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:

• 

  Its Just A Pricey Toyota - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Dennis - August 2 - 3:16 am

  Very disappointing vehicle. I was looking for an upscale car that would offer low cost of ownership. This car has been very expensive to maintain and has required some costly repairs, including brakes and rotors. Very poor lighting in the cabin at night. Even the kids complain about the lack of lights. Switches are not backlit so finding the right switch is difficult. The temperature controls are absolutely horrible. Has independent temp control for passenger and driver but there is no correlation between what you set and what it delivers. Its as though the sensor is on the outside and not in the cabin. The voice recognition for the phone is mediocre at best. Paint chipping on hood.

• 

  Great Vehicle - 2011 Lexus CT 200H
  By carfan19 - August 1 - 12:39 pm

  The more I talk to folks, the more I realize some people dont know how to manage their expectations. Having said that, if youre looking for the traditional "Plush" Lexus ride this isnt the car for you. This is a Prius wrapped up in a really nice and sporty car like Lexus package. This combo gives you a good mix of fuel economy, sporty design and great build quality. Im really searching to find negatives about this car and the only one I can come up with is the lack of HomeLink, which is tied to the navigation package. For a Lexus this should be a standard feature, regardless of package. Other than that, I absolutely love this car.

• 

  Sold car 3 weeks after purchase - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Dr. Dave - July 31 - 11:26 pm

  Three weeks after purchase, I traded the car and took a financial loss because of significant safety issues. When in reverse at night, it is difficult to see whats behind and below because the window is over 4 high, the window has dark tinting, and rear camera does not show anything in the dark. In reverse, the car runs on the battery and someone behind cannot hear the car coming and the driver cannot see anyone. Its an accident waiting to happen. Next, there is only one low gear which doesnt hold back the car like normal low gears. I dont like being forced to brake on snowy/icy roads. Good gas mileage requires constant monitoring and is almost same as RX330 on freeway, as Lexus admits.

• 

  no title - 2004 Lexus LX 470
  By kokopeli - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Well built, quality SUV. Expensive yes, but the cost is offset by the joy of driving and the dependability. Better than any of the three Mercedes I owned. The bottom line is: would I buy another one. The answer:yes.But why would I want to part with this one?

• 

  The best - 2004 Lexus LX 470
  By seasidedaddy - July 31 - 10:00 am

  I have owned several SUVs. None can compare.

• 

  Lexus - 2004 Lexus LX 470
  By Pvteye - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Screen for Navigation System failed causing car to lose all electrical accessories (Heat Radio etc.) It was in the shop a week to repair.

• 

  Lexus LX 470 - 2004 Lexus LX 470
  By John Beach - July 31 - 10:00 am

  I have owned Lexus since 1999. 1 LS 400 1 LS430 and 2 LX470 a 2001 and now a 2003. Not one of my vehicles have ever gone back for a warranty problem other than a stuck auto antenna that I suspect the car wash snag. Used to be a Volvo fan, however, when the swedes change to an enviromental friendly glue and parts starting falling off, it Drove me to Lexus. THANKS VOLVO!!!!!

• 

  White Gem - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By Nolateen4u - July 31 - 10:00 am

  This is the best vehicle I have ever own. The design of the vehicle is simply gorgeous. The engine performs wonderfuly, the interior is a work of art. And the speed which the car can reach is enough for me. (personal highest yet was 156, even though some magazines say it cant go that fast The car is simply the best out there. Beautiful, reliable, fun to drive, good value and simply Lexus. Its amazing the responses some people have when they see this car past them.

• 

  SC430 - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By Jared A - July 31 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love my SC430, its beautiful and rides great

• 

  hot car - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By missie - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Just the best car in the world