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:

• 

  RX 400h - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Jennifer Fenster - July 14 - 8:26 pm

  This is a really great car, I would recommend it to everyone, it is comfortable, sporty, fast, (when you need it) quiet, (so quiet I have forgotten to turn the engine off a couple of times). Definitely not a car for anyone who wants to save money on gas, the MPG is not great for a hybrid. I average around 24 MPG with mostly city driving. I bought a hybrid to help save the planet and to reduce our dependency on fossil fuels and I waited for an SUV style hybrid that was big enough to make it practical for my lifestyle. I am very happy with it except for the lousy gas mileage.

• 

  very happy lady - 1997 Lexus LS 400
  By lexusgirl01 - July 12 - 9:12 pm

  ok this is something very diffrent than i have ever have. I love how my car rides I just bought it a day ago I have been reading the reviews and been very pleased with what I have read. Anything i need to know please feel free to share with me, enjoy reading your commets.

• 

  My best driving experience ever - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By rbkencar - July 11 - 10:00 am

  Youd feel comfort, luxury and safety once you get on drivers seat. You sense youre surrounded by a solid, protective shield . . and that you are in for a smooth, powerful yet quiet ride. This was how I felt when I test drove the GX 47. (I rated it better compared to similar test drive with MB ML, 320 and 500). But back to my GX 470. The actual driving experience proved even more exhilirating. I have never felt so cool driving 400 miles each way ever. Why? Driving 70-75 mph was a breeze and accelerating to pass those semis was no sweat. The GX 490 is indeed my best driving experience ever.

• 

  Great car but watch out for snow - 2003 Lexus GS 300
  By kmm - July 11 - 10:00 am

  This is the 4th lexus that Ive owned and Ive had this one for over 3 years. Fun and responsive to drive in dry weather, but absolutely terrible in snow or ice. Traction control is useless and somewhat annoying. Interior is beautiful and comfortable, even on long rides. Would be a great car to own if you dont live in a place that gets snow.

• 

  Bullet Proof - 2009 Lexus ES 350
  By buzzy - July 9 - 9:10 am

  This car is unreal, its my third Es. You cant beat this car for the money, fuel econ. and re-sale... I am getting 23 mpg in the city... with that much hp what a well built car.

• 

  Watch That Dealer - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Janice - July 8 - 8:36 am

  Recently purchased 2005 Lexus 330, absolutely FABULOUS! Replacing brake pads and rotors because dealer pulled one over on me, but this car is my dream. One note: gas pedal seems a little sluggish, not sure if its the high heels or not. I couldnt decide what to replace my 11yr old Mazda with and decided to go with a total luxury vehicle that is reliable and gorgeous. Believe me, I did my homework. This car "rocks"!

• 

  Great vehicle, good value. - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By Ist time Lexus Owner - July 5 - 10:00 am

  Bought the GX after looking at the Cayenne and the BMW. Better deal for the money; quality is better. Ride is stiff over heavy bumps in the rear, but the ride and cabin quiet is typical Lexus excellent quality. Engine is adequate for the vehicle; interior appointments are high quality. The rear door looks goofy and is impractical, particularly when towing our trailer. Stereo is excellent, and the nav system is very well-designed and easy to use. I like the size of the shifter, but there should be more of a gate between D and 4. Overall its a great vehicle; great size, good power, great quality.

• 

  Got A Good One - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By scottb - July 5 - 10:00 am

  Worried about vibration problem, but test drive before taking delivery eliminated as an issue. First time Lexus buyer; currently own 2 BMWs. Almost bought X5, but quality issues steered me away. Glad I chose the GX470 - head and shoulders better than X5.

• 

  I made the right decision. - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By Julie C - July 5 - 10:00 am

  I love my GX. I reluctantly traded in my RX (which also was a great car) because I wanted a little larger vehicle. I am so glad I did. It drives like a dream. I highly recomend this vehicle.

• 

  Superb - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By Heathcliff - July 5 - 10:00 am

  Superb car, the best Ive ever owned. Great looking, fun to drive and its a Lexus. Beats BMW I sold to buy it by *miles*.