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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  So Nice! - 2006 Lexus LX 470
  By CarXpert - September 14 - 5:30 pm

  As you probably know, lexus is a very nice make. The lexus lx is also the top of the line SUV. It was a great SUV for our family. At the time, we had a few other cars which were other lexuss including the LS. The LX was so nice to drive on the weekends, out to dinner, or when other people came to town!

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  The best got better... - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By Nelz - September 13 - 3:23 pm

  As good as the previous generation RX was, the 2010 is even better. They have replaced the strut based rear suspension with a double wishbone style, this equates to more cargo space and better handling characteristics. They have a 6 speed tranny replacing the 5 speed, up in hp and torque, a new on demand style AWD system means better mpg (up to 28) you can lock it in as well. Smart key access means you never have to take your key out of your pocket and push button start is awesome. This is a car that is built around the driver. I have driven the Acura MDX, Mercedes, BMW X5, Lincoln MKX... none of them compare, Lexus is the best bar none; the cabin lay-out makes sense, the others are complex.

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  MORE ATTENTION TO ROAD MANNERS - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By BARTON - September 13 - 12:46 am

  This is a beautiful SUV, well designed for passenger comfort and with all the elegance and refinement one should expect from a vehicle in this price range. It has but one flaw --- it is NOT rock-steady at highway speeds in the wind and has more "slip stream" wobble when it encounters 18-wheelers than our Grand Cherokee! This is obviously due to its height/tread width ratio and would approach "perfect" if shaved down a couple of inches or (better yet) based on a wider platform. Overall a wonderful vehicle but I would NOT have purchased it had I tested its highway performce in advance.

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  Great highway mileage - 2012 Lexus ES 350
  By cuongn - September 12 - 9:02 am

  Last weekend my 2012 ES 350 actually exceeded the advertised MPH (19 city, 28 hwy). I drove from New Orleans back to Houston, setting cruise at 70mph. After arriving at Houston I calculated the miles-per-gallon and 33 MPG is what I got out of my car !

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  the best car I have ever owned - 1996 Lexus ES 300
  By Luvmylexus - September 12 - 6:06 am

  I bought this car used in oct of 2004-- I have had the timing belt done and there was an oil leak in the engine which I had repaired---and a cv boot- the past owner never did any up keep-- oil was filthy etc---but now I couldnt be happier--I drive many miles and in fact have already put 14,000 on this car in three months. I t goes great in the snow too. The acceleration is awesome and I am thrilled to own this car. I will never ever own anything but a Lexus again in my life. I am 59 and have owned a lot of cars. The only one I loved this much was my 1969 GTO. Oh I hate the cup holder but minor detail.

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  Runs like new at 120K - 1997 Lexus ES 300
  By Scott - September 11 - 4:40 pm

  I bought the 97 lexus ES 300 with 120,000 miles on it. I was a little afraid of buying a car with so many miles, but after driving it for a week, I couldnt be happier. Its hard to believe, but the car runs like new. Previous owner garaged it. Today a guy actually asked me if it is a brand new car! It runs extremely smooth. I just came back from a 800 mile trip and it averaged 28.4 miles/gal.

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  Head turning traffic stopper - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By Hyflyer - September 11 - 10:00 am

  When we purchased the sc430 we had to almost wrestle another couple for the keys . People beg for rides,whistle often and generaly thumbs up this curvaciously styled auto. It is a Fine car, well built, solid and QUIET; that does everyday driving with a graciousness, good manners and slippery fast acceleration. We fabricate excuses to take the car for a ride-this one is a keeper .

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  Lexus Never Disappoints! - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By KarXPert - September 10 - 3:43 pm

  We have owned top of the line Lexuss and loved all of them especially the LS Sedan and the LX SUV. They have been a joy to have and will recommend to anyone!!!

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  Best In Class - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Chris - September 9 - 8:23 am

  My wife was in the market for something special for her upcoming graduation gift - we had not considered the ES 330. Our focus was the RX 330, but when she saw the ES 330 and drove it, she was in love. This is the most refined car money can buy for under $40k. Everything about it screams quality: The paint, body lines/fit, interior trim, and driving experience. If you want a sports car, look elswhere; if you want a luxury car without having to consider a plethora of options (hint: try to build a comparable BMW 3-series and see where the price ends), look no further.

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  A Superb Car - 2006 Lexus LS 430
  By John - September 6 - 6:20 pm

  I shopped for quite a while for a used, mint shape LS 430 and found one in Florida (a 2006) with only 5K miles and the Ultra Luxury package. It is an incredibly comfortable car which pampers everyone inside. It is a fabulous "trip car" and I enjoy the laser cruise feature on the highway. The back seat goodies on the Ultra (massaging seats, special rear AC, reclining seats, radio controls) are very popular with my passengers. Everything about this car is impressive to me and far better than any other car Ive ever owned.