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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  GX Spot - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By Berle - July 13 - 7:36 pm

  This is our 3rd Lexus trading up from the RX model. The main reason we bought the GX is its size while driving around Florida. We are totally thrilled with the performance of this vehicle. The interior is well appointed and is the best ride we have had in years owning a vehicle. Driving is a joy on a calm day. If it is windy you are going to struggle with the wheel when sudden gust prevail. Passenger seating is very good in the back except for the cargo area fold down seating. Just try to get back there. Leg room zero and tolerable for young kids. Cargo area and rear door needs work. With cargo seats stored you are limited with space for any large items unless you remove the seats.

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  Looking forward to the next edition. - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By MILLER - July 12 - 2:00 am

  Looked at Acura MDX, Mercedes, and The RX. Wife liked the styling of the RX so we bought it. LIKES: The size and related styling is great for our needs. The ride is most comfortable and accommodates five adults easily. The quality of construction is excellent with few imperfections. Did not need the navigation system but ordered it anyway; absolutely love it! Will buy a Lexus product again even though we have owned Acuras in the past. DISLIKES: The roof rack "knobs" are most cumbersome (look at Jeeps set-up). The turning radius is too limited particularly for a SUV as short as this one.

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  rebadged Highlander - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By Pete - July 6 - 10:43 pm

  Ive been driving it for about a year and the whole experience is boring to say the least. Theres little road information in the sluggish steering feel and road tracking isnt always linear and true. Braking is lousy and made artificially light. what really irks me is a wide turning circle that hinders parking and no such things as back up sensors offered. While cornering, you really feel its weight. I really feel this car is for a much older crowd. This car offers a silenced cabin and wallowy ride, yet unable to smooth out road bumps. Overall, disappointing car considering its hefty price and bad fuel mileage.

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  OK - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By Lexus Fan - July 1 - 10:00 am

  This is my third Lexus. Es250, Ls400, and now this. Overall the car has been pretty good. Manual has smooth shifting. Gear shift gets a little hot in summer. Radio is adequate. Im a little envious of the G35 coupes styling and power. Other than squeeks and rattles....good car. NEEDS MORE POWER OR 6th gear! Maybe convertible?

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  Understand what youre buying - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By 03is300 - June 27 - 8:14 pm

  Note: I am a car guy, Im not even 30 and this is my seventh car (not an idiot, just an enthusiast with a few extra nickels to burn on car payments), this is not a worthless review where I talk about how I dont like the cupholders or the color..... Aside from a few minor issues, this vehicle is a great choice, especially now that the prices have dropped dramatically. This is not your grandfathers lexus, it does not ride like its on rails and a lot of the luxury options are simply not included with this model. Previous vehicle: 2005 Audi A4 with every option imaginable, the two are not comparable on any level beyond purchase price. Overall a fantastic car, just understand what ur buying

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  A pretty good car. - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By jhodkin - June 19 - 2:00 am

  Rear passenger door glass cracked. replaced under warrantee. The car has had a dead battery two times for unknown reasons. roadside assistance was non-responsive two times when needed. once extremely late, one a no show.

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  Needs a bigger back seat - 2005 Lexus SC 430
  By garbvr - June 18 - 6:56 am

  Mostly positive

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  I had a better transmission on my Yugo - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Rondell - June 12 - 2:00 am

  A fine SUV except for the tranny. Its horrible. Ive had 3 other Lexus autos and every other tranny was smooth, but this one jerks and hesitates at 2nd and 4th gear. I threw away 46 grand.

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  Top Luxury/Moderate Performance - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By LBPop - May 29 - 11:33 pm

  If I was 10 years younger, this car would not have been my first choice. However ,in my mid 50s its perfect. Luxurious, quiet, classic and, with the ride stabilization, it handles relatively well. The shift lag seems to improve over time. It can be reduced by decisive decisions to accelerate. If you hesitate, it does too.

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  Classy - 1999 Lexus LX 470
  By rahang - May 29 - 4:53 am

  Bought this vehicle used from repeat owner of LX 470s who also loves the LX 470. We have driven it in the Rocky Mountains and Northern Michigan in various extreme weather and road conditions and it hardly skipped a heartbeat. Then the problems. Front wheel portion of AWD failed completely without warning and complete and thorough maintenance & records upkeep. No reason, just failed with less than 120K miles on vehicle. Lexus Company left me dry and lacking enthusiasm for its continued reliability stating I should have bought extended warranty. Chagrined that a seemingly top notch vehicle of this caliber has such a major problem with so few miles, but goes to show failure happens