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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  160,000 and still going strong - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By tstutz - March 19 - 9:06 am

  I bought this vehicle used with 120k miles. Aside from oil changes and new tires, Ive only had to replace the belts. Ive put 40k miles on it over the past 2 years. If you jumped in and drove the vehicle without looking at the odometer, youd never know it had 160k miles. The ride is still comfortable and the engine runs strong. My Lexus has been good to me so far.

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  The best buy LUV on the market - 2004 Lexus LX 470
  By Sam Miao - March 19 - 2:00 am

  This is by far the best SUV on the market regardless of price, plus the Lexus reputation for service and quality.

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  A Feel Young Again Car - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By Kevin Sabian - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I just got my SC430 about a month ago, and I look for excuses to leave the house and drive around. I get tons of looks, and it feels great to sit behind the wheel. Every thing about the car is pretty much perfect, and it is so smooth and quiet..thats why I would trade it for my wife in a minute!

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  Wow - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By wilkslaw - March 19 - 2:00 am

  only draw backs are the run flat tires I hated that they came as standard with the car. I had to replace with michelins at the cost of 1,200.00. Not fair!I got the car 10/2001 and there is no explaining the endless compliments and stares to date!

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  Loving my GX. - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By Novaracer - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Very hi quality vehicle, very impressed with ride quality, also, I feel the power rating (HP)is kept purposely low, this rig performs!!

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  happy camper - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By izzwiz - March 19 - 2:00 am

  this is my first lexus; i am VERY impressed. the ride is very smooth and the seating is very comfortable. the exterior is beautiful too, although i feel the back headlights could have been more sexy-looking (think infiniti g35 sedan). my other choices were that infiniti as well as the new acura tl. i test-drove all three cars, and although they are all within the same price range, the others are not in the same league as this car. result: choosing this lexus was a rather easy choice. i went with the "black-garnet" color which is definitely a head-turner. the navigation system is not too user- friendly but worth the additional cost after you get used to it.

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  worth the added money to get the lexus - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By newlexusowner - March 19 - 2:00 am

  When looking for a mid size SUV - we originally thought we were going to purchase the MDX - but all of that changed when we test drove the RX330. Although the MDX and Toureg are with out a doubt more capable off road than the AWD Lexus, I decided that I would be spending nearly 100% of my time in a concrete jungle, not the rain forest. We decided the ride of the Lexus gave us the best of both worlds - seating height and a smooth car like ride. Another factor was the price - right in line with the VW. I like VWs but in my mind could not justiy the cost for a VW in terms of the quality rep of the Lexus vs the VW.

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  Love to Drive this car - 2007 Lexus RX 350
  By Joanne - March 18 - 11:26 am

  I really enjoy driving my car, it fits my body. Not too big and overwhelming. It feels luxurious. I would recommend it to everyone.

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  Nav Voice Needs Help. - 2006 Lexus LS 430
  By Leo LoFrisco - March 17 - 7:13 pm

  My 2006 Lexus LS 430 is my fourth Lexus and tenth Toyota car. I have nothing but praise for the 2006 Lexus with one exception. The voice activation portion of the navigation system is not up to Lexus standards. Most of the commands are not understood which becomes frustrating when you want to enter a command. Some commands are fully understood, but most of the commands Lexus publishes are not understood. It surprises me that Lexus would put a less than perfect product on the market. Other than that, the car is a dream.

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  Smart Choice - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By Lexus guy - March 15 - 5:00 pm

  Downsized from an LS 430 and love both cars. Seats just as comfortable with just the right height and strong seat heaters. Good stereo/CD. Mileage ranges from 17-18 running errands to 23-24 on the flat highway. Great car for realtor/inspector and practical for bad weather, bad roads. Keep oil/trans fluids changed though. I switched to K&N filter and 0/30 Mobil-One oil and get 1-3 better MPG. Mine has 161,000 and looks/runs like new.