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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  Over-Hyped - 2015 Lexus ES 350
  By carreragt3 - November 8 - 1:54 pm

  My wealthy Uncle just traded in his couple-year-old ES for the top-line 2015 ES, which I shuttle him around in. I have a BMW 5-series, so I understand I am not in the ESs target demographic. But seriously, when I drive the ES, I am reminded just how poorly front-drive platforms perform. They push, yank, and protest. They are positively poor driving cars, but probably not unlike most FWDs. Luxury-wise, the interiors are ok; ok materials, fair design, not a fan of ANY touchscreen, but definitively targeted at old people. There is not a touch of passion to this car, nor of austerity. I suppose, like Cadillacs of a few years ago, this car is made for people who have "given up."

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  2010 ES350 - 2010 Lexus ES 350
  By GS in Denver - November 8 - 1:46 pm

  Traded in 09 Highlander Hybrid due to poor mpg, hard ride, poor driver interior space, and trans "braking" function useless when in the mountains needing lower gearing for down hill. Cold weather, elevation, 10% ethanol gas lowered the Highlander Hybrid mpg to 19 mpg city and low 20s highway. Looked at Venza, Camry, Crosstour, C300, E350. Nothing could beat the ES350 in overall driving experience and quality for the price. Lexus customer sales service in purchase of the ES350 beat everyone! Getting 29 mpg on interstate at 75-80 mph! Getting 23+ mpg driving in city! Beats the Highlander Hybrid mpg! Highlander Hybrid Limited interior appears cheap compared to ES350 interior.

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  Run flat tires - 2007 Lexus SC 430
  By Agatha - November 7 - 3:10 am

  I love driving this car but I have serious problems with tires separating from the rim. Within the last 4 months, I had to replace 3 tires at $400 each. The car does not even have 15K on it. I am an experienced driver but have never experienced such a problem. I believe that the Dunlap run flat tires are of an inferior quality and need improvement. Lexus dealer informed me that these tires are much thinner on the outer portion of the tire. Maybe that is the problem but we as consumers should not suffer from that! When one buys a $65,000 car, he or she should expect quality including the quality of the tires.

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  Cant get rid of it - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Roberto Fabricio - November 6 - 8:28 am

  Like many I got the new car urge a couple of weeks ago. Wanted a new Lexus, the ES350. I went out to a couple of the dealerships nearby and nearly got one. But the fact is that my ten year old ES330 has me hooked. I like the traditional layout of the dash and the console, the abundant use of genuine leather and wood and the classic and classy style of the car in and out. As fantastic as the new ES350 is, there is no leather in the base car and no wood, just plastic appliqués. So I stayed with the ES330. Lets say that I looked, drove and nearly signed the papers, but when it came down to it I could not justify spending nearly $40,000 (finance included) for a new car when my 10 year old has 53,000 miles and looks and drives like a new car. I bought the car three years ago when it was 8 years old and had 33,000 miles. It had been used so sparingly that the gas door needed oil so it could open smoothly. I felt that I actually broke the car in. Since then I have put 20,000 on the car and for all practical purposes it has been like buying a new car off the showroom. There hasnt been a single problem with this ten year old car. It rides smoothly, handles nimbly and accelerates very well when I need to ease into traffic at the turnpike. The only problem I have with the car is that the headlights have dulled and clouded and I need to replace them. The factory light assembly runs $305 each. Aftermarket quality light assemblies run about $220 each. You can find them in Ebay for as little as $160 a pair. But the quality is uncertain and I am told by my body shop guy that the cheap Chinese lights leak. I plan to drive the car to the 100,000 mark - another 5 years. I believe that at that point I should still be able to get around $4,000 for car that cost me $15,000 eight years earlier. Anticipating about $2,500 in maintenance, tires and repairs in the next five years that would be $1,680 a year to operate this car - not counting insurance and gasoline. And all that comfort, luxury and style. Best car ever, as far as Im concerned.

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  Its a Hit - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By akaiji - November 4 - 10:36 am

  The ride is smooth and quiet. The engine has sufficient pickup for freeway entrances. The interior is well appointed. My wife loves the car and that is a good thing since this is her car.

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  Lexus LX 470 - 2004 Lexus LX 470
  By A.L. - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Exceeded our expectations. Our 3rd Lexus we have owned.

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  Love it. - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By DevinE - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I just love this car! I never really enjoyed driving until now. The handling is excelent, engine and acceleration too. I barely touch the gas as I leave a stoplight and still leave everyone else in the dust. Some people say the back seat isnt roomy enough, I only sat in it once in the showroom and it seemed O.K. to me with better headroom than my friends 2002 ES300. I love the way all the controles are designed around the driver so that the car simply becomes an extension of yourself. That was the number one reason I preferred it over the BMW 325i.

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  Certified Quality - 2000 Lexus RX 300
  By Brooklyn - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Bought certified 00 RX300 AWD, premium package, 47k mi. Looks, drives, feels like new. Body style virtually the same from 2000- 2003. Shopped around for months-- Acura MDX, Infinit QX4, BMW X5, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Range Rover Discovery. Lexus probably least "true SUV" of the bunch, but it provides me with what I really NEED (AWD, safety, reliability, quality) and WANT (smooth drive, top notch amenities). Dont plan to take my luxury SUV offroad... Id buy a Jeep for that. This is a luxury vehicle that is capable of hauling 5 adults and cargo comfortably in any weather (rain, snow, shine). Its not for rock climbing, trail riding, etc.

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  My LS 430 - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By 427 AC Cobra/PA - November 4 - 2:00 am

  The seat was too small to accomadate support under thighs. I purchased my LS 430, and I can honestly say, for me, that this is a much better car. The interior is bigger, adjustments on seat can be dialed in to my preferences. Gas consumption was 25.7 mpg @ 75-80 mph, on a 350 mi trip. The one complaint that I do have is the mandatory purchase of the navigation system, in order to have the upgraded audio system. With the windows all the way down, the rear middle restraint-belt produces a very loud slapping noise.

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  Rx330 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By ERA - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I think this automobile is very luxurous. It is spacious. I have leased the rx300 and it was very nice. This is one step up.