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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  GX470 - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By whf - October 23 - 10:00 am

  Major problem for me with the GVWR recall which cost me big bucks. I wouldn’t put much stock in Lexus claims of customer satisfaction or service if the problem is substantial. Even a small item took a trip to the dealership to resolve. Voice recognition is poor. Basic air and sound controls is cumbersome. Navigation system is easy to use, with very intuitive programming. The premium sound system if excellent. Limited storage for small items. Dealer service failed to reset the service notice button. During a trip an emergency notice come on saying we needed repair service, and should contact the dealer immediately. That was a bit troubling, until

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  Good and Bad - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By ES 350 - October 20 - 5:40 am

  Very smooth transmission. Great, quiet ride. Great radio and sound. I expected more than cardboard on door panels. Flimsy glove compartment door, trunk lid. Not enough front seat thigh support. Navigation system a colossal disappointment. It is practically useless outside major metro areas. Pretty picture, though. No way to open trunk if power lost. Fold down rear seatbacks with full access to trunk would be great. Front end too low, scrapes most curbs. Fatter tires would give even smoother ride. Roof line too low for tall people. Does not come with body side moldings, door sides are naked to damage. Support has been minimal from Lexus headquarters and dealership.

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  Rock solid - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Bilfire - October 16 - 6:56 pm

  My second used Lexus, what else can be said? Rock solid, comfortable, very good on gas. I will have a third someday.

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  Lexus experience - 2004 Lexus LX 470
  By Texas Lexus - October 10 - 2:00 am

  This is my 3rd LX470 and I drive 50000 miles annually. They are great and this one is even smoother and better. It does lack horsepower and the performance related thereto...

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  My ES330 2005 - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By M. A. - October 7 - 7:16 am

  Ive had the 2005 ES330 for about one week and after driving a Cadillac DeVilles for 20 years Im a little unhappy with the differance in the ride. I know, I should have known! I miss some of the gauges that were on the Cadillac. My ES330 is fully loaded and Im happy with the majority of what Ive purchased. I hope I can become acustomed to the ride of this smaller car soon. If you buy a ES330 dont do it without the navigation system. It really makes the interior look a lot better not to mention how it works.

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  Not yet ready for Primetime - 2015 Lexus RC 350
  By Lee Monk - October 4 - 2:54 am

  This was a replacement for our 2013 Lexus GS 350. We’ve had the car for about three months at this point and there are some pluses and minuses to highlight. First off to the "so called experts" who knock the looks of this car, this car is visually stunning. Ive had at least 100 people stop me to ask what kind of Lexus is it, and they comment on how gorgeous it is. I have the Ultrasonic Blue with playa interior. The interior fit and finish are exceptional. The F Sport seats have the right amount of side bolstering for fast cornering. Here are my gripes with this car. The engine is underwhelming. This is the same engine from the GS but it seems to be tuned much less sporty.

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  LaTreses Lexus!!! - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By latresec - October 2 - 10:00 am

  I really love my Lexus. My heart was set on the X5 but after driving both, the Lexus has a smoother ride. The dash isnt as massive as the X5 and I just believe for my style the Lexus is a better match.

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  Rough - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Chuck Cadwell - September 30 - 10:00 am

  The cars ride and comfort is great! The transmission is some what to be desired. Rough shifting and hesitation on exceleration. Repair shops just says that the way it is. There is nothing they can do.

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  review from spring garden - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By tecumseh - September 30 - 10:00 am

  The big disappointment has been the transmission. When you are driving at 60 or 70 kilometers an hour and let off the gas to slow down, the transmission puts on some type of brakes on and off and makes for a very jerky ride when you are slowing down I usually slip the transmission into neutral and back into drive, and this gets rid of the problem. This is the main reason why I would not consider buying another RX330 Its been back to the dealer 3 times The dash has an irritable sqeak, The dealer knows about it , but as of yet do not have a fix. I have shoved some rubber hose down between the dash and the windshield.

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  Not a Camry or Prius - 2010 Lexus HS 250H
  By valente - September 22 - 3:50 pm

  Ive owned mine now for about 3 weeks. I came from a 2010 Prius which was too low to the ground for my back problems. Ironically, the dimensions are almost identical but for some reason, the HS seats are higher and the car is easier to get in and out of. I also owned a Camry Hybrid for about 4 months. Hated it. The gas mileage was terrible, the quality was awful and the door sill was low and I frequently bumped my head getting in and out. (Im 510") I dont have any of those problems with the HS. As for luxury and quality and ride - TOP NOTCH! Made in Japan. Camry, Made in Kentucky....(I think) My biggest complaint is lack of storage space up front and the engine whine when braking.