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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  2015 RX 350 may not be a sports car but........... - 2015 Lexus RX 350
  By Jamie - June 30 - 2:29 pm

  I read some of these reviews and think whoever wrote it either does not understand what this SUV is or should have bought a different vehicle. I knew going in this is not a sports car but it is a great SUV. I had a 2010 RX for 60K miles and did nothing but required maintenance. The battery died at 55K and Lexus replaced it free of charge. This 2015 is another fine trouble free SUV. Just did 15K service, 10K was free, 15K was $100. Thats it so far. And this RX is quieter and more refined than the 2010. I am 60, owned all kinds of cars and this is by far the best ownership experience I have ever had. I use Lexus of Palm Beach in Florida and they are just great. They honestly strive to make you 100% satisfied and dont settle for less.

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  Classy, classic and reliable - 2005 Lexus SC 430
  By beccabon - June 29 - 6:50 pm

  This is my 2nd SC 430 and I absolutely love it! Its 8-cylinders give me confidence on the road, the convertible gives me a sense of freedom and style and the Lexus brand spells quality. I love the new 2006 colors, but will keep my pearl white for a while!! I like driving the original; the imitators are cute, but less classy/classic.

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  SENIOR MOMENTS - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By KORT - June 28 - 10:00 am

  I took my Lexus SUV into the service department for its 3000 mile checkup and while it was being serviced I strolled around the showroom and also the car lot. That is when it happened. I fell in LOVE. It was sitting there in the sunlight with the top down gold and beige interior and gold body. I felt it was calling my name. I took it for a short drive and knew I had to have it. My husband drove the SUV home and I, at 69 years old drove home the most magnificent auto I have ever owned, an SC430. I am having the most fun in my senior years with my wonderful car.

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  IManCsNew RX330 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By IManC - June 28 - 10:00 am

  I waited for the new 4Rnr design and was very, very dissapointed. I then discovered plans for redesigning the RX for 04 and I like the look in a sneak preview. It has a smooth ride that is unmatcked in its class. The interior speaks for itself and it says luxury with smart use of wood trim. The change I really like the most is the sliding console...I didnt like the gap. The new sleek exterior styling is a real eye catcher. I have been stopped at red lights several times The response is always one of of awe The engine is not quite as powerful as I expected but powerful enough. In short...I Really Love My New 2004 Lexus RX330 SUV!!!

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  Too quiet - 2006 Lexus ES 330
  By 6th time around - June 27 - 6:20 am

  This is my 6th Lexus and the quietest yet...I can barely hear the car when I am stopped at a light....several times I have attempted to get out of the car with the motor running because it was so silent and still while in park...I can drive a thousand miles and not feel it in my car....I just wonder why I cannot put the 18 gallons of gas in my ES 330 and why I am not getting the 300plus miles from a full tank.

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  IS350 on steroids - 2010 Lexus IS F
  By Kona Man - June 26 - 5:23 pm

  The ISF replaced my 09 IS350 which replaced my 06 IS350. Everyone likes something different... I like the second generation IS series. Ive only had my F car for about two weeks but have logged enough to have an informed opinion on the vehicle. Theyre great. Power, handling, and looks with Toyotas reliability. (sorry, Im not buying the media Toyotas feeding frenzy.) I savor the reported shortcomings of the F. I do not find the ride bad for a sports sedan nor does the lack of a u-shift it tranny concern me. These cars provide a wickedly quick ride, incredible handling, in a good locking wrapper. All the fun of an M3 without being on a first name basis with my service adviser,

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  This is the best car I have ever owned!! - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By mleelanning - June 26 - 3:30 pm

  I previously owned a BMW 3 Series. Although I did enjoy this car, my Lexus ES 350 is by far a better vehicle. It has more room overall, the climate control, sound system, and gas mileage is so much better! I look forward to getting into my vehicle every morning! Thanks Lexus!!

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  Still one of the worlds best cars. - 2006 Lexus LS 430
  By excelsior1 - June 25 - 6:10 pm

  When the LS first appeared on the scene, it was so good that it scared Mercedes into over designing their cars resulting in reliability issues and the loss of the stately image that was their hallmark. Now the Lexus LS has become the standard bearer for those who want a solid, stately, reliable luxury car. The LS 430 executes this mission flawlessly, It rides beautifully, refreshing the driver with every trip. It handles any road surface well. The build quality and reliability are world class. Controls are simple and driver friendly. The Mercedes W126(1979-1991) had many similar traits for its time. I still own a Mercedes 1986 420 SEL and the Lexus LS 430 is its natural successor.

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  First Lexus - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By Michael - June 22 - 11:46 pm

  This has been one of the best purchases I have made. This LUV is quiet and comfortable. Nice change from a trucky SUV. The NAV system is so easy to use, only minutes to go thru the entire menu. Quality thru out the car. Heads up display is terrific. Steering is numb but I dont care. The power boost on the steering is consistent, never over-assisted. Seats are comfortable and I like that both driver and passenger seats have all the same features. No regrets at all.

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  2004 SC430 - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By dpm - June 22 - 10:00 am

  Enjoy the outdoors while driving is an amazing experience. Enjoy the completely automatic retractable roof - no manual latching or fighting with the top. Pick-up is good. Very comfortable to drive. Although the backseat and trunk space are limited, I didnt purchase the vehicle for space. I purchased it for the experience!