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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  Lexus-Finally Mine! - 2001 Lexus GS 300
  By lhester - December 27 - 12:23 am

  This car has been a treasure to drive. Ive not had a bad time in it. The only downside is I couldnt afford the 8 cylinder GS430.

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  Give It a Serious Test Drive - 2012 Lexus CT 200H
  By gary7465 - December 25 - 4:10 am

  I know Im in the minority here, but Im very disapponted with this car. If youve never had a hybrid, give it a very serious test drive before you buy or lease. On the plus side, the MPG is excellent -- better than advertised -- and the front seats are very comfortable. The exterior of the car is very pretty. Overall, the car isnt as much a Lexus as it is a gift wrapped Prius. There are obvious trade offs with a hybrid, but the performance in Normal mode is tepid, at best. Theres better performance in Sport mode, but its annoying to have to toggle back and forth. The ride is harsh, the car is full of rattles, steering is jittery and the back seat is very cramped.

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  Better MPG than advertised - 2012 Lexus CT 200H
  By samborambo1 - December 24 - 2:09 pm

  I have had my CT for about 3 week now and I have only driven less than a 1000 miles. I have fueled up the car twice. Both times, I calculated the mpg based on the trip miles divided by the number of gallons pumped in. Both times I was able to achieve between 49 and 50 miles per gallon. This is definitely above the mpg on the sticker. There are plethora of CT drivers that are getting below 40mpg while some are getting over 50mpg. It all depends on how you drive the car. It will NOT out run any car on the road if you want good mpg. So be prepared to pull to the right, slowly get up to speed, and let the traffic pass you by. Im ok with that. If you are too, then the CT is for you.

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  Near Luxury Near Perfect Car - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Fireice - December 24 - 2:00 am

  Whatever reasonings behind your purchasing decision, you wont regret. A very comfortable car with great workmanship. Well done Lexus.

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  My GS300 - 2000 Lexus GS 300
  By Yellow Rock - December 23 - 10:00 am

  Great luxury car for the money. I work at a Mercedes Benz dealer and knows the comparisons between the GS and E-class. I purchased the Lexus because its comfort, value and reliability. And with my time and schedule, I dont have time to return to the dealer to have it worked on every month (even though I work at one). By far, the Lexus is a great buy. Very luxurious.

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  2002 lexus 430 - 2002 Lexus LS 430
  By jeff novak - December 23 - 10:00 am

  the quality and workmanship are supurb and the ride and handling beyond belief the technology rivals anything on the road today

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  A Baby LS 430 - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By bobl - December 23 - 10:00 am

  Best car I ever owned and it just seems to be getting better each day.

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  A fine family hauler - 2008 Lexus RX 350
  By DadMan - December 22 - 3:30 am

  Walking up to it is its own reward. Having the steering wheel slide out of the way when removing the key makes getting in and out all the easier. Put in the key and the seat, outside mirrors and steering wheel move back to one of two memorized locations. That first five seconds alone make the RX 350 better than my other rides. The all-wheel-drive keeps the tires locked to the pavement as the "killer corssover" eagerly accelerates under a heavy foot. With a minivan ride / height, you are not going to rail any corners. If you try, a bunch of gizmos conspire to take the spirit out of the drive. I suppose thats better than just flipping over but thats why it gets a 7 for performance.

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  True Luxury Sport Sedan - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By John M - December 21 - 4:23 pm

  Consistent, reliable, fun to drive. Manual shift requires open space to unwind. Eats mountain and coastal roads for dessert.

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  Lexus GX470 - 2006 Lexus GX 470
  By Dave - December 21 - 12:13 am

  Traded a 2001 Sequoia for the GX. Need something to tow a 5200 boat & trailer, and the GX470 does the job with ease. This vehicle might be pretty, but its a real truck. Even though the Toyo and Lexus both have the same 4.7 liter V-8, the horsepower and torque upgrade in 2005 is very noticeable. It pulls like a beast. Love the backup camera, I can put the hitch ball right under the trailer coupler without looking over my shoulder.