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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  Terriblly uncomfortable seats - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By Laura G - April 24 - 6:50 pm

  I picked the new RX trying to get better fuel economy and for more comfort for passengers. The fuel economy is just ok. Highway I am getting 24.5. City 18.5. I was getting 18.5 in my V-8 4-runner. So I gave up my nice V-8 torque for basically the same fuel economy. This is no family trip mobile. It is terribly uncomfortable. I am 5 foot 9 and average weight... maybe if you are petite it would be ok. My legs tingle and go to sleep while driving on long trips. My back is hurting still from our 10 hour ride back from vacation.

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  Better Than Benz - 2008 Lexus RX 350
  By Jim - April 24 - 8:30 am

  We carefully selected the RX 350 on reliability, resale and original price and have been very pleased with the vehicle. We bought a new E-350 Benz about the same time, paid $12K more, and got less value than the Lexus. The Lexus navigation and accessories are touch-screen, all the controls are easily accessible and although a very complex machine, is user friendly. The Benz and a new BMW 5-series in our family require a degree in computer science and a full stop to do the same thing the Lexus system does. Sensible driving gets 20 mpg in local traffic.

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  Love It!! Love Lexus!! - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By Lawboy02 - April 24 - 2:00 am

  Would buy another...Lexus quality and Lexus Service cant be beat.

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  Excellent balance of perf. and luxury - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By Brians01 - April 22 - 10:00 am

  Even after a brief period of ownership, I am very happy with the car. Handling and brakes are excellent, I6 is very strong, and the vehicle is full of features. My previous vehicle was an Audi TT Quattro, and the only thing I really miss is the AWD. However, I love the RWD dynamics and the excellent Torsen differential in the IS.

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  Not Your Fathers Lexus - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By Skippo - April 22 - 10:00 am

  I was torn between the value of the Acura S TL and the sheer comfort to the Lexus ES300. The Acura was faster, sportier, but gee I just sold my SVT Cobra Convertable. So I knew what performance was all about and the Acura cant hold a prayer against SVT. So I spent more money for comfort, Audio, smooth ride and it was the best decission Ive made in a long time.

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  Lexus LandCrusier Beats Cadillac Tahoe - 2001 Lexus LX 470
  By rnrmom03 - April 19 - 10:00 am

  Only the Range Rover comes close. The rest (Escalde, Navigator, Denali, X5, ML 430) pale in comparison in the things that really matter - RELIABILITY, resale and OVERALL statisfaction. A true luxury utility vehicle. Nice try Ford and Chevy, thank you for playing.

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  Best car ever - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By Frank Ruprich - April 19 - 10:00 am

  I have found the best vehicle I have ever owned or driven. The V-8 is very quiet and powerful. Not many can out run the car from the green light and be so quiet and unassuming at the same time.

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  2002 Luxury Lexus - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By SC Senior - April 18 - 3:53 pm

  I love this car. It is comfortable and has a beautiful interior (burgundy and wood). The rear window shade keeps the car cooler in the SC summer heat. Great on long trips, heated seats great for back pain plus gets good mileage (30mpg). City driving mileage around 18-19 mpg.

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  CT 200h w/Nav (2014)---Fun to Drive--- - 2014 Lexus CT 200H
  By thorpaj - April 18 - 6:59 am

  A lot of small to mid-sized sedans (Buick-too tacky interior, Mercedes-gas mileage, Mini-Cooper- too small, Mazda3-good hatchback) were test driven. In the end, the interior styling, comfort, small size (for city parking) and gas mileage benefits swayed me to this vehicle. It is used for city driving and a very long weekly commute. As you can imagine, in the city I keep it in sport mode and on the highway it goes into fuel sipping mode. It is very comfortable on long drives and spirited in the city. Works perfect for my purposes. The difference between sport and fuel sipping mode is remarkable. Also, it doesnt feel "small" when sitting behind the wheel.

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  Dream Car - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By David A. - April 17 - 10:07 am

  Just bought a 2002 SC 430. I have been wanting this car every since it came out in the early 2000s, so my review may be a little biased lol. It has high mileage, 218,000 to be exact, but the previous owner has taken meticulous care of the car, and it still looks and drives like its new. With Lexus/Toyota reliability, this car is only at middle age! lol. No, its not a "barn burner".....you wont be able to outrun a corvette at the stoplight, but the V8 is quietly powerful and the power is there when you need it. for me, its definitely a keeper....will run it until the wheels literally fall off. Then I will just replace the wheels and continue on lol. One drawback: I do agree with the other reviewers in reference to the harsh/rough ride due to the run flats....