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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  Lexus Review - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Dave Migliori - April 21 - 7:36 pm

  Great Car. Very Quiet. Rich looking interior. More room inside than the BMW 330. With front wheel drive and four snow tires this car performed very well in the snow. Much better value than my BMW 528i.

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  A Great Ride!!! - 2006 Lexus ES 330
  By timo - April 19 - 12:10 pm

  We purchased 330 ES after 9 months of misery with a bad auto. We had looked at most luxury imports and felt the Lexus was the best for our needs, front wheel drive for bad weather, good fuel economy for size, comfortable back seat. We were not real crazy about the exterior lines at first but after a week we love it and its very fine paint job. First tank of gas we purchased got 29 mpg average on hwy. Not bad for 10% ethanol blend!I have to say the only regret I have is I didnt purchase one earlier!!

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  Lexus RX400h - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By SKC - April 18 - 4:46 am

  Both of us really like this car. The only complaint is probably a common one - it does not live up to the EPA mileage estimate. Excepting the first 1000 miles, the next 550 miles averaged about 26.3 mpg, per the cars estimate and a bit less by actual miles vs amount of gas needed. Cant blame it on the way I drive because I always hit the EPA estimates on all the cars we own. Main advantage of the car is V-8 performance with regular gas and good mileage.

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  A Mans Truck - 2010 Lexus GX 460
  By tdijohn - April 17 - 11:10 am

  A luxury SUV that was designed for the guys instead of the wife. Guys...if you love driving a 4wd truck, but want all of the luxury of the best sedans but without feeling like its for a suburban mom, this is the truck for you.

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  My 3rd Lexus SUV - 2015 Lexus RX 350
  By DEE WAMBAUGH - April 14 - 1:13 pm

  The Lexus RX350 is the most reliable, user-friendly car Ive owned. Love it!

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  I Phone 4S So yesterday! Three ways of control. - 2017 Lexus RX 350
  By Captain - April 14 - 8:52 am

  Call it a small thing, but why would Lexus go out of their way to create a nifty holding compartment for an outdated phone size and place it right in the middle of the console? Technology is usually a good thing, right? Well in my opinion, Lexus overdid it. There are three ways to adjust the radio, the navigation etc. Why not just make it simple and make it great? Otherwise it is a fun car to drive and handles well.

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  This car rocks - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By Rob - April 12 - 9:43 am

  I have never driven a smoother vehicle. Its design and overall sleek performance make this car a dream.

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  A Different Breed of Lexus - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By Modder - April 12 - 7:20 am

  I buy cars for their performance and moddability (and this car is very moddable having the Supras 2jz and all), but Ill rate this car from a consumers point of view, since you are probably interested in buying this car. This is not your average type of Lexus. Lexus are usually known for their comfort and amenities, but this car is different. The IS 300 was designed to compete with the 3 series, and that it does. This is a SPORT sedan, so it drives like one, do not buy this car expecting the usual laid back handling of the other cars in the Lexus fleet. This is definitely the car to buy, if you are looking for a RELIABLE car that will add some excitement to your daily commute to work.

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  Fourth Lexus owned - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By tallman96 - April 10 - 9:00 pm

  The 2007 is a big step from the 2006. It has a lot more leg room -- important for someone 6 4". Powerplant is far more responsive and transmission much improved too. The 2007 is a lot nicer to look at. Interior lighting is inadequate and center console is almost an embarrassment of cheapness. The double storage compartments of the 2006 are missed. The new one opens and closes awkwardly. Lighted garage door opener buttons would be welcomed. Getting average of 26 MPG which is great for a car with this much power. More fun to drive than 2006 ES 330.

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  Very Disappointed - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By kristal1 - April 10 - 8:27 pm

  Bought the Lexus Rx 300 because of Lexus reputation of being a reliable vehicle, sadly disappointed with our experience. We bought this car 5 years ago with 48K miles on it and hoped to drive it over 200K miles. Unforunately at 100K miles the car had a steering column failure, the worst the dealer had ever seen. Car was unsafe to drive. Cost of repairs $1,700. Less than 12 months later at 112K miles the engine went. Expected cost to replace $5,000 for a used engine, significantly more for a new one. Never expected this from Lexus! at 112K miles... are you kidding me. Should have read reviews before buying it.