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:

• 

  Absolutely love it! - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By karen kline - January 23 - 9:36 am

  We purchased our hybrid on 5/2/05 (ordered it last May). We absolutely love it. The interior is very modern - at first wasnt sure if I would like it - but I love it now. We also have 2 tvs for the kids - one on each headrest. We have navigation in our other Lexus so we had to have it again (it was actually a standard). There is a button on the steering wheel for voice operation - it does everything you ask it to - its a lot of fun. I mainly do all highway driving and average 25 mpg (great for a SUV)

• 

  Love My LEXIE - 2003 Lexus LX 470
  By Caroline913 - January 21 - 2:00 am

  Great SUV, fun to drive and I feel very safe on the highway. I love all the toys and the interior is so classy. Ive owned other SUVs, but this time Ive found a gem.

• 

  The Perfect Car - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By Allen04 - January 21 - 2:00 am

  When you first get in the LS, you experience a wonderfully plush interior with less of a technical assault than the BMW 745i. The technology is easy to use, and its got to be the most comfortable car in the world. With ample power, the car accelerates 0-60 in 6.3 seconds, which is fast enough for just about anyone. You could be going 100 mph and not even know it. This cabin is incredibly quiet, and the bumps are non-existent. The rear back-up camera is a very useful gizmo. Overall this car is wonderful, and if its anything like its Lexus predecessors it will hold up to its value. And at thousands less than its competitors, this is one great buy.

• 

  Lexus GX470 2004 - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By narin - January 21 - 2:00 am

  This Lexus is better driving than my wife Mercedez-benz E320. It is very easy to drive and handle. My wife is enjoying her driving my Lexus than her car.I am very happy with this GX 470 than my previous RX300;however, rear view is limited and has to be very careful backing (since I do not have rearview camera).Cargo space is also limited with the third row seats.

• 

  04 Black ES 330 - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By grm1memphis - January 21 - 2:00 am

  As usual, Toyota/Lexus has done an outstanding with this vehicle. Fit, finish, and overall quality is outstanding. Glad I waited on the 330 for added power at a lower price than the same car last year. I have nothing but good things to say about this vehicle. I expect to be in the Lexus family for a long time.

• 

  GREAT RIDING CAR BUT MPG LOW - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By GREGTHEQ - January 21 - 2:00 am

  My Lexus ES330 is the smoothest and quietest riding car I have ever owned. The design and comfort is extremely nice and others really like the car. My wife loves the dual front seat heaters that can be regulated separately. My biggest disappointment so far is in the miles per gallon. I drive highway miles and Im only getting 22 MPG when the sticker said it would get between 20-28. Since I bot the car a few weeks ago Im hoping that the MPG will get better as the car is broken in.

• 

  Almost Perfect!! - 2007 Lexus RX 350
  By 3rd lexus - January 19 - 9:53 pm

  This is my third Lexus and my second Lexus SUV. In my opinion, this is the most advanced vehicle Ive ever driven!! And as such, is a pretty good value for the buck!!!! I will be purchasing another RX 350 very soon, unless the new LS 600h stickers for less than 70 grand!! HA HA!! Anyway, if youre out there trying to decide on a new luxury ride, the RX 350 is your best bet!!!

• 

  A Superb Vehicle - 2006 Lexus LS 430
  By mel - January 19 - 2:36 am

  First class dealership selling a first class car. The ride and comfort are incomparable; all the bells and whistles that anyone could want. The only negative would be that it is not supposed to do well in snow- so, have another vehicle ready for thoise infrequent days!

• 

  Better than European cars - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Ryan - January 15 - 10:50 pm

  I have owned a BMW and MB but the ES 350 is very fun to drive and much less expensive than its European counterparts. And its a Toyota! Will last for years to come! I considered the G35 and the Acura TL but I test drove all three and was sold on the ES 350. Better interior, handling, smooth ride and features.

• 

  RX 330 - 2006 Lexus RX 330
  By consumer - January 15 - 2:40 pm

  We bought a 2006 RX 330 in November, the mileage is over 3000 and we only went to the dealer for a oil change. Nothing is wrong and the comfort is great. The front seats can lay back flat and the back seats can recline to. There is a back up camera and sensors. There are I believe eight airbags but I did not fully count it. The GPS is great but sometimes will lose its accuracy. Very very reliable. I am waiting for the 2009 Lexus RX 350.