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:

• 

  LEXUS 2004 LS430 RATING - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By jvmclean - December 17 - 2:00 am

  The Lexus LS430 2004 model is the best vehicle on the planet - without a shadow of a doubt!!! I have driven all the "wanna bees" and I confirm this from experience. Fast, smooth, reliable and extremely durable it leaves the competition gasping for "air". It is also the most quiet car in the world, inside and out. Say no more! The real difference between the LS430 and the competition is in one word:- ENGINEERING If you go no to include price, then it is a "slam dunk" for the LS430.

• 

  Really fun. - 2001 Lexus IS 300
  By Yahoo - December 16 - 10:00 am

  Its always a joy to start the engine. Ive had more fun in this car than any other Ive had...and believe me, Ive had some great cars. Turn of the Traction control for more fun on windy roads...and dont worry about storage space...the trunk is very large.

• 

  So nice we bought it twice - 2016 Lexus NX 200t
  By Eric M - December 14 - 8:41 pm

  I am already the owner of a 2015 NX F-sport which I gave a 5 star review back in November 2015. We recently became empty nesters so my wife decided it was time to downsize from her 2009 Mazda CX-9 GT and move into a 5-seater CUV. She test drove the Mazda CX-5 GT (loved it but needs more power), the Nissan Murano (very nice and would have bought it except it rolled too much in the turns - she had gotten used to the CX-9s excellent steering/handling which feels like driving a much smaller sedan) and the Acura RDX (very well designed, but she found the exterior styling bland and boring). She had already driven my car before and decided other than a slightly smaller cargo space, it was better than any of the vehicles she test drove. We found exactly what she wanted - a base unit with the premium package and no NAV. She absolutely loves the vehicle from the unique exterior styling to the smooth acceleration, ride and handling and its very comfortable, luxurious interior. The main differences between her base model and my F-sport are the paddle shifters and the additional turbo boost and accelerometer gauges. The handling advantage in the F-sport is only really noticeably in very hard and fast turns and I think a lot of that has to do with the better grip of the summer tires. Also, since she doesnt have the NAV system, the infotainment controller is a dial with a push-button selector. I find this much easier to use than the track-pad system on my car because it is overly sensitive and requires too much concentration if youre trying to use it while driving. Sometimes simpler is better. We only have a few minor issues with the car. We wish the BSM had an audible tone when you signal and a car is in your path in addition to the orange light in the side view mirror. Her former CX-9 and all the vehicles she test drove had this feature so Im surprised its missing. Also, the low fuel warning comes on at a way too early 12.5 gallons. You still have over 3 gallons remaining so I find the warning a little too aggressive as I often havent reached 300 miles yet when the light comes on. But these are minor quibbles. All in all, the NX200t is an excellent choice if your looking for a compact CUV.

• 

  GREAT CAR - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By DEXMON - December 14 - 4:40 pm

  This is the best car I have ever owned. I bought it on 1/31/05 and have already driven more than 25000 miles and have no problems with this car. The ride is so smooth you feel like you are riding in the clouds. I love the navigation controls and the touch screen. I will buy another car except the ls.

• 

  The BEST CAR - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By j - December 14 - 10:53 am

  The interior is so elegant, so simple, so clean. The looks are very sharp and it runs very well. Transmission and engine are spectacular.

• 

  Outstanding Car - 1996 Lexus LS 400
  By roadrunner - December 11 - 10:03 am

  Joy to own. Ride comfort and handling are superb. We love it. It is Mr. Reliable. Road trips are great in this car. Maintenance costs are more but has not been much more than a normal car. MPH: 22-27. 2 years ago, as I was traveling down a 2-lane road, a car entered my lane coming fast & directly toward me. I was going 60 mph. I cut the steering wheel sharply to at least a 45-degree angle to get out of the lane & toward the ditch. I turned the car sharply to the left down the shoulder. The car was still in my lane as I passed it. Emergency maneuverability: superb.

• 

  Sometimes a car is better than you think its going to be - 2013 Lexus CT 200H
  By kofender - December 11 - 4:02 am

  Ive had my CT200h for 2 weeks now, and while I really liked the car when I bought it, it has turned out to be better than I expected. Lets start with gas mileage: Im getting 50 mpg (not 42). Its way comfy and easy to get in and out of. The acceleration is just fine (and I drive a lot on the highway). Its very solid and more fun to drive than I ever expected. Overall, this was a much better choice than some of the other hybrids I considered (I only drive hybrids; this is my third). And heck, theres snob appeal to driving a Lexus, too.

• 

  Expectations Met - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By MTaylorGB - December 11 - 2:00 am

  A new job means a 120-mile daily commute. While a loyal, long term BMW driver, my M3 and Z4 are not really suitable for this kind of motoring so I went in search of a comfortable cruiser. Looked at the new 5-series, Merc C and E class, Audi A6 and more. The ES330 offered an amazing combination of smooth ride, luxury, fuel economy, features, price, size and safety. If you like to drive a car, forget Lexus. I bought the Z4 in favor of the sterile SC430. If you just want to motor in quiet luxury, Lexus probably has your car.

• 

  RX330 Reigns - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Patoutou - December 11 - 2:00 am

  The RX330 reigns supreme in the kingdom of SUVs. From its design to the level of comfort that it offers,the RX330s supremacy among SUVs is not a matter for debate. Its the best mid-size luxury SUV in its class

• 

  2013 RX 450h vs 2006 RX400h - 2013 Lexus RX 450h
  By pcwlexus - December 11 - 1:06 am

  I purchased a new 2013 RX450h after having the original RX400h since April 2005. Since its been 7 model years of advancements I expected the new 450h to be more technically advanced then my 400h (it truly is), but I am amazed how much better it is overall. The 2013 handles much better, is quieter, and the transitions from no engine to having the engine cut on are not noticeable like they were on the 400h; especially at traffic lights. The 2013 feels much more substantial and you really dont hear the road noise or the loud engine go-cart like sounds that I could hear when I accelerated with the 400h.