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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  My first Lexus - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By BJ9000 - December 31 - 2:00 am

  Very well proportioned vehicle and comfortable to drive. Nav system is adequate but not nearly as easy to use nor is it as intuitive as the voice activated nav system in the Honda Accord. Wind noise is very noticable but source of noise cannot be determined. My previous two vehicles had much less wind noise and each cost thirty thousand less (02 C230K and 03 Accord). The RX330 handles the notorious winter side roads of New Hampshire well without bottoming or excessive road noise.

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  Lexus needs help in some areas - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By don skaggs - December 27 - 9:13 pm

  The remote start on the 2010 RX is a nuisance as when it is remote stated and the door is opened to drive, the engine dies. It should be like the domestic remote start. When the door is opened the engine does not die on the domestics. Also, this vehicle should have dual exhaust to make it more sportier.

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  Not quite perfect - 2009 Lexus RX 350
  By Lexus Loyalist - December 17 - 1:00 pm

  Having traded my gas-hog GX for a new RX, I am pretty happy overall. The car is comfortable, sufficiently powerful, and endowed with some features that the GX didnt have (such as HID headlamps that swivel, a power liftgate, and fold-flat second row seats). But I am a bit disappointed at the rattling sunroof shade and another rattle emanating from the right front dashboard area. I try to remind myself that Im getting better mileage to counteract the annoyance. But after driving only 300 miles so far, I hope this doesnt foretell a future of other things going wrong.

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  A lot to like - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By Bill - December 16 - 7:40 am

  Having owned Mercedes Benz, BMW, Acura, and Cadillac, the Lexus is without a doubt the most smooth riding and quiet vehicle of all. Performance is excellent although handling is not quite on par with BMW. The emphasis is on comfort and luxury with the Lexus and they hit the mark with near perfection. The only gripes have to do with the blue tooth phone which is less user friendly to use than my wifes Acura and with fewer voice commands. The navigation system also prevents making changes or inquiries once underway - their lawyers must have the last word in product design. Overall, Lexus is truly an outstanding vehicle and offers excellent valu as well.

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  Review of RX 350 AWD - 2009 Lexus RX 350
  By Paul Williamson - December 14 - 1:13 am

  Purchased the Lexus a two months ago and to date we have enjoyed the vehicle. Have owned MBs and Volvos for years and decided to try a Lexus. Doesnt handle as well as European vehicles. It appears to be solid and I suspect will be more reliable than the European SUVs in the long run. With only 4,000 miles on the vehicle we are averaging around 19 MPG city and 24 MPG hwy which, I think, is excellent for such a heavy vehicle. Exhibits excessive body roll in curves and to much wind noise with sun roof in tilt position. Navigation system is not as intuitive as my Garmin. Excellent sound system. Seats are form fitting but not up to par with Volvo seats. Excellent cruising vehicle.

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  Bad Miles per Gallon - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Mark Perez - December 13 - 4:30 am

  Highway only going the speed limit gave me 23 MPG. No good...Has great power in the engine...should not be called a "Hybrid".

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  2017 Lexus NX Turbo - 2017 Lexus NX 200t
  By Jody Dean - December 10 - 3:26 pm

  Great interior, ride comfort is excellent and the 4 cylinder turbo in sport mode far exceeds my expectations. The sound system is adequate. Only complaint is fuel tank capacity is only13 gallons. Different ride than a BMWsedan but a great SUV. Plenty of room

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  Fun Car, Great Value, Interior Rattles - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By Chartist10 - December 7 - 10:00 am

  Fun car to drive. You feel special with the top down. Nice power, great sound, convenience of automatic roof is great. Wouldnt want to drive this car on long trips, its a bit cramped. Luxurious feel.

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  2003 Lexus ES 300 - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Sunny - December 4 - 11:40 pm

  I have 160k on my 2003. I bought this because I was tired of my Xterras hard suspension. So I wanted a reliable and comfortable car. I thought the reliability would be bullet proof. Ok so it is reliable. Except at about 90k my battery died. So I immediately bought a new one on the same day. Next day battery died again. So I did recharge and never had prob again. I also had to replace the A/C at 90k. Other than that, the rear right window wont go down. So I guess you may say that Ive been fortunate.

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  Lexus GX470 - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By KCS - December 1 - 10:00 am

  Beautiful car, easy and comfortable to drive. Should have put in the back up camera and given additional color selections. I am sold on Lexus and if I traded it in, it would only to get anything new they add to the newer models. It is a beautiful vehicle.