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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  GX 470 Best Over 6000lbs Gross Weight - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By spinnerkt - August 22 - 2:00 am

  Was looking for a truck to take advantage of the tax code 179 before end of 2003. Must haves were great reliability and quiet ride. We also wanted a Nav system and felt this was the best for the money. The GX470 is quiet and smooth. Our daughter loves the DVD and wife likes the feeling of safety she gets when driving.

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  not a real suv - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By no off road vehicle - August 21 - 10:00 am

  Not a real off road SUV,not enough power .If you like a sedan , this would be a good one.

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  Disappointed - 2006 Lexus ES 330
  By MissPissed - August 20 - 9:40 am

  Steering is too sensitive, although it turns extremely well. Does not handle well in high wind. After owning the Chrysler 300C, the Lexus ES330 was a disappointment. Gets pretty good gas mileage, but you have to use premium fuel (Edmunds reports regular fuel -- not true, and the dealer didnt tell us about the fuel until we were ready to leave with the car! (Lesson learned: Buyer Beware!) Navigation system is too complicated and inaccurate, which doesnt help when youre in the middle of heavy, high-speed traffic and need it the most! Sound system could be improved with better quality speakers or more of them.

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  MPG Not What it should be - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By crw - August 18 - 12:50 pm

  I love this car. It is a great size, comfort and fit. It drives tight and I feel safe in all driving conditions BUT the gas milage is not where it should be. On medium length drives (15-25 miles) in slowish city traffic I get the best mpg but that tops out at 28 mpg when I use a middle grade gas, its around 24 when I use a low octane gas. It has a big engine and can move quickly when it needs to but it does not get the 30-35 mpg it promised. All in all Ill keep it untill the gas mileage, comfort and quality of another car can beat it.

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  Fuel Disappointment - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By E J - August 14 - 9:03 am

  While we truly love this vehicle, we are more than upset with the mileage we get. It should be getting 31 mpg in the city; if we can get 22-23, we are doing good. Salesman said when car was broken in, we could expect even more. We now have more than 11,000 miles on it, and it has only gotten worse. It has been checked and rechecked to see if a problem exists... none does. We purchased this vehicle in good faith and feel Lexus has let us down. Calls to corporate Lexus have left us with no further satisfaction. Had we been aware of this situation, I dont believe we would have spent the extra money for it.

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  Luxury sport - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By ED - August 12 - 8:23 am

  I bought this car for my wife, but I drive it often. It was pricey at $50K, but it has just about every option lexus offers. Its very sporty, but dont think youll outrun a mustang or even a tiburon. This is luxury first and foremost. Quality youd expect from Lexus and its a great looking car. Youll get stares at every parking lot. Expect to seat 4 comfortably and in style.

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  Lexus problems - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By woodywood - August 9 - 10:50 am

  After driving two Lexus RX models and after walking away from two major accidents we purchased a 2010 Rx 350. We have the same problem with the bumper pulling loose. We had the same problem with a 2010 hs250h that we found had double back tape applied to hold it in place. All I can say is whats up Lexus ? If I want a car that is taped together . I think I can find one at a dump. I expect better than this from a company that says it takes pride in its quality.

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  So far, great car! - 2008 Lexus RX 350
  By J.S. - August 1 - 3:26 am

  I am enjoying driving this car, but still getting to know it. I was driving an Infiniti sedan before purchasing this vehicle so the I am still getting used to the change in feel. The RX 350 is not a "fun" ride, but it is a very, very nice ride and calms my soul and makes me feel very nice about the day. I now enjoy driving to run errands or drop off kids to activities instead of loathing it. Overall, I really like the car and look forward to the many years we will have together.

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  Wind tunnel.... - 2000 Lexus ES 300
  By DKM - July 29 - 10:00 am

  The frameless windows seemed like a good idea at the time! The trade for the "sleek" look is a high-pitched hum coming through the window. Service manager says its standard; funny they didnt tell me BEFORE I bought the car. He even had all the window seals replaced, to no avail. This car is super, reliable, and fun to drive; and with the extended warranty, the service Lexus offers can not be beat. But, I wouldnt buy one of these pre-2002 ES 300s again as the wind- noise may just put me over the edge.

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  Nice but not great! - 2000 Lexus ES 300
  By strofferazo - July 29 - 10:00 am

  I purchased a certified pre-owned 2000 with 33000 miles one month ago. This is my first "luxury" car after always having sports cars. Its a great car, but not without flaws...in my opinion, there is more wind noise than there should be in a car of this caliber (mostly noticeable on the highway or over 55 mph). The only other thing I dislike is the radio/speaker system - "Lexus Premium Sound" is pretty poor. VERY weak bass no matter how you adjust it. If you have an opportunity to get the upgraded Mark Levinson stereo, Id try it. I was also surprised I cant quite reach 30mpg, even on conservative all- highway trips.