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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  Transmission troubles - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Warren Lieberman - December 2 - 3:00 pm

  The new 5-speed transmission shifts either hard or surges with hesitation. In slow traffic the transmission falls out of gear and then surges and jerks to find the right gear. At this point Lexus refuses to find a fix for the problem with this model that now is recognized by their dealers and service departments.

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  First Impressions - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Gene - December 2 - 1:53 pm

  I spent several months researching a car purchase, and decided on the ES 350 in stead of the sportier Acura TL. After driving 1 week, here are my impressions: The NAV system is the worst of all the 6 car makes I test drove. Voice recognition is useless at best. Took 12 tries to get my home phone right. Cannot adjust the NAV while driving. If NAV is important to you DO NOT BUY THIS CAR!. Very smooth ride as I expected. Good performance and acceleration for a luxury vehicle. Very poor center console. Difficult to use and little storage space.

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  Incredible vehicle - 2008 Lexus RX 350
  By K. Denison - December 2 - 7:16 am

  Although I have only had this vehicle for a few weeks, I can say without a doubt that it is the most dynamic vehicle I have ever driven. The quality is outstanding. I love everything about it. Couldnt be happier with this purchase.

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  Transmission troubles - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Warren Lieberman - December 2 - 4:43 am

  The new 5-speed transmission shifts either hard or surges with hesitation. In slow traffic the transmission falls out of gear and then surges and jerks to find the right gear. At this point Lexus refuses to find a fix for the problem with this model that now is recognized by their dealers and service departments.

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  28 MPG combined on a recent road trip - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Truman - December 1 - 8:45 pm

  Unlike some critics of the hybrid RX, I am getting excellent mpg without driving like a grandma. A recent 300-mile road trip to the Antelope Valley Poppy Preserve averaged 28 mpg on the mountainous roads of the Angeles National Forest. My normal everyday driving has never seen below 26mpg combined, and during open highway cruising I average 31mpg -- thats amazing for a heavy crossover! The key is -- regular maintenance, tire pressure 34-36psi, keep to 60-65mph on the highway and 40-42 on the streets. A very comfortable road trip car! I like the RX because it sits higher than most crossovers and lower than SUVs, you still step *up* onto your seat like a SUV but its must more fuel-efficient. While it doesnt get the 50mpg of my old Prius, its much more comfortable and feels safer due to the higher seating position. Gas prices in CA are going up again so I am very happy with my purchase. Besides mpg, the electric hybrid motor makes car accelerate like a V8 and feels much faster than regular RX. The only con is lots of body roll in cornering due to the heavy battery, so tread gingerly in the twisties!

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  98 Lexus GS 300 - 1998 Lexus GS 300
  By BSSHusker - December 1 - 10:00 am

  This has been a great car. There has been only one problem - w/ the fuel gauge and that was fixed by the dealer. It is a very quiet smooth ride and feels sporty for a sedan. It feels solidly made and is comfortable on long or short trips. Lexus gives outstanding service to its customers - I love being able to make an appt for any type of service I may need - and they are on time.

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  still fun to drive after 1 year - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By JBD - December 1 - 10:00 am

  15000 miles and one year later, I still enjoy driving this car. That is a first for me. Considered BMW and I glad I got this instead. Great handling, quick, just fun. Now, how about a convertible version??

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  LEXUS 430 - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By LINDA BROWN - December 1 - 10:00 am

  PROS FAST AND GOOD LOOKING CONS SMALL LOW TO GROUND NO BACK SEAT TOO MUCH MONEY FOR CAR

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  Great Car - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By DnA - November 30 - 10:16 pm

  Except for the lame gas mileage and soft paint, this car has been a pleasure. Super fun with the 5-speed and very comfortable on long trips.

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  New Lexus Midsize SUV - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By VM - November 29 - 10:00 am

  A great ride and has most ammenities that a consumer would realistically use.