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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  Fun Toy - 2001 Lexus IS 300
  By ISGirl@Heart - May 13 - 10:00 am

  I love driving my IS, its a pure satisfaction and fun to drive.Problem free since day one, oil change, fill the tank and drive.Feel like a kid at all time while driving, cant seems to slow down.

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  Better than I thought! - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Pammie-Pooh - May 13 - 10:00 am

  This car rides smooth, is easy to handle and has excellent fuel economy. I had a Toyota Sequoia and cant believe the difference in gas consumption of the RX330. Turning radius is excellent and I feel that the vehicle is very safe.

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  Best car I ever owned - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Robert fraguela - May 12 - 12:23 am

  Its an economy car went I want it to be, and its a performance car when I want it to be. But its always a luxury SUV that is as quiet and smooth as you can get. The best vehicle I ever owned.

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  Disappointed! - 2016 Lexus RX 350
  By Dave - May 11 - 3:17 am

  I own a 21012 RX350 and have anxiously waited for the newly designed 2016 to arrive. After spending time at the dealer comparing the 2016 to the 2012 we own, my wife and I will not be purchasing a 2016. We were already aware of the ugly front grill, but hoped other improvements would be worth ignoring the grill. But about the only thing we found improved was the navigation system. Here are the things we do not like about the 2016, compared to the 2012. 1. My 56" wife complains the step up to enter the car is higher in the 2016, an uncomfortable 1.5" to 2" higher. 2. The handy cup holder to the left of the steering wheel is gone. 3. The storage area under the console, between the driver and passenger is no longer open. Replaced with a very small pocket. 4. The seats are now two-toned. So grey seats are no longer all grey. They are part grey and part black.

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  Its A Wonderful Car - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By emlee - May 10 - 9:46 am

  This new lexus is a dream. Completely restyled inside and out, finely detailed and with every convenience a car owner could want. Every expectancy I had when I bought the car has been fulfilled. No disappointments of any kind. Its simply the best car i have ever owned.

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  Outstanding car! - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By annu621 - May 10 - 2:00 am

  Whats to say? Outstanding ride, performance, build quality, stereo system is amazing, Nav is useful, pindrop silent even when flying down the freeway at 100mph, the list goes on and on and on...

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  Great LUV - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By bjsgx - May 10 - 2:00 am

  Lexus GX 470 is a NICE Luxury Sports Utility. I have found no faults with it. Sure I got a few options I didnt need, but the resal value will be there for someone who does need them. Fantastic LUV!

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  Super Lexus - 2003 Lexus LX 470
  By Arab - May 10 - 2:00 am

  this is the best 4x4 ever.

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  Cush Over Muscle-Finally I Surrender!! - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By Northeast Ohio Gal - May 10 - 2:00 am

  Coming from a sporty sedan background I was ready to jump into the "cushy" car catagory. Was it worth it? Most definetely! This car lets me forget my troubles with its smooth and quiet ride. After sitting on hard chairs all day I really enjoy the leather recliner- like feel in the drivers seat. I turn on my Mark Levison stereo and I am transcended into another world. Handeling has been awesome these last few snowey weeks. Handles as well as my daughters all-wheel drive Passat. My smile just gets wider! I dont need a gas chomping, SUV tank to haul my 2 kids around. They fit nicely in my back seat.

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  Excellent car - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By Wayne - May 9 - 9:50 pm

  My first luxury car purchase, used of course so someone else can take the depreciation hit, and I dont think I can ever go back to another less comfortable car. It is very quiet with an incredibly smooth ride. The cabin is classy, with high grade leather and wood grain accents. The steering and handling can best be described as silky. Keep in mind this is a luxury car, not a sports sedan, so it doesnt drive like a sports sedan. Highway mileage is 28 to 32 mpg, depending on speed and head wind. I had some warranty work done, (catalytic converters btw) and was VERY impressed by the Lexus dealers service. 83,000 miles and appears as good as new. I will definitely look into a Lexus again.