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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  The Best - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By armakr - September 28 - 10:00 am

  This is the finest sedan for the money. Fit and finish cannot be beat. The car is tank quiet and rail smooth. Unbelievable and with reliability second to none you cant go wrong. Run dont walk to buy one. Worth every cent.

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  Super Value - 2008 Lexus ES 350
  By Lexus/Charlotte NC - September 28 - 9:16 am

  This is my third Lexus. I have received this model as the loaner during service at our dealership over the last 7 years and am impressed at the changes between the ES300, 330 and this one. The ride is sportier and quicker than previous models without sacrificing comfort. The relative value is unbeatable. The price for what you get is pretty much unmatched in any other cars I looked at in this price range. Reliability is also going to be better than BMW and Mercedes. I highly recommend this car.

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  I Love My GS - 2002 Lexus GS 300
  By RyansGS - September 28 - 8:06 am

  Ever since I bought my GS Ive had nothing but fun. I have 20 inch wheels on it and its dropped on tanabe spring. I would tell anyone get this car its worth every penny. On top of everything Lexus service is the best.

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  Lexus RC350 F Sport is Outstanding - 2016 Lexus RC 350
  By Bill Wingate - September 27 - 5:03 am

  This is a smooth running comfortable car with lots of power. The paddle shifters give you an extra "kick-down" gear when you want to zip around someone or merge onto the freeway. The F Sport has plenty of power for street driving, but dont be confused by the two designations Lexus uses for the RC. Theres the F Sport and the even more upscale version just called the RC F. The F Sport is the tamer 3.5 liter 306 hp one. The F is the even more upscale screamer V8 that has 400+ horses and the price to match....about $30k more.

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  Lexus RC350 F Sport is Outstanding - 2016 Lexus RC 350
  By Bill Wingate - September 27 - 5:03 am

  This is a smooth running comfortable car with lots of power. The paddle shifters give you an extra "kick-down" gear when you want to zip around someone or merge onto the freeway. The F Sport has plenty of power for street driving, but dont be confused by the two designations Lexus uses for the RC. Theres the F Sport and the even more upscale version just called the RC F. The F Sport is the tamer 3.5 liter 306 hp one. The F is the even more upscale screamer V8 that has 400+ horses and the price to match....about $30k more.

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  Disappointed - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By skibum12 - September 26 - 8:43 pm

  I upgraded my 2001 RX to this. To be honest, Im returning it. I cant get comfortable. Why they did away with the Captains Chairs is beyond me. I simply cant get comfortable in this car. Im 510. They came close to perfection but fell short. Bigger isnt better. Yes its got all the nice Lexus bells and whistles but I just dont want to drive this car anymore. To be honest, its boring. This is the perfect car to rent while maybe on a ski trip. To keep this car for years, no way.

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  Fantastic car! - 2010 Lexus HS 250H
  By ray - September 26 - 10:00 am

  This car drives great. Really moves when you need it to. All Lexus inside. Its very comfortable. Its the best car we have ever had!

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  Classy design and well engineered - 2008 Lexus RX 350
  By Robert Justice - September 25 - 10:20 am

  Purchased the car in March 07, and have about 7500 miles on it. I love everything about the car, from its great looks to the wonderfully comfortable ride. The car has plenty of pep, and gets above average gas mileage for an SUV. The interior cabin is so quiet that it feels like youre in a sound proof room; no road or engine noise at all. The car has just about every luxury feature you can imagine, including a color video back-up camera which is very useful. My first dealer experience at 5K miles was great, they really treated me right. And the best part about that first service is its free! Anyway, great car, and Im very happy we got it.

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  Long Term Review 02 GS 300 - 2002 Lexus GS 300
  By jtrane - September 23 - 7:27 pm

  Bought new in 02 for $40k. Its been a very good car, now at 230,000 miles. Everything works. Gets 23-24 in mixed drving and 25-26 on hwy still. burns 1 qt every 2k miles but i can live with that. hazy plastic headlights are a problem, requiring one of those resto kits. thats a small item and the rest of the car is v good. xlnt leather trim. quiet engine. ill buy another gs and i hope the newer engine design is as reliable, quiet and fun as the I-6. dealer service is awfully $$$ and if you can find a competent and honest independent, go with that. better value than a 5 series or E300.

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  Comfortable Car that will allow you to blend in - 2017 Lexus ES 350
  By gldman - September 23 - 6:11 am

  No power folding Mirrors. Lexus does not have Android Auto or Apple Car. This is the car for you if you want to go any where and not be noticed. This is my 3rd Lexus 2nd ES and I can take it any place, Seedy neighborhood or Country club and it does not get a second look. I can arrive in maximum comfort and not be annoyed by anyone. These things lease at such a great value that I am never concerned with giving it to the valet. Even the first day, I used two Valets and gave it no more thought then if it were a rental. My current car has the 17" grand touring tires and the extra rubber makes this quiet and really comfortable. I have the Luxury package and Navigation which adds some nice features. If you can find nice colors get the Ultra Luxury with the Mark Levinson Stereo, Panaoramic sunroof, and upgraded leather with power extender on the drivers seat. (My wife has this) Personally I would get the Flaxen (my current car) or Parchment interior. Gray is ok, but the black interior is depressing. Note the Lexus Navigation is just ok, they should add Android Auto and Apple Car.