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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  Poor Gas Mileage - 2008 Lexus RX 400H
  By Luke - August 26 - 5:33 am

  We like the SV, but we expected more MPG than 22. The car drives nice and handles nice and of course Toyota quality is everywhere. Just hate the gas mileage for the price we paid.

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  Suprised - terrible GPS and bluetooth - 2009 Lexus ES 350
  By Sanford - August 25 - 8:20 am

  I have never owned a Lexus before. I was impressed by the test drive and buying experience. However, since owning the car for a while the integrated GPS is disaster and the blue tooth phone system does not work well either. I think it has to do with the microphone placement. I also own a Ford explorer (which has its own issues) but the GPS and bluetooth phone features just plain work better. I dont think I will buy another Lexus. I expected to pay more and have an issue free car but that is not the case.

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  Totally Satisfied - 2002 Lexus GS 300
  By suxelgs300 - August 24 - 10:00 am

  This is my third GS 300. Each one has been better than the last. My current model is the special edition "Sport Design" that has a Euro-tuned suspension, larger tires and some cosmetic enhancements. Now there is no sogginess in the ride. Reliability has always been great and so has the overall buying experience.

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  Not the mileage that was promised - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Lee Jennings - August 21 - 1:20 pm

  Although the 400h is very comfortable and fun to drive it, is not as promised as far as the mileage is concerned. Im getting 21 miles a gallon and I do mostly city driving. I use my car for work thats why I got a hybrid to save money. Unless they correct this I would not recommend if your goal is to save on gas.

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  Lexus For Life - 2012 Lexus GX 460
  By pipes3 - August 19 - 1:03 am

  Bought 2012 white with sepia leather and could not be happier. I owned a 2012 4runner for a year prior and upgraded to the GX...there is no comparison between the two vehicles...the Lexus is superior in every way...baffled how others say they are the same vehicles! Mine came with the F-Sport package with upgraded rims. Totally changed the look of the GX. Very rare option that sets the SUV apart from others. Interior is top notch but that is what Lexus does. Smooth as butter ride, decent acceleration for a heavy SUV. Main reason bought is for the reliability..Bulletproof...Benz, BMW, Audi...all will be in shop with expensive repairs..enough said...

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  Right Choice of SUV - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By CO - August 17 - 3:46 pm

  Researched and test drove the Acura MDX,Toyota 4Runner and Lexus RX 350. Purchased the 2010 FWD RX350 and could not be happier with my first RX 350. At 63,I was worried about comfort, especially on long trips but after making two 500 miles trips, no problems. The ride was quite and very comfortable. The RX350 has more back seat room than my 2007 4Runner and everyone loves the reclining rear seats. Have averaged 19 MPG city, 22 MPH Hwy. Only complaints so far are a weak stereo system and the black/gray screen for the nav/comm control panel. Needs to have some color in it. Surprised at all the negative comments about this vehicle. So far I have very pleased at my choice at a entry level SUV.

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  its a lexus - 2008 Lexus GS 450h
  By pars - August 15 - 1:43 pm

  Excellent quality but does not fee like a performance car as compared to a BMW which I traded in. Feels good to be driving a hybrid there is slight hesitation when accelerating---not yet sure if it is due to engine shifting or something else

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  Jens Review - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Jenn - August 12 - 5:53 am

  Love to drive, love the design, had problems w/ tires & radiator, so many features in the cargo/ truck area, like first aid kit. You dont close the trunk it automatically does it for you. The sound sytems is great. The leather is very soft. Overall, it was the best car I ever bought in my lifetime.

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  I love my Sportcross - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By Bob-1885 - August 9 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. I have had it for 4 months and have not seen a single one like it, there are other is300s out there but no wagons. Very few can say they have such a unique and head- turning car. Handling is very nible. The car is so responsive that you dont feel like you are driving this car so much as mentally willing it to move. It makes my daily commute enjoyable and everyone I know likes it. It is fast. I topped it out at 137, it would have gone faster if it did not have 500lb in cargo at the time. It has lots of low end power. VROOM!!! The e-shift is *fun* and useful, especially for sudden bursts of speed when passing. Fuel economy is mediocre.

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  the best - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By black cherry - August 9 - 10:00 am

  had always admired the way the car looked. and wondered if it drove as nice as it looked so when i became available i grabbed it. i usually get a new car every 6 months( im in the business0 but this ones a keeper