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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  Pretty Good - 1997 Lexus ES 300
  By superflykhaeyo - December 23 - 2:58 am

  I prefer sports cars, but this vehicle was comfortable great styling (for a 1997), drove smooth for a 4 speed,great acceleration, handled well i was short-stopped at about 15mph and tapped a minivan and not a scratch on the sienna or my ES, my car later spun out on a flooded highway ramp at -20mph NO BODY DAMAGE but the rear wheel was bent to a 70degree angle. but this thing is a TANK

• 

  My new GS300 - 2003 Lexus GS 300
  By jerome - December 23 - 2:00 am

  Ive had nothing but problem after problem with this damn car. Its spent more time at the dealership than with me and the jackasses at Lexus wont even contend that the car may be a lemon. Waste of $$ and couldnt have asked for more horrible dealer service!!

• 

  IS 300 - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By E M - December 23 - 2:00 am

  Very fun to drive.

• 

  eh. - 2001 Lexus IS 300
  By tonytan12 - December 23 - 2:00 am

  its not anything like any bmw ever. The acceleration isnt that great for the 3000ccs of displacement. And for getting that bad of gas mileage, it should be faster. It does handle good, and the design is nice, but if you have the money, go with the bmw.

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  Poor Trade in Value - 2007 Lexus GX 470
  By Dana - December 21 - 3:26 pm

  Purchased my GX470 new in 2007. Very comfortable rise and fun to drive. Outstanding DVD and sound system. Multi-CD/DVD exchanger hard to reach. Arm rest on front seats are annoying as they keep locking in up positions. Poor gas MPG (18). Third row seating cramped. Worst complaint is depreciation value. Pd. $58,000+ new, 1 1/2 yrs later, trade in value is $27K - $31K. (27K - 31K lost in 1 1/2 yrs. Unbelievable!!)

• 

  nice ride, mdx has better nav/bluetooo - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By sf94123 - December 21 - 8:53 am

  its like driving a lincoln towncar on stilts. very comfortable for freeway driving. one complaint is that the navigation and bluetooth features dont work nearly as well or intuitively as the mdx we looked at. the manual for those isnt very good either.

• 

  A great luxury suv - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Tina - December 20 - 1:06 pm

  The RX330 has a quiet, comfortable ride. All the basic functions are at your fingertips. The navigation system is superb and an absolute must. The sound system (standard with navigation) is very enjoyable. There are many neat little features which add to the enjoyment of driving this vehicle.

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  LOVE MY LEXUS - 2007 Lexus RX 350
  By LOVE IT - December 20 - 12:13 pm

  Took Delivery at the end of February. My ONLY regret was not getting the Nav system w/back up camera (hubby still insists it wasnt necessary). I just enjoy driving this vehicle. Will probably buy it at the end of the lease. Surprised by the good service center. Routine work was done quickly, but they still loaned me a car for my convenience. When my mom lost her hearing aid, they took out the seats to search, and when they finished they told me there was no charge. I was shocked, and now my mom is planning to buy a car from them.

• 

  Probably my last Lexus - 2017 Lexus RX 350
  By Longtime Lexus Owner - December 20 - 11:52 am

  Been a Lexus owner since 2003. This one measure up in so many ways, but the noise, drone, and vibration though the pedals, steering wheel and center console are terrible. Lexus tells me thats the nature of this model. My Chevy truck is a dream to drive compared to this one.

• 

  I will buy another - 1999 Lexus ES 300
  By Kevin - December 20 - 10:56 am

  This car may not be the sportiest or fastest sedan to drive, but comfort and reliability are excellent. I cant wait to buy my next one but since this just keeps running with no problems, it may be awhile.