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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  On my 2nd Lexus - Customer for Life! - 2000 Lexus ES 300
  By Robyn&Chris - October 5 - 10:00 am

  This is by far the best vehicle weve ever owned. Reliable, comfortable, roomy, smooth ride, low noise level, great gas mileage, and excellent stereo system for road-rage control! Nearing 40,000 miles, and only had in shop for preventive maintenance service. LOVE this car (this is my 2nd ES300). My next car will be another Lexus - maybe an RX300 or 330 this time. Customer service is spectacular. Lexus knows how to treat its customers and it shows in repeat business.

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  SOLID 10 - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By WILLIEG - October 5 - 10:00 am

  THE BEST!! We Have owned over 75 new cars and none have ever come this close!

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  10star - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By MItesh - October 5 - 10:00 am

  best suv ever best

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  Hats off to Lexus - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By Driver8 - October 3 - 9:16 am

  Im closing in on 200,000 trouble-free miles. Every mile has been a delight. Wish I could give a vehicle score of 11 for the reliability and fun-to-drive categories.

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  Look at a RAV4 or CPO RX350 - 2016 Lexus NX 200t
  By AlabamaAnchor - October 2 - 11:48 am

  The NX200t is a fine vehicle...but I dont think you quite get optimal bang for bucks. Make no mistake, this isnt as posh as the RX...not by a long shot. A few exposed bolts in the lower console, cheap looking trim, and an extremely complex nav system are a few drawbacks. Cargo space is so-so. My advice? Either buy a loaded out RAV4 (they share the same platform) or get a two year old RX350. I kept mine 16 months and traded for a GS350 (and took a bloodbath) but the GS feels like a luxury car.

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  Good but not Great - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By Planobobcat - October 1 - 7:56 pm

  Traded 2007 AWD RX 350 for 2010 AWD model with rare Luxury and ML options. Easily feels bigger in every dimension. Old model had inadequate front leg room (Im 63"); new model is more than adequate. Interior design much improved. Excellent ergonomics; NAV, screen, mouse is easy to use. Seats are OK but a big hard. Better luggage capacity. Exterior design is fine but not a standout. Ride dynamics are what I expect from Lexus; smooth, quiet, unobtrusive. I really feel the extra weight, but overall it corners flatter and still has adequate power. Brakes are fine and better than 2007. MPG has been disappointing; 18 in town, 22 on the highway. Still, I dont regret my purchase decision.

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  Better than the ES 330 - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Billy Bill - October 1 - 10:26 am

  Im definitely enjoying the 2007 model, which is my second Lexus. Its better than my old 2004 model. Got it with the premium pkg. It has lots of toys. Its also fun to drive. I like the fact that is looks more sporty. But at the same time it has a elegant look to it as well. The cabin is also quiet.

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  Great new features over the 2004 if they worked - 2011 Lexus GX 460
  By haultj - September 30 - 8:45 pm

  I traded in my 2004 GX470 for this in March of 2011. I have been driving this every day and on some vacation trips. Overall it is a comfortable vehicle to drive and has all of the new toys including the Mark Levinson audio. I had the Mark Levinson in my previous and both sound amazing. I have driven both in rough terrain and in bad weather. I prefer the 04 for handling over the 11 because the 11 feels more sloppy in the turns. The 11 also drinks more fuel than my 04. My biggest complaint is the poor functionality of the voice controls. Lexus has refused to resolve this and said that without error codes in a log, they will do nothing more. Perforated leather was a bad choice.

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  Be Cautious of the Interiors - 2010 Lexus ES 350
  By Andy9 - September 30 - 9:46 am

  This vehicle is nice but caution to anyone who looks at buying one--look at all of the plastic in the cabin. There may be wood on the steering wheel but some corners were cut without regard to quality let alone the buyer. Look closely at the interior doors where they provide no leather or even fake leather trim-- just what you might call "high tech" or cheap plastic. The plastic put on interior doors will quickly show wear and tear, and thats coming from one who is extremely careful with a car for years.

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  Smart key not very smart - 2011 Lexus RX 350
  By pawilliams - September 30 - 9:25 am

  I just purchased the 2011 RX350 and I love it even after driving Mercedes sedans for the last 8 years the transition was easy. Its fun to drive, I like the space and it still has the feel of a luxury vehicle. The problem, my smart key is not very smart. You should be able to lock and unlock doors and start the car with just a touch or the hand or push of your finger. NOT!! My new RX350 has now been at the dealer for the same amount of time that it was physically in my possession. They keep saying, "the corporate office is working on a solution".