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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  Lexus Does It Again-GS 300 AWD Rolls! - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By bmoorw 950 - December 29 - 2:03 pm

  I have been looking for an AWD sedan that fits my needs and especially my desires - I wanted an automobile that has it all. Lexus once again gave it to me with room to spare.

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  Doesnt get any better than this - 2009 Lexus RX 350
  By JakOfAllTrd - December 29 - 1:13 pm

  If youre looking at the RX 350, then I dont need to tell you about reliability, fit and finish, etc. I picked up my 2009 w/nav a few weeks ago and Im coming from a 2000 RX 300. Prior to that Ive owned about 15 other vehicles - Toyota, Honda, Nissan. I drove the FX and the feel was much more sporty. However, the trunk space sacrifice was unacceptable. Ive driven the 2004-2006 and I wasnt convinced that the improvements to my 2000 were worth the premium. However, in 2009, I can say that they are.

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  Love my RX! - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By JC - December 29 - 3:33 am

  This car feels safe, is comfortable, and has a lot of features I never thought about before, but cant live without now. Overall though, its my favorite car out of the ones Ive had, and Ill be driving Lexus in the future.

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  Fine car - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By John Wright - December 28 - 5:23 am

  Purchased new. No complaints. Good road car (to FL), good around town.

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  ES 350 Door Handle Pulls off door - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By tellitall - December 28 - 1:26 am

  I purchased my ES 350 in June of 2006. This was my first Lexus and Ive been very happy with my car and I had no problems up until this past week. My drivers side door handle pulled off the door. Until I was able to take the car into the dealership I had to snap the handle back onto the door. Initially Lexus was wanted me to pay for labor costs. I disputed those and Lexus paid for the replacement. I have purchased many cars and never, has a door handle broken on any of the cars I have purchased.The door was not tampered with there was no sign of forced entry. I believe this is a defect in construction.

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  Good drive - 2006 Lexus RX 330
  By phil - December 27 - 8:03 pm

  Excellent vehicle. Second lexus I have purchased. Typical lexus quality overall. I drive this vehicle in some awful weather conditions in Canada and find that the electronic gear inherent in the vehicle makes for a very safe ride, quite pleased.

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  Great SUV, Very Good MPG - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Nate - December 27 - 5:00 pm

  I got my 400h about two weeks ago and Ive getting about 27 mpg overall, driving under normal condictions. I live in the Bay Area so cold weather really isnt a factor. I love this car! Its incredibly quiet, has a very solid build quality and feel, and handles great. Its still early, but I couldnt be happier with the purchase.

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  Love my ES 330 - 2006 Lexus ES 330
  By dB - December 27 - 4:40 pm

  Having owned Cadillacs and Lincolns, the Lexus was my first exposure to Japanese luxury. What a thrill. Very well thought out, outstanding features, performance and great economy. Loved it in the hills of San Francisco and the mountains, long distance and short hops around town. Highly recommend, great value, really satisfying experience.

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  297 K miles and still going - 2007 Lexus RX 350
  By Mark McDonough - December 27 - 1:10 pm

  This is the third car that I owned that I have put on over 250 k miles. This is by far the most reliable, it has never broke down. Only repairs are normal wear and tear such as tires, brakes, rear bearings and plugs/ignition coils.

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  Look back - 2007 Lexus GX 470
  By NJC - December 27 - 8:33 am

  I previously wrote of my frustrations with this SUV re: its quirks and lack of modern features. However, I live in the Midwest and we were hit with a torrential winter in 2010. I had no idea how awesomely this vehicle would perform in the snow and ice. Its unshakable. I felt very confident driving in ice and snow that left other trucks and SUVs in the snow bank. Unbelievably good traction.