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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  Good interior but bad quality - 2010 Lexus HS 250H
  By DMj - January 26 - 10:00 am

  Just bought this car less than 3 weeks ago and now I already experienced some problems in the car. Some personnel on the dealership are harsh and told me to comeback if the car reaches 5k miles services before they check or diagnose the problem. Engine vibrates when it is in power mode and doesnt reach 35 mpg average. This is a big mistake for buying this car brand and choosing this dealership.

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  Not what I expected :( - 2008 Lexus LX 570
  By Jenny - January 22 - 12:43 am

  I was SOOOO excited when I heard that the full size Lexus was getting redesigned. Everyone I know who has the LX470 simply LOVES it. I had a baby in August and waited for the new one to come out. I was really disappointed. The interior is not very comfortable. I have had many issues with the electronic system (it seems to have a mind of its own). The built in blue tooth is difficult to set up and once set up, the receiver has a VERY difficult time hearing you. For some crazy reason, I did not test drive any other SUV. This, I feel was a huge mistake. I am not sure how long I will keep this car. It is a shame, because I was very excited to have my own LX570.

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  Luxury without quality - 2008 Lexus LS 460
  By econpasha - January 17 - 10:03 am

  After reading about the quality issues of the BMW 750 and Mercedes sedans, I bought the Lexus 460. Lexus 460 developed engine trouble after the first 100 miles or so. The car started shaking badly, even at idle. After phoning the dealer, we limped home. Tonight, the dealer picked up the car with a flat-bed truck and took it away.

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  Huge surprise!!!!!!!!! - 2015 Lexus RX 450h
  By Samantha - December 28 - 12:56 am

  Bought a brand new Lexus rx450h 2016 on 12/30/2015. Today, the engine and master warning both light up and Needed to be towed to the dealership for immediate check up. Only one week and this happened. What a disappointment. My good old rx2004 served my family over 12 years without a problem besides oil changes and tire rotation. Anyone knows what I should do? Legally, could I ask for another car?

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  Not So Happy - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Michael Ranieri - December 27 - 8:56 pm

  I have the car since August. I have taken it back 3 times for an alignment. It pulls to the left. They have tried to fix it and they now tell me that is how it is. Because of the new tires and new style when you take your hands off the wheel it pulls to the left. I would not buy this model again. Otherwise it has nice options and look great.

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  New 2010 RX 350 - Lots of Systems Problems - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By omgl777 - November 7 - 3:06 am

  My new 2010 RX 350 started off great. This good feeling lasted about 2 months until my first technical problem. Since the new Navi/radio system is so intricate and connected to everything, Ive had problems with the climate controls, Navitraffic, XM Satellite radio and HUD display. Im in shock. I thought Lexus quality stood for more. Well, my car has been back to the dealer 4 times, each visit averaging 3 days. Every time, the same story, we need to research this, we are unfamiliar with the new systems. I think I should have waited until they had gotten the bugs out. How frustrating my new car experience has been. Be forewarned.

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  Over committed, under delivered - 2017 Lexus RX 350
  By Jim C - November 7 - 1:20 am

  Have only had the RX350 for 2 weeks. Ride is smooth, handling is good, overall a good car, but not great.. The packages are hokey. The hands free tail gate which is on almost every car has worked once. Try to use it and Im out there waving my hand over the sensor, looking like an idiot and then need to open it conventionally. This wouldnt bother me except they charge $200 for this worthless option and it is packaged in most cars. Another such option is the heated steering wheel. Cant even tell it is on. The Navigation system which ties to your phone (Scout GP) is worthless. It cant decipher what you are asking. Neither my wife or I have had any luck with it trying business names, addresses, anything. Havent tried the remote start via phone app yet, but it is disappointing that a car in this price range doesnt have one standard. If it does end up working, it t is free for one year, then $160 per year afterwards....Too expensive, will ultimately end up putting in an aftermarket starter. When we picked the car up, they wasted too much time trying to sell add on packages and spent very little time explaining the features. Wasted time rebooting the entire car because the hands free tail gate wouldnt work. Overall, much less than the stellar buying experience Lexus advertises. Lexus obviously has a loyal base and as such is stingy with discounting, but I would suggest giving similar cars a better look. Over priced for what is delivered.

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  Avoid this truck - 2010 Lexus GX 460
  By Carsick - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Tested BMW x5, MDX, BM350 and RX350 and GX460 on local road, loved RX350 but went with Gx460 with regret not testing it on highway. Thought we will get roomier and more conformable ride than rx350 but got sea sick the first 50 miles driving it. This truck ride very bumpy and shakes on high way, it made us sick and dizzy (never had this problem). Be care if you have kids. Gas mileage is very poor not an ideal day to day car for the family, avoid it if you can. Traded in for a 2011 RX350 later and much happier now.

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  Avoid the Navigational System - 2007 Lexus RX 350
  By REBB - October 23 - 10:50 am

  The Lexus is a fair car but way overrated. The Navigational system does not allow the driver or passenger to make adjustments while the vehicle is in motion. Lexus refuses to acknowledge this design issue and stonewalls its customers...so much so that owners are talking about class action litigation. If you must buy this model year, shop around until you find one without the navi. The engine has high noise...sounds like a 1970s diesel. Lexus advises that it is due to their decision to go with a mechanical timing chain. I would rather have a quiet vehicle and pay the cost to replace. High wind noise at highway speeds. Buy an Acura, you will be much happier.

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  Little to Love - 2016 Lexus NX 200t
  By Little to love - October 2 - 5:08 pm

  I had my heart set on getting my RX. But when I got there, I learned that it got bigger, wider, and heavier. Why? It was not a perfect midsize car anymore. So I got the NX but was disappointed. I was fine test driving it around the corner, but not loving after the first full day driving and owning it. It needs to be taller and a little bigger! The analog clock is fine. Then I thought there was a digital clock at least on the navigation, but No!!! Also there was less safety options on the NX than the RX has to offer. I felt that I settle for a little too much for the NX. Its my first luxury car, but it might be my last Lexus.