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:

• 

  Simply Amazing - 2001 Lexus IS 300
  By LexusSteve - May 3 - 10:00 am

  This is an awesome car to drive!! You get the best bang for your buck with this baby! It handles great and accelerates rapidly. Awesome stock stereo system!

• 

  Great car - 2001 Lexus ES 300
  By coronado75 - May 3 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Lexus, I bought the Coach Edition, black in color. Ive always owned Toyota cars and trucks for the past 26 years. I wish I bought a Lexus when they first came out. The ride is smooth and comfortable. This is my weekend car, and I enjoy taking it for long dirives to the coast in GA.

• 

  Nearly Perfect - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By stellab - May 3 - 10:00 am

  Overall, this vehicle is a dream come true and VERY worth the money. The handling is superior. Luxurious interior and comfortable ride. Rear seating is roomy. Front window is large so vision is unobstructed. Wipers are too slow. The audio controls leave a lot to be desired. Heater is slow to heat up, but the heated seated make up for it. Too much road noise. I had a Grand Cherokee Ltd V8 but the Lexus mpg is barely better with a V6. Could use a V8 option, but the V6 is okay. The fit and finish is superior. Wonderful experience at dealership.

• 

  Low maintenance - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By C. Dudley - May 2 - 9:26 am

  After years of purchasing US made automobiles, all needing several trips to the dealer for warranty repairs, the Lexus ES330 never needed a single warranty repair in 10 years. It is quiet and rides smooth with excellent gas mileage on long trips. We are so pleased with this car, that we will look for another Lexus as a replacement. The car was traded for a 2016 Lexus ES350 in Dec. 2015.

• 

  KEH review of 2002 Lexus LS430 - 2002 Lexus LS 430
  By Janice R. Heugel - April 30 - 3:50 pm

  The best car we have owned. Fully adjustable to make passengers comfortrable. Only minor problems readily and easily corrected by regular maintenance and dealer service. Highly recommend.

• 

  Perfect... Even after the Crash - 1997 Lexus ES 300
  By Okus1984 - April 29 - 8:43 am

  The car was orig. bought at 115k in 04 by a relative. She totaled it out this winter. I bought it from her, and put work into it myself. The car looks brand new now. (only cost me $550 in parts) Even after the crash this car drives like new! Its fast enough to get up and go. The gas mileage is great! Its comfortable to drive. Its been on numerous 8 hour road trips. I love Lexus. I have owned a Sc400, Ls400, 96 ES, and I have a RX300. I love Lexus! No wonder they are the TOP Luxury Car company in America! BTW nite and day difference from the 96 and below ES.

• 

  Beautiful and fun to drive IS300 - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By David Nguyen - April 28 - 2:00 am

  Great looks, handling, and performance.

• 

  snow - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By beebas1 - April 28 - 2:00 am

  very bad in the snow

• 

  Whodve thunk it ! - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By stureis - April 28 - 2:00 am

  In all my years of driving (Im a senior citizen) I NEVER thought that I would find a car that would make me happier than my BMWs-----I was wrong. I traded in my 98 740IL for my new Lexus with trepidation. I loved my old BMW---but, finding the new I-drives less than user friendly, I drove the new Lexus LS430 sedan. One look/drive and I was SOLD. My one and ONLY complaint was that I had to wait almost 4 months for delivery---My fault for getting the car of my dreams exactly how I wanted it! Great dealership too!

• 

  Close enough to flawless to nitpick - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By myckey - April 28 - 2:00 am

  Great handling for non-sports car. Michelin energys dont cut it; needs snow tires. Mileage dissapointing 19- 20MPG city/highway combined. GPS awsome and Mark Levinson stereo even better. Those who object audio controls on GPS screen are crazy; much better and easier than fiddling with dials located below line of sight. Get the xenons, which make a world of difference at night. Cant say enough positive about dealer. While there are better looking cars, faster cars and better handling cars, all within the same price range, I bought this car for the luxury, quality, service and value, and what the heck, my wife liked it and it is her car.