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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  Great all-around vehicle for Colorado! - 2000 Lexus LX 470
  By Kevin - March 20 - 9:03 am

  Driving across the country at least once a year with our two yellow labs, we have found the LX 470 to be a very comfortable, safe, and all-around great vehicle! Driving up Hwy 1 in CA was a blast, and I never have a problem getting around in some of the incredible snows we have here in Colorado - Ive pulled out numerous vehicles out of being stuck in ditches, etc., and even pulled an Nissan Xterra up a hill by my house from a standstill 1/3rd of the way up where a lot of people just park their cars at the bottom and hike their way up - ALL included in this display were VERY impressed - Ive even noticed a few of my neighbors (3 now) have gotten one since!

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  Great Vehicle - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Dean - March 19 - 3:33 pm

  This vehicle continues to feel the same as the day we took it off the dealer lot. Fit and finish is unapproachable. Build quality is very high and the vehicle is well thought- out from inception to execution.

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  Animal power - 2008 Lexus LX 570
  By highperformance - March 17 - 11:43 am

  I have put 10K miles in driving on my LX 570 in 3 months. This truck reaches its zone at 70+ miles an hour. Passing on two way rural roads at that speed, you have to watch it as it crosses 100 MPH in blink of an eye, feeling solidly stable, quiet and effortless at 120 MPH. I had to install a K40 radar because this truck loves to sneak up in speed. Although peppy, it is not geared for low speed torque but has plenty of headroom at high speed.

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  Awesome Ride! - 2014 Lexus ES 350
  By Gabe - March 17 - 11:00 am

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  Love the Lexus - 1998 Lexus GS 300
  By Mike - March 17 - 2:00 am

  Ive wanted a 98 GS since they first hit the road. I was holding out for a GS 400 to get the V8 and the better 0- 60 time, but decided that the GS300 had plenty of power for my needs. Ive had the car a year now and am very pleased. Knowing what I know now, I would have still made the purchase. The car is very reliable and the service dealer is fantastic. I wish the car got a few more miles per gallon around town than it does (about 17- 18). Also, its recommended that the GS use premium gas, which makes the $/mile higher. But hey, if I wanted low $/mile I would have gotten a Honda Civic or Toyota Matrix. Anyway, two thumbs up for the GS300.

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  Best - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By Percy - March 17 - 2:00 am

  A pleasure -- and a remarkable improvement over its predecessor, already a superb car. Amazingly quick in the ECT mode. How can this big a car move that fast? Responsive steering that lets you know about the raod surface. Wonderful suspension with the eurotuned version. Grand sound system (the Levinson).

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  First Impressions - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By GXDriver - March 17 - 2:00 am

  Great Luxary SUV for the price. Easily justifies the MSRP compared to much higher priced LX470. Drive comparable to luxary sedan (traded Mercedes Benz in for GX470), AWD feature with center locking differential makes it perfect in any driving condition. Lexus DVD based GPS Navigation system is way superior over MB.

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  Another Great SUV - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By Horsham GX470 - March 17 - 2:00 am

  After 4 years of my RX300, I decided to get the GX470. I love it! Silky, strong engine, smooth ride and great comfort! The navigation system is the best Ive seen. While I think the GX470 is fantastic, there are a few things Lexus should change: My RX300 has more cubbies/storage places! Seat warmer controls are too out of the way. Trip computer buttons should be on the steering wheel (they have two blank spots) instead of mid-dash where they are inconvenient. Major pet peeve -- the seat belt retractors are typical Lexus -- they dont retract well!

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  no traction and exploding tires - 2003 Lexus GS 300
  By Going back to Audi - March 17 - 2:00 am

  Tires (Goodyear) known to blow out-and did on me! Rear Drive=Poor traction pulling out on wet pavement and no traction on even a little snow. Nice car but poor gas mileage, and transmission bucks every once in a while.

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  No destination needed, just roads - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By Yoyogi1 - March 17 - 2:00 am

  Take this to a twisty mountain road, then you know why youll stay off the interstate whenever possible. the steering is fast but accurate. limited body rolls let you challenge each corner with confidence. Because of its extremely effective brakes, you get to explore the full potential of the engines wide and linear power band.