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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  As comfortable as sitting in your living room. - 2015 Lexus RX 350
  By Barbara Crawford - January 13 - 9:40 pm

  This is a very roomy and classy car. However, if you are looking for a sporty handling SUV, go with the BMW X3. I know my Lexus will be a reliable car and will last for many years, but I do miss the performance of my BMWX3. Also the Lexus does not require Premium gasoline, so I will save money over the BMW on gas and maintenance costs. Maintenance on the BMW was costly. I dont think this will happen with the Lexus. Time will tell.

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  Great SUV - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Celsa - January 13 - 5:26 pm

  The driving experience is great. The SUV drives and handles like a car, a very comfortable one. Starting up the SUV takes some time getting used to since there no engine noise when turning the key in the ignition. The gas mileage is not quite as advertised but you still get decent gas milage for an SUV with a powerful engine. Even though we bought the model without the navigational system, the SUV comes loaded with a great amount of amenities that make this a great vehicle to own.

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  A white collar prius - 2017 Lexus CT 200H
  By Seth Stewart - January 12 - 2:58 pm

  I bought this car as a second owner with a very deep discount. It had 30,000 miles on it and was in excellent condition. I have the 2012 f sport. I chose it because I did my research. A large portion of taxi cab drivers in New York City drive the Toyota Prius. They can take a beating and are very reliable. They also get incredible gas mileage. But in my own opinion the prius is very ugly. Then steps in the Lexus ct200h; the priuss cousin that won prom king and took home the best looking girl on the cheer leading team. Dont get me wrong, there are some definite trade offs between the two. You have the same power train and reliability. You dont get the same gas mileage but it is still darn good. The acceleration isnt that good. But I can drive out windy country roads going 70mph driving with my pinky finger. It stays flat in turns with no body roll. The suspension is very stiff and sporty but comes with a draw back NEVER HIT POT HOLES. It will literally rattle your fillings out. You can feel every single nick, crack, chip, whatever i the road. It is the equivalent of wearing those silly shoes with the individual toes. My wife hates this and I love it. Oh I bought this car when I was single and didnt have any kids. I wouldnt recommend this for people who are planning on having kids. It is possible but car seats are very difficult to fit. I mean you cannot be a tall person and fit a childs car seat in the rear facing position. I like it because of the handling, the economy, the comfort, the reliability, the looks, and the ease of driving. It is stupid easy to operate, just dont curb those f sport rims. Oh and change your fluids like you care about you car. I changed the transmission fluid the instant I got the car. There is this misconception that people dont need to change their transmission fluid EVER. That advice is only for KIA drivers. Everybody acts like this car cant drive on the interstate. Dont listen to them. Ive gone across the country with the car full of adults. Just take it out of ECO mode so the car can breath a little. As far as space goes, my wife does caterings and uses my car, she lays the seats down and can do caterings for a 100 people or so. If acceleration is a big deal breaker go buy a Tesla. If you cant afford it do what I did.

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  Best SUV Ive EVER Owned - 2008 Lexus LX 570
  By JB in OC - January 12 - 10:06 am

  I started with a 4Runner in 1999 and was sold on Toyota quality. Later traded in for a GX470 and loved it even more due to the move to a V8 which the 4Runner then didnt offer. Left Toyota for a GMC Denali, too big and poorly crafted, but looked great on 24"s. Bought wife a MB GL470 and love it, and thought of buying another for myself until I found out the LX570 was available. By far the best thing out there. The Range Rover is close, but the quality and ride outshine the RR all day. The RR gets you Valet credits here in the OC, but the car is for me, not them...and the LX570 does not ever dissapoint. Power 3rd row was a very nice improvement. Air suspension and towing is top notch!!!

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  My First Lexus - 2001 Lexus ES 300
  By Steve Parker - January 12 - 6:53 am

  I bought this car used (56000 miles) because I thought it to be stunningly beautiful. I still have it because it is completely reliable, economical (especially on trips) and very inexpensive to maintain. I drive my wife and myself to college football games 300 miles away and cover the ground from the coast of Virginia to the mountains with no effort at all. This car is totally comfortable, quiet and unstressed. The sound system is excellent and we always arrive at our destination relaxed. It starts and goes effortlessly, every time. It does like 93 octane BP gas, which it gets exclusively as well as synthetic blend oil, which is changed every 5000 miles. The cabin filter is a big help.

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  Awesome vehicle - 2008 Lexus ES 350
  By Geep1on1 - January 12 - 12:00 am

  This of course is a rollover year for ES 350. I didnt really notice the new mirrors, but I did notice the improved interior lighting. Anyone that compares this car to a Camry needs to drive them both head to head. From the moment you get in the ES 350, you know that you are in a luxury car. I have owned 5 series BMW, Infiniti Q45 and I enjoy driving this car more. I have read that people are complaining of throttle lag and indeed when I drove my friends 2007 ES 350 I noticed some lag. He used regular gasoline in his vehicle. With premium fuel I do not notice any lag. Mine is an 08, but I suspect the issue is type of fuel.

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  IS 300 5spd - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By ProfessorP - January 10 - 10:36 am

  Bought new in spring 03 & still love to drive it. Flawless reliability. Has 80K+ miles, but feels & looks new. Replaced two sets of tires & one set of brake pads. A blast to drive. Sold my SC 400 6 mos after buying this car, because I never drove the SC anymore. Handles better than most sports cars, turn-in is crisp and fast, steering is not overboosted. Could use a bit less body roll in stock form. Swapped in Eibach springs and handling is noticably improved. Power from the inline 6 is smooth & the sound of the engine is a wonderful purr. Interior layout is perfect, fits like a good racing glove. A true drivers car. I also enjoy the fine Nav System w/easy to use controls at my fingertips.

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  RX330 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By DKOCH - January 10 - 10:00 am

  The Lexus handles extremely well and has great visibility. The interior is well designed and everything is easy to access.

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  Satisfied! - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Treasa - January 10 - 2:06 am

  I am absolutely satisfied with this car. First of all, it is a great looking car - definitely a head turner. It is sporty with soft touches. The chrome wheels and door handles really works well together. The fit inside is impressive also. The keyless entry and startup is amazing. The GPS system with the backup camera and tilt down mirrors are great features when the car is in reverse. I personally like the lighting inside of the car - the recess lights are really cool. The automatic rain sensor wipers works exceptionally well. The ride and handling is a wonderful experience. I want to say "umm" each time I drive it.

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  Good Car! - 2010 Lexus HS 250H
  By Jack C. - January 9 - 3:13 pm

  It is extremely comfortable, and I especially like to air conditioned seats and the entire AC system in general as I live in Florida.The car is quiet although having had a BMW previously I would not call it Fun to Drive. I am getting between 37 and 39 MPG have had no problems to date, and feel I made an excellent purchase. Car is roomy, well appointed and receives numerous favorable comments. Try it I think youll like it.