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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  2008 Lexus Rx400h Review - 2008 Lexus RX 400H
  By cduluk - May 11 - 1:36 am

  Purchased a used 2008 Rx400h AWD a few weeks ago with about 40k miles. I had a 2003 Lexus Rx300 which was nice, but I needed an upgrade. The Rx400h is definitely an upgrade as it has many nice features. The 0-60 time of ~7 sec is very good for a v6 SUV, and the acceleration is very quick. My only complaints are the lack in seat comfort and lack of advertised gas mileage. Im getting around 23mpg combined vs the 30 as advertised. Also the fact that the car doesnt have the new "smart key" feature as the rest of the 08 Lexus lineup has. But other than that, i am very satisfied!

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  Excellent Car - 2007 Lexus LS 460
  By garyr - May 9 - 12:23 pm

  Came from a BMW 750il. I have the L model with the touring package that has larger brakes, calipers and rotors, 19" wheels and 3 way air ride. This car exceeds my BMW in every class. I think this car is the best of both worlds with performance, luxury, technology and reliability. I fell in love with this car as soon as I sat in it. It fits you perfectly and is everything my BMW is not when optioned right. Ive owned 2 generations of sevens over the years.

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  Great car - 2000 Lexus RX 300
  By Liz - May 9 - 1:46 am

  This is a great little car. It handles the road well and is very comfortable. The only problem I have with it is the terrible turning radius and the small gas tank has to be filled up often twice a week.

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  Slightly Disappointed but Good Overall - 2011 Lexus RX 350
  By kpetree - May 8 - 6:23 pm

  I previously owned a 2004 RX330 and I wish Id have kept it. The older Lexus models felt to have some personality, these new ones dont, theyre like appliances. The RX is a nice place to be however, its one of the most comfortable riding cars Ive ever been in. But thats not enough to make up for its shortfalls.

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  New Lexus - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By BabyBlue - May 8 - 11:20 am

  An Excellent car but not without shortcomings. Mileage should be better on the highway. Great ride and comfort. The pillars limit visability so must be extra cautious in reverse. Quiet. Soft (loose) steering but not bad for a car this heavy. Car designed for comfort not performance or economy.

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  Good commuting vehicle - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Brad - May 8 - 12:05 am

  On the highway this is a great riding car and has been very dependable. My only complaint is that the transmission is very jerky. It always hesitates when you accelerate. I read the same complaint from others before I purchased it used in 2015 and find it to be annoying.

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  Transmission, brakes, tires and rattles - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By mike - May 6 - 7:56 pm

  I have had transmission problems from the beginning and at every 5000 mile check I have complained to the dealer. No help from them. Brakes are bad and two separate rattles have developed, one in the dash and one when the moon roof is open. The brakes are bad at 23,000 miles as are the tires which I am told need replacing.

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  SPORT EDITION SPORTS SADDLE - 2003 Lexus GS 300
  By JoeMar - May 6 - 10:00 am

  Best balance of value, luxury and reliability in this class. Not as arrogant as the BMW nor as costly as the MB. We just got ours but it is impressive to us already. GS300, Sport Edition, Black with Saddle Leather perforated. Did not get ML audio or NAV.

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  Road warrior - 2015 Lexus ES 350
  By Mr T - May 5 - 4:12 am

  MPG while on the road was surprising. We got well over the 30 MPG it is said to get. This vehicle is listed as a 2017 when in fact it is a 2015,

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  SUPERB VALUE - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By ai4floors - May 5 - 3:06 am

  test drove mercedes, bmw - pound for pound, dollar for dollar, no comparison. if you like to feel the road while driving this is not the car for you. its like driving on air.