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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  Love it - 2007 Lexus RX 350
  By Tara - August 8 - 12:56 pm

  I just got my 2007 Lexus rx350. I love the way it drives. Its quiet and smooth. I am disappointed about the xm radio. There is a button for it, so I assumed all came equipped to buy xm. Mine doesnt come with it, and to install it would cost me $500. If it doesnt come with that option, dont put the "sat" but in the car!! There is no room for me to put a portable one, I dont want it on my dash.

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  2006 GS300 AWD - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By mspence - August 3 - 4:06 am

  the car had two major flaws : low headroom . I am only 59" and my head almost scrapes the roof . The second flaw it the run flat tires . They do not take any abuse . They puncture easily and are very expensive. The dealer was not very clear about the option to put regular tires on the car .

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  2006 to a 2010 - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By clc - August 1 - 7:00 pm

  The 2006 RX was perfect in quality, reliability and performance, 60,000 miles with not one problem, so we traded for a 2010RX. A mistake, why? more wind noise, more road/tire noise, more motor noise, poorer ride quality,l poorer leather quality, gas mileage not as good, no side door strip protection, chrome roof stripe instead of black, poor interior AC outlets positions, no lighting on overhead buttons, over all quality not as good as a Lexus should be. Lexus needs to re-think their future RXs.

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  Almost got a Volvo! - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By liguy - July 31 - 2:00 am

  I was choosing between the GX 470 and the Volvo XC90. Man, am I happy. My friend got the Volvo and has complained ever since. The GX is beautiful. No flaws after 2 weeks. I replaced an RX 300 with this SUV and it is far superior in luxury and utility (no SUV Ive ever been in rides like the RX, though). Even my 52" wife loves this car. I cant find something to complain about. We thought we might not like the 3rd row configuration or the rear door at first. Theyve both been easy to use and very convenient.

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  Expensive with problems - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By ExpensiveFun - July 31 - 2:00 am

  I was so happy with my 96 ES300 I got an RX300 for winters. What a disappointment. Within a year I had it in 3 times for the same problem. I never had service other than oil changes on the 96. It rattles alot. I just had my 45,000 maintenance and feel as though I got charged $90 an hour for labor when it looks no different and I have no proof for what was done.

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  Surprised at cost of service - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By GRAMP - July 31 - 2:00 am

  For the most part i am satisfied with the Es 300. I had a couple of rattles in the back door , but after two times the dealer took care of that problem. I was very surprised at the cost of service. 10,000 mile service cost $129.00, and i just called the dealership to find out the cost of 15,000 service-----HOW ABOUT-$359.00, so much for a LEXUS

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  lEXUS RX300 REVIEW AFTER 10 YEARS - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By nahash - July 24 - 4:53 am

  Hi, I have this car for 10 years now with 220k In general it was a great car very comfi to drive. It had few small problems but 2 problems that I want to share with all potential owners. One is with the anti lock brake sensors. During the 10 years had to change 2 anti lock sensors. 1000$ cost for each.Lexus built the antilock sensor into the drive shafts so there are 4 sensors in this car as it is a 4 wheel drive ( 4 shafts). In order to change the sensor the shaft must be replaced with a cost close to 1000$. Other issue is the timing belt. This model has a timing belt that must be changed around the 180k with a cost to the customer of close to 1000$. so be aware this is what you will face

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  Well Built SUV - 2006 Lexus GX 470
  By Jim - July 23 - 5:00 pm

  We bought a GX and have over 30K miles on it now. It is a very comfortable vehicle for trips and is very quiet for its size. Fuel economy is fair with 16 in town and about 19-20 on the highway. The Lexus dealer is easy to work with and fixes any issues without argument. Handling is average for an suv and has a fair amount of lean on corners. The 3rd row seats are useless for anyone but small children and should be designed to stow under the floor like other SUVs. Quality of interior and exterior materials is excellent.

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  OK Drive -- Overpriced - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By cajhawk - July 20 - 10:00 am

  Basically a Toyota with the "consumer- based" sales and marketing of Lexus. Fairly enjoyable car, but a bit overpriced for what you get. Definitely worth waiting for a used one after depreciation. Love the navigation system; dont get without it!

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  Lower back pain - 2010 Lexus GX 460
  By K.C. - July 18 - 10:00 am

  I have owned 5 SUVs and this one is the most luxurious. I bought it thinking I would own it for several years. Unfortunately, the seat and ride are causing lower back pain. I even have the headrest turned backwards which looks ridiculous. MRI showed a bulging disc so this is no joke.