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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  Lexus 400h - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By BobTaylor - September 29 - 12:46 pm

  A pleasure to drive. A luxury SUV in every sense, but with the fuel economy of the most miserly of small cars. The interior appointments and audio system are superb.

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  IS300 Awesome, But Can Always Be Better - 2001 Lexus IS 300
  By bbc_teryou - September 28 - 10:26 pm

  If you are looking for a fun and good looking vehicle, the IS300 should do it! It attracts a lot of attention. It seems as though all eyes are on the Lexus IS300, rather than the average BMW 3-Series, Mercedes Benz C- Class or Audi A4. 2001 models do not offer the 5 spd manual, DVD or auto-dimming rear view mirrors. If you can do without that, youre set.

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  First Lexus - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By Gary Yoshonis - September 27 - 10:00 am

  This is our first Luxury Car. Previously we owned two Expeditions and an Explorer. This time we wanted somethng to take into retirement. I couldnt be happier with the comfort and grace this vehicle gives to us. Not a squeak or rattle (knock on wood) and no recalls or problems with the dealer.

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  Full Family - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By barrett - September 27 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I decided to trade in our suburban. We looked at several SUVs, including a fully loaded Suburban, but as soon as we drove the GX we knew that it was just a matter of color. This SUV provides as quite and smooth a ride as our Lexus GS sedan. It was much better than the Suburban or Lincoln Navigator. My family of 5 easily fits into the GX with room to spare. So, if you can give up the room of the Suburban, I highly recommend the GX.

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  Fuel Economy w/ luxury ride - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Clay - September 27 - 1:16 am

  After 8 months I am still amazed by the difference in quality between my last vehicle MB S430 and my Lexus GS 300. The Lexus is built to last not make monthly trips to the dealer and the build quality is superb. Last week took a 1600 mile trip and averaged 31 MPG!!!! Yes, 31! Quiet, smooth ride. Ive had two MB, a Lincoln Navigator, Infiniti G35 Coupe and the LEXUS IS THE BEST!

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  What I Expected - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By lexus1 - September 26 - 10:06 pm

  I have now enjoyed the car for 4 weeks and it has lived up to the Lexus tradition. I am still learning to park close to right-hand objects, since you cannot see the end of the hood on the right. I would highly recommend this car.

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  Nice car good gas Mileage - 2010 Lexus HS 250H
  By king - September 26 - 9:36 pm

  Had this car for 2.5 months for now. got 3500 miles on it. 36 miles per gallon. Like the built in navigation system with all the additional features it has its like a mini computer .

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  Great & Stylish Small Crossover - 2015 Lexus NX 200t
  By bybchucky - September 24 - 5:14 pm

  We recently purchased this vehicle on 12/19/14, and its been a great ownership experience thus far. The car, particularly the F Sport trim we went with, is very stylish, and has a very aggressive-sport look that we have received many compliments on. The interior is top notch, typical Lexus build quality. For about $46k, there are bigger crossover/SUV options out there, especially if you intend to use the car as a family-hauler. However, if you are in the market for a luxury compact SUV, this is definitely on top of the list.

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  What a dream car - 2010 Lexus HS 250H
  By Theresa Long - September 24 - 6:43 am

  I now have 600 miles on my 2010 Lexus HS250h and am very happy with it. After test driving the Ford Fusion hybrid and the Camry hybrid, this one won out on so many fronts. Comfortable seats, stylish, power when needed in power mode. It has all the power and luxury of a fine car while also fuel efficient. Its a genuine pleasure to drive and continues to teach me to be a better driver. MPG ranges between 35- 37 in terrain that varies from flat to very hilly. This is the first Lexus Ive owned and I am completely satisfied with every aspect of this car.

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  Just an owner for over a month, but what a car! - 2010 Lexus RX 450h
  By Dorkyman - September 24 - 1:39 am

  Bought a 2010 RX450h from the Portland, Oregon Lexus dealer a month ago. Weve taken it on several 4-hour trips and Ive driven it every day on suburban roads with some freeway. Overall about 26mpg regular or premium, so well stick to regular gas in the future. Ive noticed that I can nurse the mpg up to perhaps 28mpg by babying my acceleration and braking, but I prefer to drive in my normal fashion; anyway, gas is cheap and saving gas money wasnt the motivator. Pros: beautiful and luxurious. Surprisingly economical. Like a gorgeous woman who still loves tacos and beer. Minuses: Has middle-grade stereo, boomy bass at about 100Hz, (Im an audio engineer, this really bugs me but what the heck), unknown future battery replacement cost (but other Prius hybrids have lasted for 200k+ miles, plus its a Toyota/Lexus). UPDATE December 2016: Now that its cold outside, it takes ~10 minutes before the engines toasty warm, and meanwhile the fuel economy is lousy. So if my trips are just 10 minutes every time, I get more like 22mpg. I would assume the EPA tests are done with a fully-warmed-up engine, which is why there is such a large discrepancy.