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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  Art on Wheels - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Dewey - February 14 - 11:20 pm

  I love this vehicle. It fits like a designer suit and is lots of fun to drive. Many SUVs drive like a truck. Not the Lexus RX330. Its all about comfort and luxury. When I see it from a distance I have to pinch myself to realize that I really do own this piece of art on wheels. The RX330 is one of the most beautiful vehicles on the road. I think Im in love.

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  New to us - 2008 Lexus RX 400H
  By John - February 14 - 2:00 pm

  We purchased a 2008 pre-owned certified 400H with 18,100 miles on it. It is pristine. Have driven it a week now and am getting 28.2 MPG around town and on the highway combined. Have had no problems. It is fun to drive and is very comfortable. I see some reviews stating poor mileage. Not here. If you want to drive it like a regular car, quick acceleration, high speeds, you will get the performance of a regular car. I had to learn to drive the hybrid properly and it is great. It has plenty of power, amazing actually. The only down side so far is the audio on AM stations. FM is excellent. AM sounds "tinny" though. So far, e love the car.

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  First Lexus, Not the Last - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By GeoffM - February 14 - 10:00 am

  Our first SUV,purchased with 45k and factory certification to 100k. Great ride, handling a little mushy around corners, but good for SUV. Very comfortable, and we always "feel" the pleasure of a luxury riding vehicle. Very quiet ride. Did not get the NAV system, but am planning on purchasing top-of-the-line portable system. Have tested the new Acura MDX and BMW X5, and while nice cars, we still like the RX better. This is my wifes car, but I like it so much that Im buying a 2001 AWD RX Silversport with 33k, factory certified, sports suspension that handles curves better. I never buy new; let some other guy eat the depreciation.

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  Very pleased - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By rookie - February 14 - 10:00 am

  After driving SUVs for the past 6 years it was a major change to get into a sedan,but could never have made the transition if not for the Lexus. Wonderful car that comes with extraordinary customer attention and care. Gas mileage is very good. Unfortunately it requires premium fuel.

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  Long term REview 2006 Lexus RX400h - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By kimcanada - February 13 - 12:02 am

  Long term results report. I had my invertor replaced september 3, 2010. So far it has been bullet proof. Toyota fixed this $10,000 repair for free. Basically it is a faulty invertor , recall # 87559 June 29, 2011. This was at 64,000 miles and I am now at 96,000 miles with everything working well. I had to do the timing belt, tensioners, water pump , as part of the recommended 90,000 mile maintenance. I also had to do a radiator and front control arm bushings so this was a major bill. I did switch tires to Yokohama Paradas so the car rides very well but thye are not the longest lasting tires. Gotta figure if there is a cheaper way than a lexus dealer. But in thinking of doing all this work I decided this is a overall very reliable car and worth doing as the car rides well, looks good, and is nice to drive. I figure the Prius s I have seen used as cabs are going over 300,000 miles so there is some precedent for long term ownership. Yes I would buy one again ( and I guess by fixing it I am planning another 90,000 miles , I hope ! )

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  Unmatched Quality - 2001 Lexus LS 430
  By Michael JC - February 10 - 2:00 am

  Ive tried the Beemers and the MBs and there is no luxury sedan built better or more luxuriously for the money than the LS430. Maintenance is virtually nil, unlike the German "uber autos." The MB has a ride nowhere near the comfort of the Lexus. This is my first LS 430 after owning two LS400s. I doubt Ill ever buy anything other than the big LS. Its the best car Ive ever owned and Ive owned 41 cars to date.

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  6th Lexus in 7 years - 2006 Lexus RX 330
  By L. Smith - February 10 - 1:20 am

  This is our first front wheel drive Lexus product. To be honest, it will probably be our last. The RX 330 has a very well laid out interior, great leather, good controls. The engine is a little hard to start and loud. There is significantly more road noise with the RX than our previous Lexus SUVs we have owned. We never expereinced this with other Lexus products. For basic transportation the RX 330 is fine. I feel the RX 330 is over rated and over priced.

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  If you can afford it.... - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By cltaylor12 - February 8 - 4:33 pm

  The style of the Lexus 400h Hybrid is excellent (the same as the RX330). If you can afford it, it is worth the purchase. Otherwise, if you need more room for children and cargo, go with the Toyota Highlander Hybrid. Both use the same technology. Also, be sure to get the navigation system; it is $2,000 but worth having.

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  Safe, reliable, comfortable and looks good - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By frugalshopper - February 8 - 3:50 pm

  Bought as a commute car--most comfortable car I have ever ridden in. Looked at BMWs but reports of repair issues nixed that thought. So far, I have driven 48M trouble free miles, get good mileage on my commute--30 MPG on freeways and 26-28 on combination city/country roads. Love the navigation system.

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  IS 300 - 2005 Lexus IS 300
  By txbuzzman - February 8 - 2:20 am

  Love the car, great gearbox. If you like manual transmissions and rear wheel drive this might be the car for you. Fun increases exponentially when you turn the traction control off........