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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  Lovin it! - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Jaci - December 28 - 5:53 am

  I love everything about this car. I cant believe how responsive it is. Passes like a dream on the mountain roads across the Sierra Nevada. I am getting better gas mileage than I did in my RX 330. Everything about this car is better than its predecessor the RX 330. I would buy this car again in a heartbeat.

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  Worth the money - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By CCW - December 28 - 2:40 am

  I bought this because of Lexus reputation and have not been disappointed. Still drives like a new car, great handling for a SUV, and gas mileage tolerable even with todays gas prices! This car has everything, just wish it had power rear hatch. Definitely considering hybrid version for next Lexus.

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  Huge surprise!!!!!!!!! - 2015 Lexus RX 450h
  By Samantha - December 28 - 12:56 am

  Bought a brand new Lexus rx450h 2016 on 12/30/2015. Today, the engine and master warning both light up and Needed to be towed to the dealership for immediate check up. Only one week and this happened. What a disappointment. My good old rx2004 served my family over 12 years without a problem besides oil changes and tire rotation. Anyone knows what I should do? Legally, could I ask for another car?

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  Not So Happy - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Michael Ranieri - December 27 - 8:56 pm

  I have the car since August. I have taken it back 3 times for an alignment. It pulls to the left. They have tried to fix it and they now tell me that is how it is. Because of the new tires and new style when you take your hands off the wheel it pulls to the left. I would not buy this model again. Otherwise it has nice options and look great.

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  Excellent Ride - 2008 Lexus RX 350
  By Jose - December 27 - 1:56 pm

  I have had this car for 1 week, and I am in love. It is plush, rides very nicely, and all the interior features work very well together (GPS, XM, Bluetooth, rear camera, entertainment system) - as one system, not as aggregate ones. My only complaint (minor) is that the driver seat does not go back enough for long legs. Also, I find the steering wheel a tad less comfortable than the Toyota Highlander (which this car looks so much like inside). Sound is good. Handling is excellent. Overall, a great buy.

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  is300 - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By dcamp - December 27 - 2:00 am

  BMW 330 is too much $$ for what you get. Infiniti spent all their $$ on an engine, but it doesnt deliver anywhere else. This car in flat out fun to drive and delivers on style, performance and luxury.

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  Best Value for Your Dollar - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By Steve Stanczak - December 26 - 4:30 am

  Having previously owned a number of high-end Euro sedans, most recently a 2000 BMW 750iL, I was not expecting to be as impressed with the LS as I was, especially with its 0-60 sprint. The standard amenities are more than competitive with the Euros. All available options are on par with the competition. I would ideally like to see a longer wheelbase on this car. While the LS does not provide the driving excitement that makes me create errands just to leave the house, it does provide what I feel is the most polished ride I have experienced. This would be THE car to take on an extended trip. Bottom line, I dont wish I had an S-Class, A8, nor a 7-Series, all of which were test driven.

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  RX350 Needs Work - 2008 Lexus RX 350
  By uforgetaboutit - December 25 - 10:43 pm

  This is our 3rd RX out of 4. Good ride and features,interior. Navi console impressive but difficult. If you want navigation get a Nuvi or Tom-Tom and save yourself $2k. Backup camera & Bluetooth good features but no IPod or MP3 input (BTW whats with the tape player). Lock-out during driving sucks... give us a break big brother! Maps and POI are out of date... maybe 2005 maps best guess. Update are extra service charge. Ride is rough. Tires loud, interior noise very high (road, engine). Overall comfort for 4 OK but dont drive too far without a break. We get 21-23 mpg not bad. Lawnmower engine but its perky. Price value more like $30K instead of $40K. Might be our last RX after lease

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  An awesome RX 350 ! - 2015 Lexus RX 350
  By RonnL - December 25 - 3:05 pm

  Recently traded a 2015 Lexus NX for a 2015 Lexus RX350 . There is a huge difference in the ride quality. The NX was just too small. Coming from a Highlander, the RX is a much better fit ! Several have commented on the ride of the RX...I find it very smooth and quiet. The seats are very comfortable, and I got a loaded RX. The Heads Up Display is one of my favorite features. Your eyes stay on the road while the speed is flashed in the windshield. The Mark L. sound system is also awesome. Just spend a little time getting the balance and adjustments right on it. As the new 2016 RX350 will soon be out, it was just too big, and the 2015 has the better look IMO. Im not a fan of the huge front grill on the 2016. Mine has most everything you can get on it, and its fun on the highway, unlike other reviews that say its boring. Sure, its not a sporty ride, but it isnt intended to be one. While I love the looks and came close to an X5, the Lexus reliability and awesome service keeps me coming back. You cant go wrong with the RX, and right now there are some amazing deals on them at the end of the year.

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  RELIABLE and DEPENDABLE - 2015 Lexus RX 450h
  By Satisfied Customer - December 24 - 5:48 am