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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  Not too thrilled - 2006 Lexus RX 330
  By miami1 - July 16 - 10:20 am

  The car handles beautifully and the ride and acceleration is good. I was in a VW Toureg before and miss the weight. It is too light for me.

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  Major problems steering rod, transmission, leak - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By mike - July 12 - 4:13 pm

  I have had this car for 4 years. It is a weekend car. The car is fun to drive. But I have had the transmission replaced, when it barely had 10,000 miles on it. It would change gears with a major kick. After a week my vsc came on. About a month ago when I would turn my steering wheel I would feel clicking noises. So back to the shop it went and their was a defect in the steering rods. I also had a oil leak and a plug was defective so they replaced that. Thank god! This car inst what I use daily.

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  Navication missing - 2016 Lexus CT 200H
  By Sajani Rao - July 11 - 10:42 pm

  The car has 3 choices in operation. Ev, normal and Sport. The car on normal and Sport act with loads of Speed. Climb an incline with speed on EV is a challenge( I live in a hilly area). The gas efficiency is amazing. Get the GPS. It Deff is worth it. It helps you interact better with the car.

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  Bad luck with this VIN# and Bulletins - 1995 Lexus LS 400
  By Sherwood - July 11 - 1:36 pm

  I bought this 1995 LS 400 because of its high reliability ratings. The first owner (I was 2nd) had it serviced regularly at a Lexus dealer. The problem is my particular VIN# was in a range of cars manufactured using defective engineering designs. One problem was a vibration at about 35 mph. I had it fixed according to the bulletin for about $2500. They had to replace the axles (evidently manufactured out-of-round) and add a supporting brace! The other problem is a shift-shock which entails replacing the computer for $3500! I asked Lexus to help defray the cost for these but they said the car was too far out of warranty (even though these are most likely manufacturing defects).

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  Enjoying my new Lexus RX 350 - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By Jen - July 10 - 3:26 pm

  This is my 1st Lexus. I had been an Acura driver for 15 years & still love the brand. However, I craved something different & the RX 350 caught my attention. I love the cabin space, the power tail gate & the overall feel. Comparing this to my previous Acura RDX, the RX350 doesnt have as much power as I expected. I dont like the quality of the material on the console & near the radio. I definitely expected higher quality from Lexus. The power & usb plugs inside the console are HORRIBLE! Who ever designed this should be fired -- really, it is that bad! I have run the cables through, but occasionally the phone charger falls in & I have to take out all the items in the console. Gas is ok.

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  Not up to Par - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Pike - July 8 - 2:00 am

  This is my 4th new Lexus since 1990. Build quality is bad and not up to Lexus Standard. Transmission even with the re-program is worst I have driven. At 30 to 40 MPH gears change very rough. Based on the Lexus name and high rating from Consumer Report Lexus is not willing to admit a problem. Gas mileage is very sub par, and high wind noise from side view mirror and roof rack

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  Honest opinion 2 year owner - 2001 Lexus IS 300
  By kpostman - July 6 - 10:00 am

  High quality car, great styling with a slightly above average performance (engine). It is very smooth, quiet, and handles great. I would like to see Lexus increase HP to match other cars in the class.

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  Poor gas mileage - 2008 Lexus RX 400H
  By jfinley - July 2 - 5:00 pm

  This is a very nice car, but I challenge anyone out there to prove they are getting better than 22-24 mpg. Better, I challenge Lexus to prove it. My fiend with a V8 truck gets better mpg. Shame on you Lexus, shame on me for buying.

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  TOP WORK/FAMILY CAR VALUE - 1997 Lexus LS 400
  By Phil57 - July 2 - 10:10 am

  For reliability, performance, comfort, impressing clients and safe transportation for children (son & buddies are now 7) my 97 LS 400 is unsurpassed in value and stress-free driving despite the premium you pay for driving and servicing the best car on the road. I purchased it used for $35K with 45,000 miles, qualified for a new car 5 year loan with my insurance company, now has 97,000 miles, would not hesitate to buy a used 97 model. Expect typical parts turnover as car ages, my experience so far is 1) new starter $1,600; 2) replacement valve for power steering $1,000. Lexus service is excellent, expensive, you get another Lexus for loaner, worth every penny!

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  disappointment for 40k - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By cfeaton - July 1 - 10:00 am

  Too many rattles, squeeks, creaks and little stuff to worry about -- very un- Lexus-like. Dealer talks a good game but usually does not fix problems on first try. Two service occasions have required me to return car to fix problems that they created during service! Hmmmmmmmm. Superb ride and suspension. Great drive. Velvet drivetrain. Beautiful styling. Great traction. Very good utility. I would try something else next time. Sorry.