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:

• 

  Fun to drive - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By Kevins Lexus - March 7 - 2:00 am

  I had to downsize my budget nd wanted a sportier ride, so I traded in my 1997 LS400 for 2004 IS300. This car performs great (quick, responsive, sporty) and has lots of style. Its definitely sporty, not cushy like most Lexuses, so understand that going in. Cornering ability is fantastic due to tires and suspension. It comes loaded with features - unlike BMWs - and is 000s less with great reliability. Not many people think to buy a small Lexus sportcar - their loss - but it allows for some pretty good discounts at the dealerships.

• 

  Luxury with Style - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By Southwest Roadrunner - March 7 - 2:00 am

  Ive driven my car over a year now. There is not much I can say other than this is a sports car with Luxury features. It rides tight yet it is as smooth as a luxury sedan. The more features the better.

• 

  Great car, minor gripes - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By nick42 - March 7 - 2:00 am

  Overall, this is a great car. Quality, comfort, features, etc. are right on, for much less money than a comparable BMW/Merc. A few (significant) flaws exist, however; hopfully Lexus will get the message and address these through their dealership support network (many could be easily fixed).

• 

  The absolute Best SUV - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By Jerry B - March 7 - 2:00 am

  Wow, what a fantastic truck. I am coming out of a Mercedes ML320 and this vehicle is far superior in every aspects. I love everything on this SUV.

• 

  Lexus GX470 is a winner! - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By Lisa Lockhart - March 7 - 2:00 am

  We just purchased our GX470 a week ago. This is our 1st Lexus. The whole buying experience was like no other. We were pampered, and will be in the future too. Lexus will even come to pick up vehicle should we ever need service on it and bring a Lexus for me to drive if I need it. Hows that for customer service? I love this vehicle.Drives like a dream...quiet, lots of supple leather and beautiful wood. Very elegant inside and tons of "bells and whistles" w/nav. system, DVD player, fun to drive!!!!

• 

  Redesigned 2016 Lexus ES 350 Luxury Package - 2016 Lexus ES 350
  By Lee - March 6 - 4:04 am

  This is my 6th Lexus. Previously owned GS, 3 Rx models over the years and currently have an IS 250 that my wife drives. I was in the market for a new car and seriously considered other luxury models including the new C300 Mercedes, BMW 5 series, Cadillac CTS even toyed with the idea of the Porche Macan. I thought after many years of Lexus maybe I wanted a fresh change. After viewing, researching, and pricing the different models with options and overall editor and customer reviews Lexus was still #1 in reliability and value. I had driven the 2015 ES 350 when my RX was in for service and was impressed with the comfort and handling. When the 2016 came out I truly loved the redesign with the new front end and rear end. I test drove it with the 18" wheels and was very impressed. Quick, smooth, quiet, comfortable, and a truly upscale luxury interior. Before I made my decision I decided to wait and test drive the new 2016 RX when it hit the market. For me the 2016 ES 350 just handled beautifully and I am extremely happy with my purchase. I have the luxury package which includes the new leather seat design with double stitching, 18" wheels, and the one touch power trunk. This is a wonderful luxury car and a great value.

• 

  Solid SUV - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By mdavis - March 5 - 10:00 am

  70,000 miles and no issues with this vehicle. Very well built with no rattles.

• 

  Its perfect, what did you think..... - 2001 Lexus LS 430
  By MikeC - March 5 - 10:00 am

  Ive had it 18 months & I feel like I still have a new car that i just love.. Only car I have ever had I felt that way about after that length of time... Expensive but worth EVERY penny... I always said when Lexus made a car this big I would give it a try. Can not even imagine driving anything else.....

• 

  Would buy another one in a heartbeat - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By Rocky Mountains - March 4 - 5:40 am

  Wonderful car. 40,000 miles, never needed service except for oil changes and regular maintenance. Rides extremely comfortable like you are floating on air but still handles extremely well off-road. Considered a Lexus LX470, RX350, Infiniti FX45, BMW X5, Land Rover LR3 and VW Toureg.

• 

  Great ride in 07 RX 400h - dead battery - 2007 Lexus RX 400H
  By 07RX400h - March 2 - 8:56 pm

  I just picked up my 07 RX 400h on 9/11. Im still trying to get used to no engine starting when I turn the key. Very quiet and smooth ride. Fuel economy is avg. around 24-25 mpg over the first 100 miles (about 50/50 hwy/city) -- I have a little bit of a foot, but have been going pretty gentle on the pedal. I have made a couple of individual 5-10 mile trips in city with up to 32 mpg. Im happy with 25 mpg compared to my Lin. Nav at 10 mpg. Had an issue this morning with a dead ICE battery. Lexus sent out AAA who didnt know squat about hybrids, so I ended up reading the owners manual to the tow truck driver. A quick jump start and everything was fine -- I hope.