3rd roll seat for 1 person (my teenage kid) and he uses the back door for access so that he doesnt have to mess with the 2nd roll seat.