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:

• 

  Best Entry Level Luxury Car! - 1998 Lexus ES 300
  By Stone - February 16 - 8:20 pm

  I bought it with 39k miles, now its 55k. Still looks and feels like new car. I think ES 300 is the most reliable used car you can buy. For 2 years of ownership, all I did was Oil Change. Car is still like one I bought 2 years ago. I strongly recommend this car to anyone who wants to buy a used car.

• 

  3 years experience - disappointing - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By kc - February 16 - 6:10 pm

  Ladies SUV; my wife was attracted to it by appearance; acceleration OK but tires (all 4 of them) wore out sooner than youd expect. Trims fell off even though parked in garage most of the time. Transmission jerks even when air conditioner is off. Dealer couldnt do anything and explained as normal - give me a break. Several recalls already.

• 

  This Car Is Sweet - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By KDDIS300 - February 16 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car after much research. Looked at Tl Type-s, Infinity G35, I35, but once I got in the IS300 I was sold. The styling (inside and out) is WAY cooler that all others. This car has an amazingly smooth and powerful engine, even seems more powerful than the G35....(maybe its the electronic trottle.) The traction is AWESOME. It handles the corners with no body roll at all. This car is extremly fun to drive. Get one.

• 

  Small nitpicks in a near-perfect car - 2008 Lexus ES 350
  By channing - February 15 - 2:40 am

  Bought it over the Lunar New Year, got everything except Ultra Luxury package. Drives like it should. Have yet to take twisties but the car should be able to hold its own despite not being a sports sedan. Otherwise, wonderfully smooth and quiet--and fast! A few chinks in its armor of perfection: despite the stylish profile, the roofline is low as a result. I am just under 61" and I cannot sport an explosively spiky hairstyle in this car (I love contradictions). The glove compartment is unlit, which can be an annoyance at night.

• 

  Died at 82,000 - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By S. Miller - February 14 - 6:40 pm

  Bought the RX 300 certified pre-owned with 42,000 miles. Loved the vehicle until it died at 82,000 miles. Temp gauge showed cold, but engine overheated and locked up on I-80 in Gary, IN. It was 2 weeks past the warranty. After a $200 tow charge, we were told the engine needed replaced for $10,500. Lexus gave us the engine, but it still cost $3,000 in labor. Lexus offered no explanation as to cause, and declined further help. The dealership was wonderful, however. We have also had chronic problems with dash lights. We thought Lexus was bulletproof. We wont buy another one.

• 

  so glad I bought it - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By oakland_dad - February 13 - 9:30 am

  I bought the SC 430 used from the dealer. The car runs great, is comfortable and enjoyable and never breaks down. Tires are expensive though.

• 

  Love it. - 2016 Lexus NX 200t
  By Tiana - February 12 - 8:55 am

• 

  Lexus GX 470 - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By MC Chapman - February 12 - 8:20 am

  Traded in 2003 Range Rover due to really lousy mileage and high test gas requirement; the GX 470 rides like a baby carriage, takes regular gas and is excellent on milage. It is comfortable, easy to drive and very user friendly. Additionally, its spacious cabin and top notch appointments make long hauls a delight. Its ability to "kneel" for exiting of back seat passsengers is a real plus for kids and oldsters, alike. The NAV system and the Blue Tooth capability and voice command ability really puts it ahead of any other SUV I test drove, and the reverse camera is something every car should have! The "dipping" sideview mirrors in Reverse are also very useful.

• 

  It really is this good - 2008 Lexus GX 470
  By GX Fans - February 12 - 2:13 am

  After driving a Durango for many years, we wanted something a little nicer but still powerful enough to keep up our active outdoor lifestyle. We were looking at the Sequioa, but decided that for a little more the GX had all that we wanted and more. This is a great deal. The vehicle performed on a recent road trip under conditions ranging from 110 degrees to below 32 without any issues. It handled on ice, snow, mud, dirt, rock and pavement better than expected. Performance is unbelieveable when you accelerate. It tows like a truck and the engine doesnt even balk. Sometimes it is easy to forget that you arent driving a luxury sedan. The only close competition is the Mercedes GL class.

• 

  Ive had problems - 2000 Lexus GS 300
  By kolo - February 11 - 10:00 am

  The GS300 is not the best-but good. For the price I expected more luxury.. treated well at the dealer is nice. I have ongoing problems with my 1 touch pwr driver wind closing half way,a noisy sunroof visor(closed), the LCD display on the AM/FM/CD comes in only half way(a 5 looks like a 0) I am told these are common. Annoying for what I paid! 33K used Driven several times from Seattle to the Bay&LA and have 82K miles. The struts/rods need to be replaced @ $800 and the belt is wearing out prematurly. TheLexus is a solid car, but has not been trouble free for me. -concider the newer GS 01 and above Gas milage and premium gas runs me $39.00 every 5-6 day