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:

• 

  Problems - 2006 Lexus RX 330
  By retired - February 28 - 10:40 am

  15 mos in service. At 25k miles, a/c clutch and hub replaced, power steering unit replaced, steering shaft "U" bolt replaced (to stop grinding sound), with tires rotated and checked for wear the Goodyears became noisy @ 25k miles and wore unevenly, tire rep said they usually give 25-27k miles service! Replacements are expensive as "performance" tires are mandatory. New Michelins are doing just fine. Numerous rattles were finally fixed after many miles of aggravation. Key areas failed not the "toys". Limited number of dealerships is a minus.

• 

  As solid as a Mercedes E-350 - 2015 Lexus RX 350
  By george166 - February 24 - 8:50 am

  After owning three E-350s, a 2000, 2006 and a 2010, I traded my 2010 in August for the RX350 because I needed more trunk space. I was hesitant at first but now I am not disappointed with the RX. The high speed maneuvers however are not like the Mercedes, as expected of course. The quality of the RX is as good as the Mercedes and the ride is much smoother. The steering feel of the RX is better and the body leans less than the Mercedes. The RXs leather seats are more comfortable and luxurius, very much like an S Class Mercedes. Overall, the RX is quiet, luxurious and easy to handle.

• 

  Great Crossover SUV - 2003 Lexus RX 300
  By MrElussive - February 24 - 2:00 am

  This SUV is extremely easy to drive. The ride is extremely smooth, and this car is just loaded with luxury. The AWD system is excellent in the snow and the car has a really solid feel overall.

• 

  Navigation Audio - 2010 Lexus ES 350
  By 12voltman - February 23 - 7:40 am

  1200 miles is not enough for an accurate rating, but a couple of items really irk me. First being the destination cannot be changed while driving unless you pull over or call the enform service that will COST you $250 bucks after the first year. Second is the audio. Lexus says for safety reasons you are blocked out of scrolling for artist on the IPOD, USB and CDs. However can you can scroll tracks, select from over 200 satellite channels and have full use of a Blue tooth capable portable player. Whats that all about? It should be all or nothing. And if it is nothing they will be at a competitive disadvantage. Lexus needs to have a consumer focus group on this one.

• 

  Surprised - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By dick in naples - February 6 - 4:00 pm

  Have had my third Lexus in 6 yrs. I have buyers remorse on my new rx. The power ports are in a terrible location. The nav system is no better than my old tom tom portable. The features are not available when driving. Unlike other luxury cars, one has to pull off the road to execute the most used menus. The power ports are not hot when the iginition is off. There is no storage for the privacy cover. Radio, ac and vent selections have been removed from the dash. I think I liked my 04 rx better.

• 

  Not perfect yet - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By april - February 2 - 9:16 am

  This is a great car but I have four things that if changed would make it perfect! First, when entering I have to duck (I am 56") my head a little and it bothers my neck sometimes. Second, the second row seats dont fold flat and I have bulldogs that like to be level. Third, the back window is so slanted that the sun beats down and melts my groceries and overheats my dogs. And finally, I HATE the console with the push button open close system. My dogs step on it and fall in the console all the time. I would much prefer a large console with a padded hinged lift top. That would eliminate the fold down arm rests which I find a nuisance.

• 

  Expected Better - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By mev - February 1 - 2:00 am

  As an owner of 4 previous Lexusand my first SUV Lexus I am quite suprrised what a quiet ride this SUV has. I purchased this vehicle with every available option. I enjoy driving it but I am disappointed with the braking system. I ocasionally tow Jet skis with this vehicle and I am disappointed with the performance while towing the skis and braking is very disappointing with towing the skis. Brakes fade terribly when traveling highway speed and having to stop more quickly than the norm.

• 

  Incredible Car with roof rattles - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By Chartist10 - January 29 - 2:00 am

  This car is so fun and special to drive and everyone is looking at you. Ultimate in luxury. The car, however, suffers from roof liner rattles. The top, itself, is solid. The interior liner of the top, however, is an engineering disaster. The roof liner is a separate piece from the side liners, therefore, as they rub against each other, you get rattles. Believe me, this is a problem that needs to be addressed by Lexus. The "fit" lexus designers must have been absent when this liner was created. However, the car is so special that one can overlook this. Just play that incredible sound system at a resonable level and all will be well!

• 

  More Reliable than Mercedes - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By Dr JSG - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I traded a 2000 E430 that was a disaster. What I like about this car is that is drives comfortable. The ride is smooth and appears well made. it lacks pep. Another 50 hours would be nice. Transmission should be more smooth. Less roll on turns would be nice. The dealer is obsessed with outstanding service! The do things right!

• 

  The perfect Mix - 2001 Lexus IS 300
  By acumenhokie - January 22 - 8:00 am

  I bought my IS 300 in June and have been driving it as my daily driver for 7 months now. So far the car has lived up to or exceeded all of my expectations. Its not going to out perform some of the new sports cars (G35, 330, etc.) but the IS 300 has what a lot of those cars lack. The Lexus name. Not saying I drive a Lexus Im better than you but the Lexus name that says this car was quality built, reasonably priced and fun to drive. The 2JZ-GE engine is under powered compared to a lot of todays sports sedans but it is easily modified to be an unstoppable street machine. I highly recommend this car. You will not be disappointed.