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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  Very Happy Lexus Owner - 2007 Lexus RX 350
  By Lou - November 6 - 5:10 pm

  My first Lexus (1998 ES 300) I drove 164,000 miles absolutly no problems. The Lexus 2007 RX 350 that replace it now has 27,850 and absolutly no problems. There is a pattern here. The quality, fit and finish are 1st rate. Yes, it costs a little more in the initial purchase price but you get it back many times over in reliability, comfort and safety. I am an engineer by profession and I am really picky.

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  Love Hate Relationship - 2008 Lexus RX 400H
  By G Henry - November 6 - 5:46 am

  I have had my RXh for 4 months and I love it, and I hate it. It is comfortable, safe, easy to drive, quiet, stunning Levinson audio system and more but mine has problems with the regeneration. My regeneration worked perfect until the battery pack showed fully charged. Ever since then the regen works about 60% of the time. Two dealers have looked at it and found nothing. Now I have video proof I will take in this week to see how they will ignore my issue. If you get 19-22 mpg in the city your regen is also not working well. When it is working and you drive responsibly you will get 27 in the city. The RXh is wonderful and smooth and safe, but I bought a hybrid and expect it to work.

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  The quality Lexus experience - 2001 Lexus GS 300
  By HC Barnes - November 5 - 7:50 pm

  My second Lexus. I had the first, a 1991 SC 300, for ten years. I bought the GS 300 as a certified used car with one year and 25,000 miles. I now have 124,000 miles on it and it still looks and drives like a brand new car. Service has not been that expensive considering the car and treatment has been perfect. Highway mileage consistently in mid 20s, not bad. I replaced the terrible OEM tires with Yokohama Avids and have been happy with the handling ever since, although the car will never stir the emotions on a visceral level. Bottom line: an ultra- high quality luxury car with competent, but not exciting handling.

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  Lexus ES 330 - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Lynn - November 5 - 4:23 pm

  Very roomy car including large back seat and large trunk. Very reliable with no break downs in 4 years with normal maintenance only. Plenty of power for a sedan.

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  Got it all - 2006 Lexus SC 430
  By Paul - November 5 - 1:46 pm

  For a retired senior, its the perfect car for the second vehicle now that the kids are out of the house. Makes you feel young again. Auto top down mechanism is great and it rides almost like a sedan while having the nimbleness of a roadster.

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  Worth waiting for - 2016 Lexus RX 350
  By David - November 4 - 11:52 pm

  I traded my 2005 RX for the new 2016 model. I was ready to get a new RX two years ago but waited to see the new model as I saw the news trickle in over the past year. My 2005 RX was in great shape and a joy to drive so we had the luxury of waiting. I worked with the local Lexus dealer to keep me informed, put a deposit to hold one of the first units delivered and bought mine November 6th. Normally I would not buy a new model this early but its a Lexus and I have had zero problems with the previous one and none thus far with the 2016. So, I can somewhat compare to my 2005 which had all options and the new model which has all options except AWD which I did not want. First, this car is larger than the earlier models. The specs dont tell the reality but you can see it and feel it in the interior. The exterior look for me was a bonus. I have the 20" wheels and they are awesome with the back inserts. The Triple Beam LED lighting and the aggressive grill give a younger appearance to the RX. Our exterior is Eminent White and interior Parchment. The interior layout is nicely done and mostly intuitive, especially is you have had a previous RX. As far as features, the Navigation and split screen on the 12.3" display is a big improvement to also control the audio, phone, climate and information. We had rain sensing windshield wipers before and would not buy a car without them. The big surprise was the color heads-up display which is integrated with the navigation and other information. Looks great and works great. Another feature we like is the Dynamic Cruise: Set it and the radar adjusts the distance set for moving traffic and its all shown in the HUD (cant get any easier for interstate driving long distance). As far as performance, its not a BMW and should not expect that type of car. It handles great for driving on rural and highway roads but dont take it to the track. The car is extremely quiet even at interstate speeds and local bumpy roads. For the almost two months of driving we have been getting about 25 MPG which is about what I expected. (If I was in Atlanta traffic I am sure it would be worse, but I moved from there). In summary, glad I waited. Not disappointed and surprised at the synergy of technology and driving experience. And of course the Lexus reliability. May keep this one for 11 years as well.

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  Love it - 2011 Lexus RX 350
  By Heineman - November 4 - 6:50 am

  Purchased in 2013/this app wont let me enter the year. This is my first Lexus, and Ive been really pleased with the vehicle and dealer. My only complaint is the stone chip problem -- the paint has only to look at a stone, and it chips. Touch ups -- even those done by my body shop -- dont seem to stick.

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  Impressive Vehicle - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Godfather Dee - November 2 - 10:53 am

  So far, I am very happy with my purchase. The car was bought with with high mileage but drives like a brand new vehicle. The high mileage was all highway miles and it was a 3 yr leased car. I cannot complain. I plan to stay with Lexus for a while.

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  Cant Lose With The Lexus Brand - 2001 Lexus ES 300
  By Hayden4Lexus - November 1 - 10:23 am

  Needed a second car to drive once, maybe twice a week as wife & I carpool - this vehicle was first choice as I am repeat Lexus owner. Ride and handling are excellent and xenon lighting is awesome. Perfect compliment to our 2004 Lexus GX470. If you are reading these reviews notice the average consumer rating for this vehicle and believe me youll feel the same if youre reasonable in your expectations (not wanting a rocket ship BMW that keeps you at the dealer and drains your wallet - remember the speed limit remains the same even though the engines are faster). Youll be pleased with this vehicle.

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  Versatile, Comfortable, Impressive - 2008 Lexus GX 470
  By RNarenDMD - October 31 - 11:43 am

  I picked up my GX in 3/08. I wanted to wait awhile before posting a review to allow for some perspective. The craftsmanship and build quality is fantastic. Power train the smoothest Ive experienced (previous BMW owner). The car has been 100% trouble free so far (14K miles). No squeaks or rattles to speak of. Superb driving position and seats. Having just moved into a new house with a new baby, this car has been very useful for carrying boxes, etc. Rock solid in snow as well. Wish gas mileage was better though; Ive been averaging 17.5 mpg on premium. I would recommend this car as long as you dont mind the mileage.