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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  Best Value in a Luxury Car - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Starbowl - February 13 - 2:33 pm

  Overall, the best car I have ever owned. Attention to detail is second to none.

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  Topless Heaven - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By lithargic - February 9 - 2:00 am

  Driving the SC430 is like being in topless heaven. It is impossible to drive this car without having people stop to look it over from top to bottom. The convertible hard top goes up and down quickly and reliably and, when the top is up, it drives a quietly as any hardtop. But with the top down it is a blast to drive! I traded a Mercedes SL500 for this car and I will never go back. The Lexus is better built, better looking, and costs thousands less.

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  Excellent Choice - 1995 Lexus LS 400
  By RXR - February 8 - 10:00 am

  All cars should be built as well as a Lexus. Obviously auto makers can build a top qaulity car but apparently choose not to unless your willing to pay for top dollar. Solution! A used Lexus! This has been an excellent car and mine still runs smooth, quiet, and fast even for having over a 100,000 miles on it. 7 years old and it still turns heads and looks great. This car is an excellent choice even as a used model.

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  Love the ES 300 - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By asmithba - February 8 - 10:00 am

  I have taken my Lexus ES 300 on two ling trips now, and can say only one thing. Love the ES 300.

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  Expedition Downsizing - 2016 Lexus GX 460
  By Ron - February 8 - 5:15 am

  We have been a Ford Expedition family for years and they served us well hauling boats, kids to sporting events, vacations, moving, weddings etc. We were looking for a new expedition and noticed that the power options were limited to 6cyl eco boost. Apparently Ford decided to do away with 5.4 V8. Too bad. We looked at all of the other domestic Suvs and nothing really hit us. By chance we stopped into the Lexus dealership and noticed the GX460.Granted its not as big as the Expedition but the kids are all married. The ride is firm solid yet refined and in, many ways better that my exp. Fit n finish is excellent . The overall driving experience is second to none. Acceleration is strong and reliable.We still tow the Whaler and it does it with ease and I have no regrets. After 1000miles we re getting 21.8mpg combined while getting 23 highway. We have not seen or experienced the concerns/issues of prior reviewers. Its an excellent Truck!

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  Great - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By Roger108 - February 7 - 4:16 am

  The vehicle is the best! I recommend it to anyone who is looking for a comfortable ride in a SUV. THe interior and exterior are very nice!

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  Love my Lexus - 2007 Lexus LS 460
  By 2007 Lexus LS 460 L - February 6 - 2:13 am

  This car sets the standards. Definitely the King of the road.

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  Step up - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By psl - February 4 - 10:00 am

  The car is fun to drive, extemely quiet and very comfortable for long trips. I have put over 20,000 miles on mine since Dec. 1 and enjoyed every mile. Service has been outstanding. I was blasted by a sanding truck over the winter and when I went in for service they offered to repaint the front end at thier expense... I guesss thats one reason to buy a luxury car!

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  2004 RX330 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By guywsapp - February 4 - 10:00 am

  I previously owned an RX300. I liked it enough that I traded for the RX330. The 330 has a tighter turning radius and is much steadier on interstate driving (no darting about) The additional power is very evident. The interior is really about the same. At this point I would move into another RX when a new design is brought out. I do like my RX.

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  6 months on the road 400RH - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By RX400 H fan - February 3 - 2:50 am

  I average 28 mph with about 60% highway driving compared to 17 - 18 mph with my 2001 RX 300. Moves well in highspeed traffic on the beltway and in heavy traffic.