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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  Business Owner - 2007 Lexus LS 460
  By Loc Truong - May 9 - 9:20 am

  Been driving for a month so far so good. Very comfort and great quality. We like it very much.

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  Inadequate low beams - 2006 Lexus LS 430
  By lawman430 - May 7 - 2:32 pm

  The first time I drove my 2006 LS 430 at night, I thought I did not have my headlights properly turned on. I could not see well enough to drive over 30 mph. When I called the dealer the technition mentioned that I was the third person that week to make the same complaint so I left it for diagnosis. Result- "no problem, "everything checked out to specs." When I pushed the saftey issue, I basically got a shrug and was told that the headlight system takes a while to get used to. I got caught in a rainstorm on the interstate last night and had to slow down to 35 mph. I could not see anything but other cars were passing by with no problem. Anyone else?

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  400,000 Miles and still running smooth - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By c4neo - May 7 - 4:30 am

  403,069 Miles (YES you read it right 400k+)and still feels smooth/reliable/ No major issues. This is my Second Toyota/Lexus vehicle. I bought this vehicle brand new (8 miles) five years ago and use it as my primary work vehicle (commute from Chicago to Atlanta) every week. I maintained it very good, (regular service, oil change, tries everything) but still my cost of maintenance was far less compared to any other vehicles like BMW/Mercedes (I owned both earlier and had ton of issues) I changed tires 8 times till date (every 50k miles). I am planning to trade in for 2012 RX450h (yes, I will make of my current vehicle till its hit 500,000 miles - Half million, I am very confident it will g

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  Tire noise is horrible! - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By RKB - May 6 - 10:56 am

  On our second set of tires and car has 47,000 miles on it. Tire noise is driving us crazy. Road noise inside car is worse than riding in my daughters Honda Civic. Happens after about 15,000 miles on tires. Dealer tells us its the high performance tires that are noisy. You would think a car of this value would drive quiet, but thats not the case with the tires.

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  Options selection - 2014 Lexus RX 350
  By jimt14 - May 5 - 2:54 am

  I bought a 2014 RX350 with all wheel drive and 19 inch wheels as options, not the Sport which has a sport tuned suspension also and is not recommended here. This set up gives great handling and a quiet smooth ride. After reading about a cushy ride and lack of feel for the road my biggest surprise was just the opposite with this set up.

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  The best of the best! - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By Margi King - May 5 - 2:53 am

  This is absolutely the ultimate in driving! I have driven all types of luxury, large sedans and this car so far outclasses any Ive ever had. Lexus has made it impossible to drive any other car without feeling a "step- down". its a feeling of having finally "arrived."

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  Better Than People think - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By shadowy1 - May 4 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Lexus and Im hooked traded a 95 Volvo 850 turbo. The IS300 rocks, great power, handles like its on rails. I looked at an Audi S4 and Acura TSX before getting the Lex, and Im not sorry. People talk about the rear seat being small, SO I dont want a bunch of free loaders riding with me anyway. Just me and my lady riding with the tunes blasting. The dealer didnt look down their noses at you the way those Euro dealers do, bunch of snobs. Anyway back to the point. This car may not be for everyone but its not your Daddys Oldsmobile. Lexus may not have hit the bullseye but they came damn close.

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  Why buy a fancy camry? - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By robcrowley - May 4 - 10:00 am

  nothing really thrilling about the eshift automatic. This car is loaded yes but the automatic is so boring to drive and the handling is ok but not all that - rear wheel sucks who cares. after 2 mos I am buying a Saab 9-3 Arc. thankfully with the dealer incents I am not losing my shirt on the lexus. Make sure you test drive Saabs, Audis etc This is really a revved up camry and I am not so happy. oh yeah and after 20K of boring drivng youll have to cough up over a grand for the new tires you need. Also the service coverage ends with the first oil change so get out your $$

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  First Lexus - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By First Timer - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Looked at the Cadillac CTS and the Infiniti G35. Picked the Lexus based on reputation and front wheel drive (Chicago Winters) although the Cadillac and G35 were sportier. I have a 62 mile daily commute and enjoy the ride. Heated seats are a nice touch on the cold winter days.

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  Best Vehicle Ever Owned - 2006 Lexus GX 470
  By LinG - May 1 - 1:46 am

  I have driven this vehicle 66,000 miles over the past 3-1/2 years.Bought it brand new in 11/2005.I am 53 years old and have owned at least 20 vehicles over the years. The GX470 is rated #1 over of all my other vehicles including my wifes M-B. The built- quality is excellent and so has been the reliability. I have had no issues, and no need for warranty work. So far just basic maintenance, like oil changes, tires and brakes, it is still running on the factory battery.I love the size, not too big, not too small. The mileage could be better,The third row seats can be removed easily(as I have done)to provide added cargo. I have only used the third row seat twice to accommodate visiting family kids