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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  Great Vehicle! - 2010 Lexus GX 460
  By Denny - March 31 - 3:10 am

  I traded in my Lexus GX 470 and couldnt be happier. Many small issues have been eliminated, by provision of bottle holders in the doors, folding mirrors for entering the garage, better console storage,better arm rests, fold down third row seats, supple leather, and vastly improved road noise reduction. The interior is luxurious. The 460 has lots of power and a very smooth ride, much softer than the 470. Exterior styling is more Toyota than Lexus but still looks sharp. Agree that body side moldings could dress it up a little. It definitely has a rugged but luxurious feel to it.

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  Lexus Review - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By Dalaxman - March 30 - 10:00 am

  I own this car and i love it. It is fun to drive and handles like a dream.

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  IS 300 - none better in its class - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By cvp7878 - March 29 - 11:16 pm

  Excellent handling and great acceleration. The dash gauges are like no other car. Built solid and lets face it its a Lexus. I have had for over a year and I love it. It can run with any car in its class.

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  Loving the Lexus - 2010 Lexus HS 250H
  By lexus_newby - March 29 - 9:16 am

  I have owned the HS for two weeks now. I enjoy the quality of the car. I ordered the base model instead of the premium model. The leather seats are not perforated and tend get you hot. The seats are perforated and would keep you cooler. The base model also does not have the ability to retain the seat position, if you have more than one drive you may need this. If I had to do it again I would purchase the premium model. There is virtually no storage the large manual takes up 75% of the glove compartment and the middle console is extremely small. It may sound like I have a lot of complaints but the car is the best car Ive owned. Love the drive, interior most everything. Getting 35+ city/Hiway.

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  Wonderful choice - 2008 Lexus ES 350
  By wonderful choice - March 28 - 10:40 pm

  After test driving Accord, Camry, and Acura I choose ES 350 based on the reliability of owning a 2000 ES 300 for 8 years and I read 200 owner reviews. I did not appreciate the heated/vented seats until I drove to LA and to Reno. I was very impressed with the 32 mpg, instant acceleration, smoothness and attention to details. I just love, love driving my second Lexus.

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  Sweetness - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By my mama? - March 26 - 10:00 am

  This car is so perfect. The inside is great and the outsde is like the inside

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  LEXUS ES 330 - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By RAMA SEELAM - March 26 - 10:00 am

  HIGHLY RECOMENDED, BEST CAR FOR THE PRICE. FUN TO DRIVE AND IT IS SUCH A COMFARTABLE RIDE IT FEELS LIKE YOU ARE DRIVING IN AIR RATHER THAN ON ROAD.

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  Love it!! - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By JFisher - March 26 - 2:13 am

  Originally went looking at a brand new Explorer. For a lot less I was able to buy a used 2000 Lexus. The quality is a lot better than any SUV I test drove. This vehicle sits high like a truck, yet rides smooth like a car. The driving view is also impressive. The look and feel of the interior and exterior says "luxury" all the way around.

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  Lexus for Life - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Rosa M - March 25 - 10:50 pm

  I previously owned a GS 300 in 1995. I absolutely loved the car, but could not afford to keep it after going through a divorce. I always remembered the smooth quite ride and the way the car handled. I have owned 2 Mercedes Benz between 1999 and 2006 and decided to purchase a Lexus in 2006 when the body style changed. It is fully loaded... with the exception of the satellite radio ( I did not like the antenna on the trunk of the car). I absolutely LOVE this car and will never purchase another Mercedes Benz.

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  2010 RX 350 - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By metamorphis8 - March 24 - 10:10 pm

  I bought this car two weeks ago, after looking extensively at the Acura MDX, which was the only serious competition in the price range. I have driven other RXs, and though nice, were too isolated in driving dynamics. The 2010 is far different. Its ride quality is similar to that of a Mercedes sedan. Solid, quiet, sporty, not isolated at all with a nice amount of engine noise. It has a nice heft and handles with aplomb. This is not an enthusiast ride, but when do you really need a sports car experience in an SUV? It is solid, extremely comfortable, and has excellent performance. The new NAV system is excellent, and the Ipod and Bluetooth interfaces work well. Satisfied thus far.