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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  The best car Ive ever had - 1997 Lexus LS 400
  By Dennis - December 17 - 5:40 pm

  This must be the most well-built reliable car ever made. Ive had this car for almost ten years and it drives almost as snappy as the first day I owned it. Solid it is!

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  Be reasonable in expectations - 2002 Lexus LS 430
  By Eriks - December 17 - 3:00 am

  After following Edmunds reviews I finally decided to purchase the 2002 model with all options included. The car is reasonably well built but has its limits. The engine starting process is rather loud to compare with idle. Steering wheel leather deteriorated quickly. Instead of road noise, the wheels/tires seem to produce constant unpleasant hiss. Two separate thermometers show outside temperature while the driver has no idea what the inside temp levels are. Sound system is good but with very limited adjustment possibilities. Radio often loses station in city driving and this downgrades the overall sound. Change of gears from 2nd to 3rd is late for 1 sec driving normally without kick-down.

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  Save money buy a regular Toyota - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By AZ Driver - December 16 - 6:23 pm

  After driving this vehicle for over a year I can only say I should have bought a Toyota and saved some money. Numerous rattles, transmission that cant seem to find the right gear and now there is a rather unusual clunk each time the drive train engages. Couple that with a drive train howl at around 60 mph and we are less than satisfied with this vehicle.

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  Not Perfect, but Close - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Dpech - December 16 - 1:16 am

  I was looking for comfort not performance and got exactly what I was seeking. The car is exceptionally smooth and quiet. I was a bit disappointed that Bluetooth and Satelite Radio are not standard - I bet this will change in the next year or two. I wanted the nav system because Im a gadget junkie but I really do use it and it works well. I have the ventillated seats and the heating part works well but the ventillated part doesnt have a very strong blower so it is hard to notice the impact. The transmission shifting is a fairly serious issue particularly if you do a lot of stop and go driving. For cruising on the highway this is a hard car to beat!

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  Cool Car!!!!!!! - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By Dixie Dude - December 15 - 10:00 am

  If you are truly looking for a vehicle with style and optimized performance look no further!!! This car has everything and more. I had a LS 400 before purchasing this one and thought it could get to much better, man was I wrong. I had this car for a little over a year and still have new car driving fever!!!! Get it and enjoy. I know I have.

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  Perfection Found - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By Ramster - December 15 - 10:00 am

  You cannot even DREAM a better car than this. For those who are looking for flashy cars to show their friends that they paid a lot for their car, this is not the car for you.

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  brief notes - 2003 Lexus GS 300
  By skuzle - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Car is fun to drive, responsive when needed, although its an older design, still get compliments and looks from other motorists.

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  New Lexus Fan - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By tennisbuff - December 15 - 10:00 am

  After test driving nearly every convertible in its class, I settled on the Lexus. I have been thrilled - it is smooth, fast, luxurious and turns heads. I actually was unprepared for the reaction that the car receives. Service has been incomparable as well.

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  VERY SURPRISED - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By MRBARRY - December 15 - 10:00 am

  I WAS SURPRISE HOW QUICK LEXUS WAS I WAS COMING OUT EXPLORER LIMITED V-8 AND THERE REALLY WAS NO DIFFERENCE IN QUICKNESS. GAS MILEAGE WAS MUCH BETTER. I AM WAITING FOR SOMETHING TO GO WRONG BUT HAS NOT HAPPEN. REALLY A FUN VEHICLE TO DRIVE AND I USE FOR WORK MOSTLY. THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I LEASE THIS WAS VERY PROFESSIONAL AND AGAIN I AM REALLY ENJOYING IT.

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  I wish I had one of these years ago !!! - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By Boomer - December 13 - 1:56 pm

  Great--just great. Like me, I think its perfect and like me there is room for improvement. Third seat should fold into floor to allow better rear vision and add more storage room. While its built on a truck frame, it rides ever so smoothly. Passenger side seat should have 6-way power and larger sun visor. Interior is luxurious--navigation system is great help (once you learn how to use it). Optional sound system is Carnegie Hall quality.