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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  TOP SUV in 2004 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By schnelle22 - November 11 - 10:00 am

  The NEW 2004 Lexus RX330 is truely an amazing suv/car. It has even more room and power than its RX300, but still drives like a car. It is also one of the better fuel performers for an SUV when comparing the ML, and X5. The new design is very sharp on the outside and very luxurious in the inside. If you are looking for a top quality SUV, try the RX330!

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  4dr AWD SUV (3.3L 6cyl 5A) - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By zyca - November 11 - 10:00 am

  Thats true! The interior is REAL GOOD! It is so comfortable. But not enough power.

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  RX330 Test Drive - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Paul Colburn - November 11 - 10:00 am

  Very noisy engine - first thing i noticed - currently have a LX470 going off lease. Looks to me like reactive marketing to BMW market penetration (although I hav enot drive x5 as a comparison)

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  Fun car to drive - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By Lindsay - November 11 - 8:06 am

  Ive had my IS for a little over a year now. Bought it used as a certified pre-owned with about 63k miles on it. Its an auto with the e- shift option which is fun but I dont use very much. I love my Lexus a little bit more every time that I sit in the front seat! It is a very fun car to drive, extremely reliable, handles great, accelerates quick, rides smoothly, and is very eye catching. Havent had any problems with it and planning on keeping it for many years to come!

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  Acura RDX, a better Value - 2016 Lexus NX 200t
  By anfesa@gmail.com - November 11 - 1:01 am

  I purchased a 2016 Acura RDX exactly 2 month before getting into this new lease. Driving impressions are still fresh from the Acura before starting driving the Lexus last Sunday, so the sensations are very noticeable: softer suspension in the Lexus, which is not necessarily better, too much body roll. Also, the steering in the Acura is sharper and more direct. We did not want to get another RDX, even though the experience has been outstanding. No high tech was needed, so we chose the base model. Kudos to the Acura, the basic equipment is superior: I lost 1. the memory seat, 2. the heated seats, 3. the moon roof, 4. several cubic feet of cargo storage, 5. a smoother engine, 6. silky smooth acceleration, 7. simplicity in the instrumentation (Lexus is distracting, Acuras are practical and to the point). What did I gain? Nothing really, besides the fact that I am not parking 2 identical cars in our driveway. The payments were better though on the Lexus. One thing to consider: My right knee leans against the center console. Even though there is some padding, after a while it hurts from constant pressure. I love cars, never had driven a Lexus, I was curious to experience the good word about the service at the dealers, big mistake: Worst experience ever in 20 years buying, trading, selling cars. Choose your dealer well, avoid Pembroke Pines if you live in South Florida. In summary, overrated brand, well built, high quality materials, beautiful center console & display. Lexus is aware that it must differentiate well its cars from the parent company Toyota, and this NX is nothing more than a nicely equipped RAV4, nothing wrong with that, but the competition wins. Get the RDX.

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  Great Car - 2001 Lexus IS 300
  By Lexus Owner - November 10 - 10:26 pm

  Bought this car used, couldnt be happier. Nice to know how reliable it is. Have had for over 3 years now, not a single problem. Want something reliable? This is it. Fun to drive, good on gas.

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  Darth Vadar Grill....Love it. - 2016 Lexus RX 350
  By Ramona - November 9 - 10:18 pm

  I looked, and said,....wow. what a grill. I think of Star Wars, even the color is outer limits, Nebula grey. I am happy with the look, feel, drive. I have many things to learn on this car. She is high tech. I barely understand the apps on my iPhone, so it can be daunting. I liked that my dealer offered free car washes for the life of the car. I traded in the Merc. SUV and no regrets. I have the double moon roof, she feels like a limo.

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  DO NOT LEASE OR BUY - 2016 Lexus RX 350
  By CARLOS C FROM MIAMI - November 8 - 3:48 am

  I was very upset to say that car does not offer the technology as customers like to have in year 2016, the options to customize your options is horrible. I had a Ford Limited Explorer simple things like locking the car doors by its self automatically is awesome to have to save your belongs from getting stolen from your vehicle. The ac options and to many things to learning curved is hard take a few days and I am a young tech guy. I feel they can do better not happy my first Lexus not very happy.

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  Quality and Performance - 2000 Lexus ES 300
  By Tom Stangl - November 7 - 10:00 am

  Purchased ES300 Platinum series for my wife with 32,000 miles on it. The exterior paint is top quality (White) and the interior was like new. Very quiet to drive, excellent acceleration and braking capabilities. What makes this car special is the Pre-owned certifed Lexus program. Three years or the balance of 100,000 miles, Full warrenty with free roadside assistance!

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  RX330 RULES - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By JOEJOE - November 7 - 10:00 am

  awesome imporvements rideslike a magic carpet