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 as perfect as exspected - 2015 Lexus NX 200t
  By baronz - August 22 - 11:55 pm

  Bought it Decemver 18, 2015. Tire pressure monitor was showing wrong pressure from day 1, then illuminated one tire as a problem. Pressure in the tire was normail. The car is designed for 4, not 5 people. Painful to seat in the middle back seat. Otherwise great car and handling, Eform software distructing and not very useful.

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  A first rate car - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By krutlem - August 17 - 4:33 am

  This car looks good and drives just as well. Its reliability is tops and comfort and freedom from road noise is a delight. The only downsides worthy of mention is there should have been more attention paid to an owners need to override the default settings of many details (like the loudness of the directional signals or the duration of the headlights on after leaving the car).

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  Older models are better - 2015 Lexus RX 350
  By ddvan - August 16 - 10:49 pm

  I found out about some things on the 2015 compared to my 2010 RX.. 2010 rx has moving headlights when turning, 6 disk CD player, Hi beam auto dimming, clearer Bluetooth when talking to some one Via Car to cell ph. (sounds tinny on the 2015) . The back doors on the 2010 has larger pockets then the 2015. The 2015 does not have any of these things. looks like the only advantage to me is the blind spot monitor. The Garage door opener is in a better location on the 2010, It is now on the mirror which can move when using it. The inside of the head lights fog a little when high humid on the 2015. You can see it when the lights are on. These are my observations when talking to other people and

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  Close to Perfect - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By Lexus_B - August 14 - 12:00 pm

  This Lexus is outstanding. My sc430 handles nice, is comfortable, and is very reliable thus far- all of what you would expect from a Lexus. The hardtop operation is stunning. The luxury appointments are breathtaking. In terms of performance, the car wont blow you away, but the sc430 is adequately powerful and fun to drive. The car also feels very safe and drives very strong in the rain and snow. I immediately changed the run flat tires to Kumo Grand Touring Platinum tires, and the new tires greatly improve the ride, traction, and handling. Even with the new tires, the ride is a bit harsher than I expected for a Lexus. Overall, this car is as close to perfect as you will come for the price.

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  Disappointed Driver - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Kiichiro - August 10 - 8:13 pm

  Typical Toyota high build quality and reliability but feels soul-less on the road. Front seat passengers seem to enjoy the vehicle more than I do. Rear seat passengers, aside from the low seat, also seem pleased. But behind the wheel, the steering is dull, the transmission/drivetrain seems to hesitate before doing your bidding. Normally, disappointment in the driving department is made up at the gas pump but not here where I see 16-17 MPG in the city and 20-21 on the highway. Oh well, at least with the Lexus name and good resale value I can probably get out of this vehicle for not much less than what I paid for it pre-owned.

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  Disturbing Observations - 2007 Lexus LS 460
  By Lexus dud - August 10 - 1:53 pm

  I bought this vehicle based upon build quality, style and value. I should have paid more attention to comfort and convenience. Both front seats are uncomfortable due to a support in the center of seat bottom which I did not notice during my test drive. As I drive 35,000 miles a year new destinations are common place. The guidance system limits programming to voice commands once the vehicle is in motion though the system can be programmed via voice instruction this to limit distraction to the driver. However, the voice recognition system leaves much to be desired. The reality is there are enough selections on the display screen to make this idea laughable. Let the driver drive!

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  i like it, but - 2001 Lexus IS 300
  By yashka - August 7 - 10:00 am

  Thiss my third lexus (GS,SC,IS). Allways had very good expirience with cars and service dept. up to this point. One problem that no one seems to be talking about and help me with. Its the 17" tires by Good Year that came with IS. 24K miles and 10(ten) tires*$280 a pop later Im p..sed off as one can be!!!! BUUUUBLLLLLLES and blow outs twice (all hwy driving).Lexus refused to deal with it from day 4. Taking a big hit on $$$ and trading in. Lexus refused to deal with it from day 4.

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  If money is not an issue, buy it!!! - 2003 Lexus LX 470
  By artist - August 3 - 10:00 am

  Nice SUV with excellent handling both on road and off road. Have to be careful on sharp turns at steep inclines off road. On road, you feel safe in the vehicle. Music system needs improvement. Excellent tires and show very little sign of wear and tear, despite 69000 miles on them.

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  Overall Good Car - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By kkwok - August 3 - 10:00 am

  Nice car with small problems. Driver side mirror crack first winter (heated mirror too hot ??). Driver side rear door wont shut after car wash in cold winter day. Dealer tried to fix a few times but failed. I just avoid washing the car in cold winter day, unless parked inside garage. Fuel guage did not go up after fill-up. 2 computer chips replaced under warrenty.

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  Navigation system needs update - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Timothy Rossiter - July 31 - 10:16 am

  The 2004 ES 330 is an outstanding car. The major problem and I mean major is the navigation system. It is not accurate and reads from the bottom up not top down. It is extremely annoying while driving and limits your choices while driving the car. The car must be completely stopped to change anything with the system. If you are in sales and need accuracy especially at night this is not the navigation system for you.