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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  Not all it should be - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Steve - September 23 - 10:26 am

  We purchased this vehicle primarily for my wife to drive. However, when we are going somewhere together I generally drive. At 63", I find the leg room in the drivers cabin to be sorely lacking. Within a week of ownership it developed a rattle inside the dash that required disassembly, including removing the windshield. Now, at 14000 miles the OEM Yokahamas are so noisy I will not drive/ride in the car until we replace the tires. Lexus claims some tires become "defective" at low mileage; however, the tires are not warranted for noise.

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  Bad Transmission - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Peter - September 21 - 10:36 am

  I am very disappointed with the transmission on this car. It seems that it takes a good second to shift and sometimes it has a hard time finding the right gear.I am very surprised that Lexus would put such a poor quality transmission in one of there cars.I am returning the car to the dealer.

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  Going for my 2nd RX300 - 2000 Lexus RX 300
  By lexus lover - September 20 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle. No problems in 3 years. Lexus service is outstanding. Interior quality high.

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  Excellent and Elegant - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Steve - September 20 - 4:33 am

  Great ride. Reliable, fund, and class from bumper to bumper. First Lexus and would buy again right choice. Outstanding service and dealership customer relations. Treated with respect and handled like you are only customer in the shop. Sales staff was excellent to work with and knew the product. Car is the buy for SUV / LUV in its class. Impressed with safety features and workmanship.

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  The LS 460 L - 2010 Lexus LS 460
  By wheelman4000 - September 18 - 6:00 pm

  This is the first Lexus I have ever owned as a car collector. The LS 460 L has much bigger back seats than other Lexus models do. When you drive around you feel like your in an S550. You would think this car would have like 14 mpg. but this car doesnt. The GPS always comes in handy but now I dont think you could call a GPS a luxury feature. So remember, S550 vs. LS 460. LS 460 wins.

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  diehard jeep fan who crossed over - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By grandma16 - September 18 - 5:01 am

  After only driving the Jeep Grand Cherokee for 25 plus years we decided on the Lexus RX 350 because its a beautiful looking car and we wanted something different. I keep looking in the reviews to see does anyone else have the same complaint as us.......the drivers seat sits way too low. Visibility is terrible. Thank goodness we got the navigation which shows whats behind you when backing up.When the drivers window is rolled down and you put your arm out,your arm has to rest on an upward angle. I saw someone state they had an accident,no wonder! It really makes me nervous on the highway. True,I am short but my husband who is 6 foot says the same thing.

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  Model is too new. Wait a while. - 2017 Lexus RX 450h
  By Still Waiting - September 17 - 7:45 pm

  I had the car for 10 days and loved it. Brought it to the dealer because the seatbelt light stayed on. 12 days later I do not have the car and have no idea when it will be returned. A part called a "Cluster" that does not exist in the United States. I give the dealer a lot of credit for trying but Lexus will not commit to a delivery date. If you are going to sell the car YOU GOTTA STOCK THE PARTS.

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  Okie dissapointment! - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By DDD - September 3 - 1:26 pm

  My wife and I went from a wonderful 07 to this cumbersome 10. The ride is rougher, window noise, a loss of 4 to 5 MPG, and it drives like a truck. The turning radius is greater, the steering is slow to respond, the acceleration is OK but the vehicle seems so big Im afraid to goose-it. We screwed-up! My wife and I both wish we would have kept the 07. The 07 was nimble, quick and fun to drive. The 10 is none of the above. One positive is I have a little more leg room in the drivers seat. The information panels are hard to see and select. Auto wipers did not come with the 10. The bluetooth is difficult to hook-up three layers down in the console. My advice dont trade.

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  Love the car, disappointed in mpg. - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Atul - August 24 - 4:03 am

  This is a great car and I love it, but I am disappointed about its fuel efficiency. There is clearly a problem with the EPA mileage rating, which is supposed to be 31 city & 27 highway. I am getting 21 city & 27 highway. The airconditioner broke down during the first 1,000 miles and they had to replace the condensor. It took one week for the part to arrive!

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  Vehicle Sway - 2006 Lexus RX 330
  By biana - August 23 - 10:26 am

  Our 2066 RX330 has 60K miles and has just recently started swaying slightly on straight roads. The wheels do not move but the body feels like it is swaying on the chassis. has anyone else experienced this?