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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  NICE CAR - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By ACKEA - October 25 - 2:00 am

  WHAT A GREAT CAR

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  Avoid this truck - 2010 Lexus GX 460
  By Carsick - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Tested BMW x5, MDX, BM350 and RX350 and GX460 on local road, loved RX350 but went with Gx460 with regret not testing it on highway. Thought we will get roomier and more conformable ride than rx350 but got sea sick the first 50 miles driving it. This truck ride very bumpy and shakes on high way, it made us sick and dizzy (never had this problem). Be care if you have kids. Gas mileage is very poor not an ideal day to day car for the family, avoid it if you can. Traded in for a 2011 RX350 later and much happier now.

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  Everything is excellent - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By yc - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Everything inside and out is excellent, except only V6 is available.

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  Just what we were looking for! - 2010 Lexus ES 350
  By PrAl10 - October 25 - 2:00 am

  We had been shopping around for our new family sedan for a long time. Eventually, no other options came close to the ES350 in terms of style, build quality, luxury, comfort, value, and fuel economy. I actually disagree with comments about this not being a "sporty" car: I have driven many "sporty" sedans, and I find the ES350 to be perfectly adequate and entertaining at legal speeds on a typical US public road: it is safe, predictable and agile enough to please its driver. And 30 m.p.g. are very easy to get in normal driving, very impressive! We have seen 31 mpg. tank average (real) during its first road trip (less than 1,000 miles on the odometer).

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  Thinking of going green? Dont bother.... - 2012 Lexus RX 450h
  By tampabayjay - October 24 - 12:27 am

  I recently traded my 2008 Lexus ES350 for a 2012 450RX Hybrid. What a HUGE mistake! The estimated mileage on the sticker is NO WHERE close to what the vehicle actually gets. I paid a premium to get a Hybrid and Im getting 22-23 average miles per gallon! My ES 350 got 32 MPG average. Lexus has really disappointed me with this false interpretation of Hybrid performance. I asked my dealer (Lexus of Tampa Bay) today what I could do. They said to call Lexus. What a joke. Im a repeat customer that has referred several buyers to this dealership and they blew me off? I sincerely hope that taking the time to post this review will sufficiently warn others. Jay

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  The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By J. Jones - October 23 - 1:00 pm

  The 400h is a great accelerator. Unfortunately, we feel deceived on the MPG. Getting approx. 21. Not the 28-35 promised. Also, driving during heavy rain...hydroplaning about 90% of the time! Unexpected and scary. The tires are a bummer. Had 3 very expensive flats in 3 weeks. Live in the country, need a whole lot more from my tires. Overall, this vehicle has awesome potential. With a few tweeks,(some, major), theyd have something unbeatable.

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  i was hoping to fall in love.... - 2016 Lexus NX 200t
  By Bill - October 23 - 11:42 am

  First, let me say that the NX200 will be a great choice for many drivers. Especially those who had an RX300 in the past, as i did, and found that their RX450 (or 350) is larger than theyd like. (and heavier too). Ive been a little frustrated with the way that Lexus has evolved. The front grill is apparently designed with a younger generation in mind. And car chassis keeps getting longer and wider, and less fun to drive. So, i anticipated the NX eagerly, as the "fix". Dont get me wrong. The NX is fun to drive. Smooth. Handles well. Accelerates nicely. And has the smaller footprint for parking and driving around town. 2 problems are deal killers for me: 1) the cabin cargo area is too small for my large dog. And specifically, not tall enough. The RX300, while much smaller than my RX450, had a much taller cargo area than the 450. The cargo height problem is much worse on the NX, making it a show stopper. 2) The other concern is that the front seats on the NX curve forward at the top, in a way im not fond of. I could have gotten used to the seats, but the cargo area was a killer. Ironically, much smaller SUVs, like the BMW X1, are better in cabin height - which is surprising. And certainly the Audi Q5 and Mercedes GLC.... let alone the Subaru Forester offer far more viable choices for me and my dog. Frustrating as im a big Lexus fan of many years. YMMV (your mileage may vary)

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  Avoid the Navigational System - 2007 Lexus RX 350
  By REBB - October 23 - 10:50 am

  The Lexus is a fair car but way overrated. The Navigational system does not allow the driver or passenger to make adjustments while the vehicle is in motion. Lexus refuses to acknowledge this design issue and stonewalls its customers...so much so that owners are talking about class action litigation. If you must buy this model year, shop around until you find one without the navi. The engine has high noise...sounds like a 1970s diesel. Lexus advises that it is due to their decision to go with a mechanical timing chain. I would rather have a quiet vehicle and pay the cost to replace. High wind noise at highway speeds. Buy an Acura, you will be much happier.

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  GS 300 AWD - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By J - October 23 - 6:50 am

  Actual hwy mileage hit 28.8 consistently and at times hit 30.0 mpg. Handled exceptionally well in the snow with no effort. Very impressed with overall driving experience. Previously owned 1999 GS 300. 2006 AWD just took it to the next level.

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  Great Car - 2010 Lexus LS 460
  By Mike Z - October 22 - 12:43 am

  I was tired of the problems and expense of the Audi A8 and switched to the Lexus, and I am very happy about it, more comfortable, at least as nice to drive, and quieter. And I can expect it to be more reliable.