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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  praise is deserved - 2007 Lexus RX 350
  By Larry Nix - October 17 - 1:35 am

  this car has been flawless in all categories. without hesitation, I know this car has been flawless, except for the cup holder near the drivers door. it needs repair. but truly 30 ounce smoothies do not fit a cup holder in anything thats called a car.

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  best choice I ever made - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By thomas battle - October 16 - 3:30 pm

  Best vehicle I have ever owned.

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  It grows on you... big time - 2014 Lexus CT 200H
  By gregb72 - October 16 - 2:37 am

  Ive never driven a hybrid before, but have owned a lexus before. In my previous 2008 IS250, if you touch the gas, it jumps. Quick off the line. But I also got 20 mpg. You dont buy a CT200h for power. This car eases into speed from a stop. Hence the excellent gas mileage. What no critic that Ive read has revealed or maybe didnt notice, is that once you get up to speed, even 30-40 mph, especially in "sport" mode, the car responds and accelerates SURPRISINGLY well. As well as my old 200 hp IS250. If I need to pass a car on the highway, and go from 50 to 65, this car moves well. It feels more like 200hp when youre accelerating at speed. Not to mention the comfort and handling. A+

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  My first Lexus - 2008 Lexus ES 350
  By Roger - October 15 - 3:00 am

  I was concerned about spending the extra money to get the Lexus ES 350. However after owning one for several months I love the car. I looked at the Acura TL, MB C300, and Infiniti G35, before deciding on the ES 350. The car is very quite and smooth riding with plenty of power. The other day I got on the interstate and before I noticed, I was doing 90; with the ride and low road noise I didnt notice the speed. All the feature are easy to access and use. The car has plenty of room for 4 adults.

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  Great Upscale Hybrid - 2012 Lexus CT 200H
  By blackmambo - October 15 - 2:19 am

  My wife and I were looking to get a more efficient vehicle since most of our driving is within 5 miles of our house. We quickly found out in our research that the CT 200h ticked every box on our list: gas mileage, looks, build quality, reliability, comfort, and gadgets. For around $36,000 fully loaded, its actually priced very reasonably considering its from a luxury brand. Most reviews knock the car for its performance, which is odd since this is a hybrid. I was actually surprised to find power more than adequate for going up hills and merging. Handling is where this car shines - steering is tight and the car is very fun to drive. Rear seats are a bit tight but they are comfortable.

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  Review of Lexux 2003 GX 470 - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By Geno Vanelli - October 15 - 2:00 am

  Excellent all the way around. Test drove every other competitor. including Avaitor, Sequoia, Escalade, Yukon, MDX, Mercedes, BMW & Volvo. Lexux wins hands down. Comfort, luxury, fit & finish, and most importantly, my wife loves it! She loves the drivers visibility, and the fact that it drives like a car. I can change the setting to "sport" ride, and enjoy driving it my way too. What a great compromise. She hated the clunkiness of the Escalade & Yukon, and loves the smooth shifting & total confidence of the safethy features & driveability. We will treasure this vehicle for years to come. Finally, an SUV we both love.

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  gs 300 w gps - 2002 Lexus GS 300
  By absinvestor - October 15 - 2:00 am

  I am a realtor and gps saves time and clients love it. Couldnt live without it!!!

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  It doesnt get much better than this! - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By Michael Saint John - October 15 - 2:00 am

  It is like driving a Lear Jet! The room goes down in seconds much to the amazement of all around me. When I come out from wherever Ive been theres usually someone(s) around the car. Lexus has hit a homerun with this car!

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  bucket o fun - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By smarty@philly - October 12 - 2:00 am

  Sporty yet not punishing to drive, in fact is quite comfortable. All interior features are simple to use and intuitive, without a cluttered look. Great performance as a sport coupe, not a sports car. Great reliability and terrific dealer network.

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  BEST Buy!! 2006 RX330 AWD - 2006 Lexus RX 330
  By Lis Lex - October 10 - 5:13 pm

  This is my first Lexus, but not my first SUV. There is no comparison. I fell in love with my best friends 03 Lexus RX 300. I did my research using the Auto Consumers Buyers Guide and found that the RX 330 AWD was the best buy for this vehicle class. The RX 330 was rated number one for price as well as best drive and comfort for luxury SUVs. I am happy with my recent purchase. I love to drive my RX 330 on the open highway. This SUV is sleek and demands attention because of its shape. It is classy and smart.