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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  LOVE IT! - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By Amar - June 2 - 10:00 am

  Unlike many drivers, I am a 23-year-old single male, but like everyone else I love it! The thing is like a portable amusement park. Also, I live in Georgetown and love getting eyed by all the hot girls-- their eyes light up. Though its not as good as my baby bulldog, the attention is incredible. But the best moments are when you are all alone, driving fast on the highway.

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  My SC - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By Cu - June 2 - 10:00 am

  I have owned 2 SCs. I have loved them both. The new, retractable hard top gives me the best of both worlds. There is little road noise with the top up. The stereo is high quality. The car is the ultimate if you want a convertable. I didnt look for a car with big back seats and a huge trunk. It fits me perfectly, as all the instruments are within reach. Wow. What a ride! Everyone who drives it, loves it!

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  gx 470 - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By N777KG - June 2 - 10:00 am

  feels solid and handles great. this is my 11th. suv as of 1973 and it is the best. I only wish the front passanger seat had better adjustments and also the cup holders were in better locations.

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  The Almost PERFECT CAR - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Edmond V. - June 2 - 10:00 am

  Great size Fun to drive

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  Great, reliable car. - 1999 Lexus ES 300
  By JB So Org Cty - June 1 - 7:30 am

  This is a great car with a nice ride. And the power is surprising for a V6. Very reliable and the highway mileage is great. In town mileage is good for a sedan. It has a smooth ride and is quiet running with just a little wind noise from the window at times. Large trunk space. Leather seats are nice and durable.

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  Any older Lexus may be tempting, but dont do it.. - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By Kevin - May 31 - 8:40 am

  Bought my 1999 RX300 for peanuts and thought it was a killer deal. Low miles, dealer serviced. But save yourself the headache and just dont do it. Yes these are technically "Toyotas", but the newest RX300s are now over 14 years old. They are a PITA to work on. Mine just went into limp mode due to bad knock sensors, and I just spent $685 for that. Parts were only $185, but it took ten hours of labor to change them. Drove it home, and when I parked it, it started idling at 2k rpm. Back to the shop it went! Ive now been without my Lexus for two weeks. Fuel economy on my AWD model is terrible and it has very little power. Its comfortable and safe, but expect to spend ALOT on repairs.

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  AS GOOD AS IT GETS - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By d.river - May 30 - 2:00 am

  Previously owned both MB E and S class. Lexus is a "no-brainer" choice for equivalent style, safety and performance to the S class with a five digit price advantage. Unequivocally recommend this vehicle

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  LS430 - 2002 Lexus LS 430
  By crmaynorjr - May 30 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive,powerful,silky smooth on and on.

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  Top Luxury/Moderate Performance - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By LBPop - May 29 - 11:33 pm

  If I was 10 years younger, this car would not have been my first choice. However ,in my mid 50s its perfect. Luxurious, quiet, classic and, with the ride stabilization, it handles relatively well. The shift lag seems to improve over time. It can be reduced by decisive decisions to accelerate. If you hesitate, it does too.

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  Classy - 1999 Lexus LX 470
  By rahang - May 29 - 4:53 am

  Bought this vehicle used from repeat owner of LX 470s who also loves the LX 470. We have driven it in the Rocky Mountains and Northern Michigan in various extreme weather and road conditions and it hardly skipped a heartbeat. Then the problems. Front wheel portion of AWD failed completely without warning and complete and thorough maintenance & records upkeep. No reason, just failed with less than 120K miles on vehicle. Lexus Company left me dry and lacking enthusiasm for its continued reliability stating I should have bought extended warranty. Chagrined that a seemingly top notch vehicle of this caliber has such a major problem with so few miles, but goes to show failure happens