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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  Ive had problems - 2000 Lexus GS 300
  By kolo - February 11 - 10:00 am

  The GS300 is not the best-but good. For the price I expected more luxury.. treated well at the dealer is nice. I have ongoing problems with my 1 touch pwr driver wind closing half way,a noisy sunroof visor(closed), the LCD display on the AM/FM/CD comes in only half way(a 5 looks like a 0) I am told these are common. Annoying for what I paid! 33K used Driven several times from Seattle to the Bay&LA and have 82K miles. The struts/rods need to be replaced @ $800 and the belt is wearing out prematurly. TheLexus is a solid car, but has not been trouble free for me. -concider the newer GS 01 and above Gas milage and premium gas runs me $39.00 every 5-6 day

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  Lexus consistency - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By gotopless - February 11 - 10:00 am

  3rd Lexus purchase. The are the most reliable cars I have ever owned! (40 and counting)Service is OUTSTANDING, although it hasnt been back since the 1,000 checkup! The ultra has more for the passenger than the person that pays for it, is the only complaint. ( My kids LOVE IT!)

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  Lexus ES 330 - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Bruno1 - February 11 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my ES 330 for one month. This is my first Lexus and everything that I have heard, read and seen regarding this vehicle, it is living up to my expectations. I got the Sport Design version with gray interior and graphite exterior with custom rims. After I knew that the ES 330 was going to be my next car and was picking out the color, I saw this model and that sealed the deal. With the extra tinting on the windows (Arizona is brutal) this is a sharp looking car. I was actually on my way to test drive an Infinity G35 when I stopped in to see the ES 330. I had to call the Infinity salesperson half way through the paperwork to cancel the appointment.

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  Best care I ever leased - 1997 Lexus ES 300
  By solr - February 9 - 2:00 am

  Have been leasing the ES300 for ten years now. Never had any mechanical problems, other than a bad seat motor. A pleasure to drive on long trips (3-5 hours), the standard sound system is awesome. I dont think I have any changes I would recommend. each year they have incorporated small improvements, like heated photochromic mirrors, memory for multiple driver settings etc. You cant go wrong with this car!

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  Unforgivable Oversight - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By David Wachtel - February 7 - 10:00 am

  This is a fantastic vehicle, but it baffles my mind how did the designers failed to deal with the wind shudder. The wind shudder when opening the back windows of this vehicle render them almost unusable. A gross omission in an otherwise terrific vehicle.

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  Tricked ES 330 - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By WHTFLR - February 7 - 10:00 am

  Recently purchased a 2005 ES 330, added 18" Chrome Wheels, Toyo Tires, Dark Tinted Windows, and a Factory Rear Spoiler. Although the Toyo Proxes put more rubber on the road, the handling of the vehicle stayed relatively the same. With the added features, the silver car with chromes stands out significantly from other vehilces. The sound system is sufficient for the inside cabin, the controls for the air and radio are well positioned, with controls on the steering wheel making driving the ES 330 an intriguing delight. Have read a lot of reviews stating the ES is a glorified Toyota - nothing could be farther from the truth - there is no comparison, this

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  Solid X5 killer - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By moliver - February 7 - 10:00 am

  After 7 test drives and as many mind- changes I finally plunked down my $ and purchased a X330 in Black Onyx What a sexy beast and a cruiser like Ive never seen! I drove the Toureg. FX35, Audi ARoad, Ford Xplr EB and NOTHING could touch this vehicle It exudes class and is the smoothest, quietest and most lux of any of the others-maybe a half a sec slower but WHO cares -if you want to race get a Porche!!!!

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  My Lexus - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Maureen Farrelly - February 7 - 10:00 am

  The Lexus is my first SUV, I have owned luxury and sports cars. I absolutely love my car & am thrilled I got it. It is sleek, the ride is so smooth...I feel like I am in a luxury car, not a typical SUV. Its easy & comfortable to ride around in & plenty of space for packages.

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  True Luxury Mid-size - 2006 Lexus ES 330
  By Jerry - February 6 - 11:40 pm

  An exceptional car in my opinion. The fit and finish is superb. Power is more than adequate for a 63 year old.

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  RX 350 is the best - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By yanje03 - February 5 - 5:30 pm

  We just bought RX 350 after trying lots of other cars. Good handling and excellent interior design. Surprised to see lots of room for driver, passenger and cargo on a medium size SUV. GPS screen is such big and nice. Seat design is real good. Driving 200 miles just like 100 miles. USB made my ipod so easy to use. Blue tooth phone support + voice command makes cell phone is so easy to use in a car.