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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  If she hasnt done anything shes done enough!!! - 1997 Lexus ES 300
  By Cristy B - December 9 - 6:31 am

  I purchased this car in 2001, pre-certified with 56,000 miles. My youngest child was 4 years old. She is freshman in college this year. We have driven her to pre-school up to college in this vehicle on several occasions. This car hasnt put me down so far, shes still going strong.

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  My Lexi is GR8! - 2001 Lexus IS 300
  By Lexi - December 8 - 11:10 am

  I never mind paying the monthly note on this car. I am currently living in Germany and get to take this car out on the Autobahn. It runs so smooth at speeds that are not legal in the states! I just wish Lexus would have put on longer lasting tires as a standard feature. I love this car!

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  Stylish inside and out-lots of features - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By luvmylexus - December 8 - 4:36 am

  Ive only had this car for a few weeks and I love it! I did a lot of research before finally deciding on purchasing the new 2010 Lexus RX350. Lexus is known for luxury and quality and this car will not disappoint. The new interior design is the best part. Navi is great. Ride is smooth and comfortable. Headlights are great. Lots of safety features. So many features make this car great and convenient to drive. I noticed in a previous post reviewer had mentioned car rolling back even on the slightest incline. I have a totally opposite experience. I have to make sure and check that Im in drive and not park since car stays put. Overall, highly recommended, wont be disappointed.

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  Bought New - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By Mermi - December 6 - 10:00 am

  This is a WONDERFUL SUV. I did upgrade the tires to Pathfinder SUV and find they are better than the original ones. Ive had really no problems of any magnitude. Would I buy a new Lexus again? Definitely YES!

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  Nice Car - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By Tinka - December 6 - 10:00 am

  Brought my 2001 RX300 AWD/w Navigation in May 2004 the overall cars is nice, it has SUV performance with a luxury sedan style and drive. I got rid of my 1999 Acura 3.2TL for the RX and the ride is alot different. The pick up is alot slower on the RX, the leather in the RX is too soft, easily wrinkled. Both have all of the same features. Salesman at Lexus dealer-superb.

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  Great ride - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By Jmwme - December 6 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is a great ride compared to my Mountaineer (which we also love). The Lexus actually has several less features than the Mountaineer, including the hatch door, key pad entry, and adjustable pedals. The navigation system is very nice visibly, but the voice recognition does not really work at all. I tell it to, "go home" and it shows me courthouses. I mean it is not even close. The ride is what makes the vehicle, no comparison to the aviator in my familys opinion.

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  Excellent Car - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Chris - December 5 - 8:03 am

  Leased this car last december. Very good car. Had several cars before getting the ES again, and it still is at the top of its class. Even though we had a problem with the A/C where the air was coming out hot even though it was at 60 degrees, Lexus fixed it with no problem.

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  My 3rd Lex - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By maliksul - December 5 - 5:43 am

  This is my 3rd Lex still own the the 2nd one which is a 2000 RX300, this is one big bad ride the v8 is nice and smooth and has a great growl, the Mark Levinson sound system (14 speakers) is outstanding, great suv overall.

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  Great luxury and value - 2006 Lexus ES 330
  By muister - December 5 - 3:00 am

  For the price of the car, you cannot find a more luxurious car. This is not a sporty car and please do not rate this car with that angle -- just as one should not compare apples and oranges. The interior is amazingly plush and beautiful; you cannot find it in the BMW 3 or 5 series, nor the E or C-class MB sedans. If you want sporty drive, take a look at the IS or the BMW. If you want ultra-luxury, try the LS or the MB S-class.

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  The SUV to buy - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By MARY TORRES - December 2 - 6:16 am

  I like the soft car like ride. Have problem with location of hazard lights, window opening ease. Should have side rails for shorter people ease of entry and exit.