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:

• 

  Beware of 2004 Transmission - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By ces2 - November 5 - 2:00 am

  I purchased an ES330 based on the Lexus reputation. The transmission hesitates when changing gears. Lexus states the transmission is OK and there is nothing they can do about the hesitation in shifting gears. So much for Lexus quality.

• 

  2nd Timer - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By NORO - November 4 - 10:00 am

  This is my second RX300 and it just gets better. I leased a 1999 for 39 months and loved it, hated to give it up. So I leased a 2002 and love it even more. It feels more refined and just gets better and better. TRY ONE!!!!!

• 

  2001 Lexus LS 430 - 2001 Lexus LS 430
  By Les - November 3 - 9:03 pm

  Flawless reliability, after 5 years and 95000 miles not one repair issue. My only visit to the dealer was to have the Nav system re-programmed due to a satellite change (they sent me $50 for my trouble). It is still as solid and tight as the day I bought it, still not a hint of wind noise.

• 

  900 miles so far and no regrets - 2008 Lexus ES 350
  By Don - November 3 - 7:20 pm

  I never thought Id want a Lexus; then I drove an ES350 and it made me forget the competition. The ride is incredibly smooth but still very solid, not floaty. The car is very quiet. I like the standard radio; sound quality is fine for me. Definitely drive a few and drive for a while; I think the seats are very different without the Premium Plus package; w/o the PP package the lumbar support was just painful; PP seats with base extender feel very different; very comfortable for me. Gas mileage is impressive for a V6. Controls seem well placed. I like the power outlet in the glovebox; you plug your phone in to recharge it and use the bluetooth to make calls.

• 

  This Isnt A Sports Car...Its A Sporty Car with Great Mileage and Comfort - 2011 Lexus CT 200H
  By bondguy1 - November 2 - 11:23 am

  This car is different from most. It is a Lexus so the comfort is great inside as are the appointments. However, it isnt that cushy ride you get in a Lexus ES or LS....you DO feel the road more. The car is scary quiet. The seating position for the driver is excellent. I never feel like Im in a small car as the seat is very adjustable. Rear seat room, however, is what it is...good for three kids or maybe two adults. Cargo space in the rear is a little tight as well. Trips to Home Depot will be different than if you were in an SUV (but hey, you couldnt get nearly 50 MPG in an SUV either). The mileage is GREAT..better than what Lexus quotes.

• 

  Great Car! - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By LLabrepotsirhc7 - November 2 - 3:26 am

  The Lexus Rx400h is a great car. Nice interior, comfy seats and I love the power liftgate. The 4-month wait for us was worth it! It has a lot of power and is very fuel efficient. We love it and would recommend it any day. Toyota/Lexuss build quality and reliability is great! We look at all other Mid-Size Luxury SUVs and found this to be the best, and it is!

• 

  Lexus RX350 - 2011 Lexus RX 350
  By Kim Christensen - November 1 - 4:39 am

  Love this SUV

• 

  We Love it - 2007 Lexus RX 350
  By sender7 - October 31 - 2:53 pm

  Have had mine since Nov 2006. Absolutely love it! I would not hesitate to recommend to anybody. Most comfortable ride of any car I have owned. The only thing is, its so popular around here I see myself coming and going all day long!

• 

  A true Luxury Auto - 2004 Lexus LX 470
  By Caywood - October 31 - 10:00 am

  I looked and drove every SUV that was for sale. The LX470 was and is by far the top performance, easy to handle, comfortable,and beautiful auto I have ever owned. I was always a Mercedes person until I bought my Lexus. Wow what an Auto! If you have not Driven a Lexus you are missing an outstanding Car.

• 

  fantastic - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By pamelak - October 31 - 10:00 am

  this is a fun, fantastic car to own and drive.............................