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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  the best car I have ever owned - 1996 Lexus ES 300
  By Luvmylexus - September 12 - 6:06 am

  I bought this car used in oct of 2004-- I have had the timing belt done and there was an oil leak in the engine which I had repaired---and a cv boot- the past owner never did any up keep-- oil was filthy etc---but now I couldnt be happier--I drive many miles and in fact have already put 14,000 on this car in three months. I t goes great in the snow too. The acceleration is awesome and I am thrilled to own this car. I will never ever own anything but a Lexus again in my life. I am 59 and have owned a lot of cars. The only one I loved this much was my 1969 GTO. Oh I hate the cup holder but minor detail.

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  Runs like new at 120K - 1997 Lexus ES 300
  By Scott - September 11 - 4:40 pm

  I bought the 97 lexus ES 300 with 120,000 miles on it. I was a little afraid of buying a car with so many miles, but after driving it for a week, I couldnt be happier. Its hard to believe, but the car runs like new. Previous owner garaged it. Today a guy actually asked me if it is a brand new car! It runs extremely smooth. I just came back from a 800 mile trip and it averaged 28.4 miles/gal.

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  Head turning traffic stopper - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By Hyflyer - September 11 - 10:00 am

  When we purchased the sc430 we had to almost wrestle another couple for the keys . People beg for rides,whistle often and generaly thumbs up this curvaciously styled auto. It is a Fine car, well built, solid and QUIET; that does everyday driving with a graciousness, good manners and slippery fast acceleration. We fabricate excuses to take the car for a ride-this one is a keeper .

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  Lexus Never Disappoints! - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By KarXPert - September 10 - 3:43 pm

  We have owned top of the line Lexuss and loved all of them especially the LS Sedan and the LX SUV. They have been a joy to have and will recommend to anyone!!!

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  ES 350 - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By John - September 9 - 5:16 pm

  My car is an 11/06 build w/o Nav. This car is very smooth and comfortable, a solid and quality build. It takes a second or two for the car to accelerate after I mash down on the pedal, but after I learned the cars quirks I have found it to be responsive. I havent experienced any of the transmission issues of earlier models; however, I have discovered a definitive wind noise which emanates on the driver’s side window between the A-pillar and the middle of the door. I have taken the car back to the dealership to investigate the problem but so far no luck in solving it. I am afraid that this is a design/engineering issue rather than a build issue. Great exterior styling and interior design.

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  Best In Class - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Chris - September 9 - 8:23 am

  My wife was in the market for something special for her upcoming graduation gift - we had not considered the ES 330. Our focus was the RX 330, but when she saw the ES 330 and drove it, she was in love. This is the most refined car money can buy for under $40k. Everything about it screams quality: The paint, body lines/fit, interior trim, and driving experience. If you want a sports car, look elswhere; if you want a luxury car without having to consider a plethora of options (hint: try to build a comparable BMW 3-series and see where the price ends), look no further.

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  1999 Lexus ES 300 4 Dr Std Sedan - 1999 Lexus ES 300
  By Steve - September 7 - 10:06 pm

  I bought the car used about a year ago because I had great luck with my 1994 Toyota Camry, 350,000 Miles before the engine quit. Unfortunately the engine is not even close to reliable as the Camry. I have spent over $2500 on repairs. Oxgen Sensors, 1 Coil, 1 Mass Air Flow Sensor, 2 VVT Actuators,2 Knock Sensors, Cam Seals. I consider myself a good mechanic and was not as concerned when I purchased the car. Edmunds dead correct when they say this engine is a problem and the parts are very costly. I read that Coils, VVT Actuators, MAF, including the transmisson are an issue and should have listened. Also the LCD displays go out. If you must go to the dealer it is $200.00 diagnostic and $$

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  A Superb Car - 2006 Lexus LS 430
  By John - September 6 - 6:20 pm

  I shopped for quite a while for a used, mint shape LS 430 and found one in Florida (a 2006) with only 5K miles and the Ultra Luxury package. It is an incredibly comfortable car which pampers everyone inside. It is a fabulous "trip car" and I enjoy the laser cruise feature on the highway. The back seat goodies on the Ultra (massaging seats, special rear AC, reclining seats, radio controls) are very popular with my passengers. Everything about this car is impressive to me and far better than any other car Ive ever owned.

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  Very nice car - 2007 Lexus LS 460
  By Santino Gino - September 6 - 12:20 am

  Great car, very smooth and a super soft drive. Scary how it can put you to sleep. I do like this car a lot, it was my 2nd choice. I really wanted the Mercedes Benz S Class, but this car was $20k cheaper.

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  What I expected - 2006 Lexus GX 470
  By FerrariDad - September 5 - 9:40 am

  Wed owned an LX 470 for 5 years before trading on the GX. The flawless quality of the product brought us back. Where you notice the smaller size from the LX is in the back seat and to a lesser extent, the cargo area. Its not quite as quiet at the LX, but close. Slightly more powerful engine than our 01 LX and much lighter makes it a great performer.