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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  Lexus losing its status - 2016 Lexus RX 350
  By James - December 13 - 6:41 pm

  4th Lexus owned and by far the worse. Our 2007 RX 350 was and is amazing. 175k miles and still running strong. After only 4 months and approximately 6k miles we want to trade this end for something that works like the Lexus cars we are accostumed to. Navigation with voice recognition is absolutely a waste of money. Doesnt recognize common language words and is super frustrating. Rides like a truck. One reason we selected RX 350 over the 4Runner was for a car like ride. Last comment is in regards to Entune. Toyota needs to let technology companies do what they do better. Adopt Apple Car play!

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  A Lexus To Forget - 2008 Lexus RX 350
  By Sad - December 13 - 10:30 am

  I purchased my RX350 in Oct. I traded in a BMW, what a huge mistake. The car has many quality defects and is sub standard in all categories. The tires were out of balance, electrical problems, road noise, wind noise,fit and finish problems. The base audio system is poor. The factory Nav. system came with the "old" version of software! For $46K this car is over priced over rated and just a Lexus to forget. It is in the class of a Buick or Cadillac not BMW or MB.Do not purchase one! I will be trading for a BMW or a Benz in the Spring.

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  POOR fuel economy! - 2013 Lexus RX 450h
  By yodaskywalker - December 2 - 5:57 am

  Very disappointed! Fuel economy well below the EPA estimates. Had I known I would only get 22-23mpg I wouldnt have wasted my money on the hybrid version. Definitely feel cheated. Poor design of back seats. There is a large gap between the back seats that is both a safety hazzard and is unsightly. Poor design of navigation/computer as unable to perform many functions when the vehicle is in motion. Windshield wipers/washer has poor coverage of the front windshield. Unable to close off outside air when the defroster is engaged.

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  Should be better - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By Nathan Tharrington - November 26 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my 2nd Lexus with high expectations, but Lexus is headed in the wrong direction. My LS430 has been in the shop for a variety of reasons (power windows, door locks, engine problems). The ride has been softened to the point that it is virtually Buick- like ... wallowing over bumps. Fuel economy of 16 mpg is absurd. Minor details of poor build quality abound. The engine should propel this vehicle with alacrity, but does not. I fear for my wife and I at times on busy highways. For an expediture of this magnitude, one should receive the highest reliability, and a sublime driving experience. We shall be looking for a replacement.

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  Dont waste your money - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Watch out. - November 26 - 10:00 am

  The vehicle handle perfect when I drove it off the lot. After a feel weeks later I notice the on board systems started to fail. The dealership could not rectify the problem but offer to change out the entire components. I notice now the vehichle doesnt respond as well. The on board computer became really mess up. More shop time was needed. In the process, the service department mess up the paint job and had to bring it to the body shop for repainting. The vehicle does not handle well on turns.

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  Sludge engine car- do not own - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By bob305 - November 26 - 4:13 am

  Forget what you think about Lexus and Toyotas quality, the 3.0 L engine in this vehicle has a KNOWN defect that Toyota/Lexus has been ducking for years. My car blew an engine despite proper oil changes and care. Problems generally occurs after 100,000 miles after warranty. Toyota settled a class action lawsuit on this and essentially paid lawyers millions so they can duck the problem. Google "Sludge Engine" but be aware you have a time bomb on your hands.

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  Never Again - 2006 Lexus ES 330
  By Charlie - November 10 - 2:46 am

  Always wanted to own a Lexus. I now own my first and last. Previously owned a Park Avenue which had more comfortable seats, more leg and head room, front and back, smoother transmission, better overall ride, better gas mileage (3 to 4 more miles per gallon on regular gas), better designed dash and driving controls as well as more luxury features. Lexus is over rated and after driving it for a year can only say it has been a great disappointment. Only wish they still made the Park Avenue.

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  Feel Totally Let Down - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By 1212say1212 - August 6 - 10:40 pm

  We were thrilled with this car when we first got it. A great, comfortable family car for long journeys and a greener option for the city. We knew the fuel economy wasnt going to be great but the fact that you knew you werent going to be churning out fumes in slow moving traffic was the main winning point. (I walk a lot in town and hate going past slow moving traffic with my kids - it stinks). After a few months the car would not start. And ever since, weve had serious starting issues. New batteries didnt last and the problem persists. Internet searches show many others with the same problem. Lexus shockingly unhelpful.

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  The Flip Side - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By TAAWN - July 4 - 2:00 am

  One very noisy car. Had to modify/insert shocking absorbing material to eliminate rattling noise inside the car. No one knew what the problem was. Then window rattled and had to secure the harness inside the door. you need to turn up the volume so high to listen to CD. Then you better make sure that you turn it back down to listen to your radio. Not worth your money. With $40,000, you can do better!

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  Rattle and thud - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By 2nd and final Lexus - June 22 - 10:00 am

  Has been in the shop to fix rattle for three days. It has come back again. Transmission is not smooth at all and transfers with a thud. Dealership tried to fix it and replaced the software to no avail. Very disappointed! Dealership and service department are great