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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  Ok Car - 2007 Lexus RX 350
  By Russell - June 23 - 11:50 pm

  What can I say, its a Lexus. Coming from my fingers, thats not a compliment. Im not the primary driver, but when I do I can find nothing but criticism for it. I myself am a BMW person. Id certainly rather drive my 1998 528i than this "station wagon." The suspension is horrible, there is no feel for the road -- it is very neutral and muted. Same thing for the steering wheel it is very soft with no feel whatsoever.

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  A used car bargain! - 1995 Lexus LS 400
  By jvcn - June 23 - 11:46 pm

  Have owned this car for a month after having bought used off eBay for under $9000. 9 years old with 95K miles and its still tight, rattle-free, and wonderful to drive. The leather is in better shape than that of most 3-year old cars. It makes you wonder why anyone would ever buy a newer, more pedestrian sedan from Hyundai, Ford, or even Honda. More comfortable seats than Benz or BMW. Aside from a defective antenna (a $25 repair you can do yourself in 5 minutes) everything is perfect. The independent mechanic who inspected it just whistled and said, this will run forever. Even if I have to spend $1K-$2k in repairs later, it will be a bargain. I already want a 2000 LS 400!

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  The good, bad and ugly - 2000 Lexus RX 300
  By kolocar - June 23 - 1:44 pm

  2000 AWD, purchased used in 2011 w 110K. The good-smooth drivetrain, ride, reasonably comfortable seats. Only replaced 1 O2 sensor in first 40K miles. The bad-$$$ to fix: $1200 for timing belt/H2O pump. At 152K, knock sensor and sub harness, air fuel ratio sensor, valve cover gaskets: $2100. At 156K, front 2 catalysts: $900. The ugly: TERRIBLE MPG: Avg 16-17 around town, rarely more than 20 all highway. The big culprit seems to be the gearing - very short geared - about 2900 RPM at 70MPH. Extra weight for AWD does not help, nor do the side mirrors, the size of small flat screen TVs. No compass. Radio and HVAC controls look the same. Too expensive to own-would not buy another.

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  Lexus LX470 - 2004 Lexus LX 470
  By Ming-Chieh Lee - June 23 - 2:00 am

  Excellent performance especially in the snow.

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  Built like a tank, but very comfortable - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By cfishlaw - June 23 - 2:00 am

  This SUV is built like a tank. Although the ride is not quite as smooth on rough pavement or cobblestones as my old RX300, it handles very well, and is very comfortable, even on long trips. The quality is perfect - no rattles, squeaks, etc. I was surprised by the lack of a change cup and center console storage (which are present in the RX300). Gas mileage is 13-14 mpg, but what do you expect for a 6150 lb. SUV? The rear "barn door" is unusual, but does not bother me.

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  ES330 - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By yrenn - June 23 - 2:00 am

  Great car. quiet and comfortable

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  RX 330 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Brett - June 23 - 2:00 am

  WOW! this car is great! It moves like the wind, and is very nice, i recomend ANYONE to buy this car, thanks, "Bob"

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  My Second One - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By UKen - June 23 - 2:00 am

  Had a 2000 RX300 and was in a very nasty freak accident last June. I am totally convinced that my life was spared by the Grace of God and the design by Lexus. The vehicle "performed" exactly as it was supposed to during this crash. It was totalled and, other than a serious foot injury, I hopped away relatively intact. As soon as I was able to drive again, I purchased an RX330. Beautiful, comfortable, yet safe.

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  Not impressed - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By not impressed - June 22 - 7:26 pm

  Bought new in 04, hated it so traded my mom for her Audi, shes got 49K on it now and likes it. The car doesnt have the driver/road connection like my Audi or Saab and doesnt feel expensive like other Lexus cars. Around town speed is good but above 60 mph has no power. Original suspension had so-so handling & comfort. Suspension was replaced 3X by dealer bc it kept squeaking, now has K&N suspension & handles & rides better. Other then that no problems, not even brakes. Interior materials & design are cheap. MPG is pathetic. Auto trans is overeager to upshift into 2nd gear which dulls acceleration unless you stay heavy on the throttle- which eats more gas. Manual mode is worthless.

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  My ES350 experience - 2010 Lexus ES 350
  By Ken A. - June 22 - 6:30 pm

  After 7 mos. ownership I have to say this is the best auto purchase Ive ever made. Have not had even one small item of complaint. The car was delivered in pristine condition and has been an absolute joy to own and drive. A recent trip of 620 miles in one day averaged 31.4 mpg @ 70+ mph. Extremely quiet and pleasant interior. Rear leg and headroom is not overly generous, BUT. Love the satellite radio, heated and cooled seats, beautiful paint job, and quality construction; No, I dont work for Lexus.