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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  Lexus Does It All - 2009 Lexus ES 350
  By Edward - October 8 - 5:23 am

  This car has everything - great looks and performance. I feel like Im driving in my living room. Love the very quiet and smooth ride from the V6 272 HP engine. The Mark Levinson Sound System is incredible.

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  Waste of Money - 2015 Lexus RX 450h
  By Jason - October 8 - 12:13 am

  I am extremely disappointed in my purchase of 2015 Lexus RX450H. I put approx 12k miles and the mpg is a joke at 25-27mpg average. The electric hybrid does not work in excess of 30 mph. In addition, the emergency brake is positioned badly at the left leg shin. The vehicle I purchase sat on the lot for over 150 days. DO NOT take any vehicle that has been sitting around this long. I would definitely not recommend this vehicle.

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  Likes & Dislikes - 2006 Lexus RX 330
  By John Carey - October 7 - 4:40 am

  The car drives and rides like a dream. The acceleration is outstanding for a 6 cylinder engine. When starting the engine I cant tell if it is running, it is so quite. The trunk is huge. I am very impressed with the car overall.

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  Luv It!!!! - 2000 Lexus GS 300
  By Gerri - October 7 - 2:00 am

  No major problems with the vehicle. Minor ones were corrected without any inconvenience to me. The ride is smooth, driving is controlled and easy, and the body style is one that I love. The service is second to none. I dont believe Ill ever purchase anything other than a LEXUS.

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  a great deal for the price - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By mmkm - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Ive driven the Mercedes M-class and S-class and the new 7-series BMW at home but these cars dont make me feel the IS any worst. It has a great look and excellent performance in an affordable price. The navigation system is much better than the mercedes and BMWs. However, the only bad thing is the small trunk space and uncomfortable back seats.

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  Best I ever had. - 2001 Lexus ES 300
  By goodlanding - October 7 - 2:00 am

  I got the car for the wife and drove it myself for the first year and a half. I slowly realized that an incredible car it really is and dont want to kill it with miles so I gave it back to her to drive to the market with. It really is the best car I have ever had. It does everything very well. No problems, its just full of understated elegance. One of the best things is that the dealer treats me like a human, not like the chysler dealers that figure you for the idiot that got suckered into buying one of their top of the line POS. My wife and I have agreed that we will always have at least one Lexus.

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  Your average Mike - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By The average consumer - October 7 - 2:00 am

  This is a nice car for a family car. It is underpowered and that is the one bad thing about it. I would say that over all that is nothing too big. I would also advise someone to look at the Toyota line for a better buy on almost the same car. However if you dont mind paying up front five to six grand extra for the Lexus then this is better than the E class from Germany. The dealer will not kill you when you go back in and get anything extra or for service work. I have had several of each and the Lexus is much the best.

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  We love this SUV!!! - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By cltang - October 7 - 2:00 am

  We got this 2WD SUV with $35,500 OTD. I love the V6 engine and transmission, which is the same as my other car and van (Camry and Sienna). The interior is super. The reason we bought it because of our 10th anniversary. It worths to keep for another decade!

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  Lovin the car - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Jeff - October 6 - 10:03 pm

  Ive had the 350 for 1 month and compared to the 2004 ES 330, this car is significantly better. The transmission no longer hesitates, increased power and at least 2-3 mpg better. The screen on the Gen 5 Nav is much improved and visible during the day. Moving control to the steering wheel + bluetooth makes functions more accessible.

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  The flaw in an every day city commuter - 2005 Lexus SC 430
  By sandy - October 5 - 10:16 pm

  Owning the SC 430 is a mixed blessing. Fit, finish and flawless performance surpass the most demanding of expectations... crucial flaw: low profile tires that are unsuited for the rigors (pot holes, steel plates) of New York city streets. In the last year, 6 tires have been replaced, 4 at the dealers considerable expense as well as sensors and suspension parts. I am not an isolated case. The same frustrating experience has been shared by other owners. Larger tires are not an option as there is no room for a spare without sacrificing the trunk. The otherwise fully satisfying vehicle should have a sticker "NOT FOR NYC DRIVING" Would I buy another?...you have to be joking.