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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  Flaws are few and far between - 2009 Lexus IS F
  By mkovalsky - November 12 - 7:44 am

  Yes the ride is firm and yes its competitors have more pedigree, but the ISF is what the old BMW M cars used to be - discreet. This car really is a wolf in sheeps clothing. The V8 is absolutely intoxicating, especially above 3500 rpms. The steering is good and the brakes are fantastic. The exhaust is louder than god and the gearbox is loads of fun when youre really hammering it. My favorite thing about this car is that you get the ballistic performance with the Lexus reliability, couldnt ask for much more.

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  A van in SUV clothing - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Zac in Jax - November 12 - 5:53 am

  The RX 330 is a great vehicle for running errands around town. It is extremely comfortable and its looks are eye-catching. Load carrying capacity is limited by the sharply angled rear door. It doesnt hold as much as you would expect for an SUV. On the highway, it handles like a mini- van. The car-based construction makes for a too soft, underpowered ride. With cruise control on, the engine constantly downshifts at the slightest rise in the road, such as going over a bridge. Definitely needs stiffer suspension and more power.

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  Not up to snuff - 2007 Lexus RX 350
  By Martha - November 10 - 7:33 pm

  Looked at many SUVs including X5 & 3, Q7, Volvo, etc. and figured this would be the best bang for the buck - its a Lexus, its gotta be good, right? This model seems to have issues. There is a rattle that appeared right away that comes from the steering column (or dash, not sure), interior quality is not great, brakes are spongy, etc. The dealer recognizes that the rattle noise is strange but played it down saying until Lexus Corp. says otherwise, the party line is that "this is normal". The new engine for the 350 is noisy, sounds like a decent diesel engine but this is a gas engine! Im conflicted because I want to like it but at 800 miles Im already thinking about selling.

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  First and last Lexus - 2014 Lexus CT 200H
  By Bonnie Zucker Rossi - November 9 - 9:48 pm

  I bought a brand new Lexus Ct200h in August of 2014. Loved the car till January when crackling and rattling was heard in the dashboard. Two months later and several visits to the dealership and was finally told that the rattling is a "normal characteristic" of the car. I have documentation that says that the cold weather is a cause for the sound. Am now in step one of Lexus arbitration process. Hoping for the best but not expecting it. Should anyone accept rattling in a brand new car especially a luxury car?

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  Stylish and smooth - 2017 Lexus NX 200t
  By SG - November 9 - 7:05 pm

  A good car for enjoying a quiet and smooth ride. It is sporty enough in terms of performance but not the best. The technology is not that great as voice commands do not work most of the time and speaker quality is not the best. I would have preferred a touch screen over a trackpad. I would reccomend this car to those who value comfort and quality over performance.

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  Amazing luxury for the fuel economy. - 2010 Lexus HS 250H
  By nareautogo - November 9 - 4:15 am

  Yes, 37,000 for a car that does not possibly "perform" like a luxury car sedan can be a bit strange. BUT, listen, youre just not going to get excellent fuel economy in a car that has a sportscar like drive. I guess the BMW 3series is the gold standard in this class for the car thats a fun driving experience and I guess it is. BUT, try driving in a "fun" way in that and appreciate your 20mpg and exhaust that is not as ecofriendly as it can be. This car is one of only about 14 to receive the EPA highest rating for environmental impact. Car drives pretty good, handling is great. Quiet drive, but does have some weird winding noise when breaking -- you get used to it.

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  2006 RX 330 - 2006 Lexus RX 330
  By lakeend - November 3 - 2:16 pm

  Great all around vehicle. Plenty of room in back and for luggage. Rides very nice. As trouble free as an car on the road.

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  Good but not so good... - 2015 Lexus RX 350
  By Bpans - October 28 - 4:01 am

  This is a very comfy luxury SUV. If you expect driving engagement, you will be disappointed. The interior materials are of very high quality. We do not like the mouse control as it is too distracting and doesnt work properly. Long drives never feel like long drives such a comfy drive.

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  MY WHEELS - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By NUNZ - October 25 - 10:00 am

  LOVE,LOVE,LOVE EXTERIOR DESIGN. G35 COPIED IT,CADILAC COPIED IT.GREAT PERFORMANCE IN THE HANDLING DEPT AND GREAT PICK UP SPEED FOR EVERY DAY DRIVING.COULD HAVE A LITTLE MORE HORSEPOWER. INTERIOR OK,AGAIN A LITTLE MORE TO COMPETE WITH BMW.LOVE MY WHEELS......P.S WHEN IS THE IS 430 COMING, IM IN LINE.

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  Pretty good, but... - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Picky in PA - October 17 - 5:43 am

  Car looks great, is quiet and comfortable, with many nice touches. Initial build quality was not up to Lexus standards - multiple trips to dealer to address creaks and rattles, especially in and around dashboard. Center console is uncomfortable (padding on top is too thin), and it is frustrating that the nav is largely inoperable when moving (especially as the voice recognition is flakey). Also, the standard audio is barely adequate, especially regarding bass output. All that being said, this is still the best car that I could find in its price range, given its variety of features & functions, and its quietness, comfort & power.