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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  Quality, Quiet and Comfort - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Nuffin - September 16 - 2:00 am

  The RX330 was the only vehicle that met all my criteria. I again enjoy driving, with the smooth ride and handling, and the solid performance on paved and gravel roads. Plenty of power for climbing hills on gravel roads, and the rain sensing wipers and xeon headlights are terrific for inclement Northwest winter weather. Its comfortable to handle, and I enjoy having a conversation with my whole family again, not just my front seat companion. Regular gas is a nice change, too, after years of premium for a lower quality vehicle.

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  The 2.0 Version - 2010 Lexus HS 250H
  By Albert - September 15 - 7:46 am

  HS250H base model: The car is excellent but at first the fuel economy was not that great with about 32-34 mpg overall. Last February Lexus requested an appointment with a technician who would "work" on the car at my home. Two guys show up with a laptop and sit in the car for about an hour. They connect to the cars computer system and formatted (erased) most of the cars hard drives and loaded new programs. Diving the car afterward was like driving a different car. The engine was tuned better to the driving dynamics and the the fuel economy jumped by 5 mpg. I get 42 mpg on flat highways, 38 - 40 on mountain roads, and 36 - 40 in stop & go driving. Its a great experience.

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  The Hybrid has finally arrived - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Sam Bawi - September 14 - 11:16 pm

  I drove a Prius for a year and I loved it but it was a little cramped for me . I liked the technology so much that I put a down payment on a Lexus 400h last year and finally got my car last week. I have driven it more than 200 miles and what pleasure. It is quiet, comfortable and powerful and I am enjoying every minute of the drive. The gear noise that some experts had pointed to in early reviews is not evident. And the luxury and the feel is so good it made my Prius look like the starter car it was meant to be. I am averaging 26 MPG with hard driving it. I see no reason for any one to drive any SUV but the Lexus 400h.

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  3 Lexus Family - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By Stu - September 14 - 3:16 am

  I was so impressed with the ownership experience of my 00 RX 300 that I had to buy another Lexus. The exterior impresses friends and looks like a 70k+ Mercedes or Bimmer. Extremely powerful, reliable, and great gas mileage. Interior leather and wood trim really make the car. VSC, traction control, ABS brakes, and eight airbags really offer peace of mind. I would highly recommend this vehicle to someone who wants efficiency of a family sedan with a Mercedes S class feel. I would not drive anything else but a Lexus. My next car will be a lexus too.

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  Super Car - 1999 Lexus LS 400
  By Mike - September 13 - 10:30 am

  I bought the LS 400 certified pre-owned. The car is now almost 8 years old and it rides beautifully to this day. I had one minor mechanical issue early on fixed under warranty. Overall I am very happy.

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  Perfect - 2001 Lexus ES 300
  By Bob Brandon - September 12 - 10:00 am

  I really love this vehicle. I bought it almost a year and a half ago and it is trully the best vehicle Ive ever had. My friend also has one, his is a bit older 1997, but he never ever had any problems with this car. Just changes the oil and puts gas in it, thats it. This is a trully great vehicle.

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  My 2005 ES 330 - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By wej2 - September 12 - 8:16 am

  A very boring driving vehicle. Transmission hesitates a lot. The tranny cant always get the right gear selected.

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  Very pleased - 2011 Lexus RX 350
  By Frank Allen - September 12 - 5:22 am

  Used as family vehicle and often for hauling merchandise from stores and bikes and other recreational equipment. Pulls a small 2000 lb utility trailer as if it isnt there. Have spent 0 on repairs in 98,000 miles, only regular maintenance(synthetic oil) and one set of tires. First were replaced after 70,000 miles. Nothing not to like. We will trade for a Toyota or Honda. Unfortunately will not buy a 2017 Lexus because we think its ugly and ungainly looking. Drove to 138,000 miles and sold. Still no problems at all. Traded in for a Toyota Highlander, larger and uses regular gas.

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  Overall very good, but not perfect - 1999 Lexus ES 300
  By DCAir - September 11 - 8:46 am

  I bought this car new and have taken care of it ever since. All complaints have been fixed or Im able to live with for a 10 year old car. Still looks excellent and drives very well.

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  Great car - 2008 Lexus LS 460
  By tguy - September 11 - 7:30 am

  I waited until my 5000 mile service to evaluate. This car makes me feel like Im sitting in the lap of luxury! Wind noise issues are being taken care of with new side window glass later this week. Biggest negative is that the navigation system features are rendered virtually useless while driving. It is silly to have to stop the car in order to find a nearby restaurant choice or gas station. This should be allowed.