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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  Review 2 - after winter - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By W.U. - January 30 - 12:33 pm

  I reviewed this car last October and have follow-up comments after a winter of New England driving. Mileage dropped about 3 mpg for both city and highway in winter conditions (I got about 24 highway, 28 city). This Spring I have reverted to the Fall mileage which is right on the EPA numbers, though I drive with the windows down and usually avoid AC.

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  One year on and no regrets! - 2008 Lexus ES 350
  By clearasmud - January 30 - 12:16 pm

  This is a well-rounded mid size luxury car. The ride is impeccably smooth and quiet, the controls (with the exception of the seat heaters) are well placed, and the fit and finish are superb. My only complaint with this car is the 6 speed transmission. It tends to hesitate slightly when cornering. Im not a "spirited driver", so this does not bother me tremendously. The gas mileage is better than expected. I average around 24 mpg (mostly city driving). On the highway, I get 30 - 35 mpg. This car is intended for drivers who value comfort and serenity over handling. Dont get me wrong, the car does handle well but there are sportier sedans on the market (but none ride as well).

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  You Will Love This Car, I Promise!! - 2006 Lexus ES 330
  By Loveit!!! - January 29 - 9:46 pm

  I have been driving this car for almost a year now, and I love it! Lexus offered the "Black Diamond Edition" which has an awesome black wood trim which I love. I drove this baby over 1000 miles and never encountered a problem with it. From its comfortable gray leather seating, to its 29 mpg tank, I recommend this car all the way. This car is excellent if you are a young person like me, or have a family to drive your car in. I previously owned a Lexus, and hope to own a Lexus in the future. I recommend buying a black color Lexus (just preferences!) - its hot!

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  2005 Lexus ES 330 Special Edition - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By HRG - January 29 - 8:46 am

  Last car was 2002 Acura 3.2 TL, very good car however the transmission had to be replaced under warranty at 24,000 miles. Got nervous and bought new 2005 Lexus. Very nice car, more prestige than Acura TL, also larger than Acura TL. Colour is alabaster with black interior,very sharp. Also got optional Package "A" for $4000.00 CDN more. Got 29 MPG on first tank of gas, I think is good. No regrets so far in purchase.

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  actual mpg - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By danettem - January 26 - 8:26 am

  Ive been driving my RX 400h for six weeks/2200 miles. I am averaging 22 mpg, NOT the 31 mpg Lexus is advertising. The car drives beautifully and has plenty of power, but it is not getting the fuel economy I hoped from a hybrid. If you want to encourage hybrid technology and not sacrifice luxury, its a great car. If youre truly interested in saving gas, this isnt the car for you.

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  Love my Lexi! - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Michele in CT - January 26 - 12:06 am

  I am truly enjoying my RX400h! I am still in the "learning phase" as there are so many advanced features- its virtually a computer on wheels! I am also learning a different driving style. Regular cars perform best by keeping a steady foot on the gas pedal. The 400h requires you to "flutter" your foot and learn to coast, when possible. By doing this, Ive actually gotten it up to just a little over 28mpg locally! Not bad for an SUV!! One thing that I dont like about it is where the rear tail lights are located. The bumper is made to be impact resistant, yet the light blows out. Ive had to replace it after someone backed into me. Overall, Im delighted with the RX400!

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  IMHO,A SUV better than MBenz, BMW, Acura, Hyundai - 2016 Lexus RX 350
  By hector carunungan - January 24 - 7:12 pm

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  RUSTMOBILE - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By JOHNSONB - January 23 - 1:30 pm

  THIS CAR HAS HAD NUMEROUS DEFECTS SINCE PURCHASING. THE MAIN PROBLEM IS BODY RUST. I CHECKED FLORIDA LEMON LAW CASES AND FOUND MANY DISPUTES WITH THIS MODEL.TOO BAD I DIDNT DO MY RESEARCH BEFORE PURCHASING.

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  2008 Lexus ES 350 - 2008 Lexus ES 350
  By haleigh - January 23 - 9:06 am

  Comparing to my 2004 ES 330 it is a slight improvement. Keyless entry and telescoping wheel are nice additions. Engine/transmission are a slight improvement but engine is louder. Tires are not as good as was on 2004. Lexus has cut some corners hopefully not in area of reliability. Controls for interior lights are much too confusing and dont seem to make much sense. Battery is down graded from 2004. Center console is a joke compared with 2004. Manual shifting (s) mode is ideal for snowy/icy driving. Handling is just o.k. Four wheel drive might be a good feature for the future. Extra cost for an XM radio is rather high and location of special antenna is not good.

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  2003 LS430---$ for $---Best Luxury Car EVER Made - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By Douglas W. - January 22 - 7:04 pm

  Recently purchase a one owner 2003 LS430.....This was a 1 owner CEOs car that was garage kept..... After 6 months, I am floored by the quality and performance of this vehicle. This car has 238,000 original miles and has had only routine maintanance. I am having the extensive 90K service which will include more than just the timing belt and water pump..(will do tensioner, seals, bearings, etc while already there).. Getting done next week (Using only OEM materials--Aisin, etc...)..There are no signs of leaking, its strictly preventative, and Lets me know Im good for another 100K or so!!.. I challenge you to find another luxury car that will go 238K on original TB/WP and hasnt needed any repair other than routine maintenance (brakes, fluids, etc) ... Feels like a plane at takeoff , only there is no noise, and the trans is still whisper quiet and shifts are undetectable. Mark Levinson sound system compliments the car perfectly...(Not meant for deep pounding base songs, but rather excels with classical, smooth jazz, as well as rock and most pop)..I replaced the foam surround on the rear deck subwoofer , other than that, there is really no wear or broken items that would keep you from thinking your not in a much more newer car. Speaks Volumes for the fit , finish, and quality of the materials used during the buil... Navigation CD was $10 on ebay and was upgraded in a minute... Still havent mastered the voice commands available to me, but its a learning curve for a middle aged man. Ill be going through the suspension next as Im sure the wearable rubber parts could use replacement by now (front end bushings and the like). Again, keep in mind, everything is all original with 238K miles and 14 years of time on them!!..I look forward to finding 2005 or 2006 to add to my garage (as Id like to have an LS with the 6 speed transmission as well).