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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  Excellent, but costly to maintain - 1996 Lexus LS 400
  By Great Car - October 21 - 2:23 am

  I purchased a beautiful black 1996 LS 400 with factory chrome wheels in 2004. I thought, well, yes the car is 8 years old. However, it is a LEXUS and it only had 78,000 miles. I have never owned a better riding car. Ride is very quiet and smooth. Build quality is excellent and interior features and creature comforts represent true luxury. However, keep in mind that this car is also expensive to maintain. I have just called to set up an appointment for the routine 90,000 mile service and the price tag? $1,500 ! This is not for repairs, just routine maintenance. I consider that a lot, however, I guess most people who own these cars from brand new would have no problem affording it.

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  Good older SUV - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By krw5 - October 18 - 3:40 am

  I bought this with 167k on it as a "winter beater" three years ago, never thinking that with that many miles it would be as great a vehicle as it is. The only thing thats ever gone wrong is that the ignition coils needed to be replaced. Still gets 20-25mpg, passes California smog with flying colors, looks pretty good for a 14 year old Lexus. It did have the advantage of being a one owner vehicle serviced exclusively by a Lexus dealer (it even has a Lexus brand battery). I change fluids religiously and expect it to go another 100k.

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  Not quite a Lexus - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By jpreski - October 17 - 10:00 am

  Overall the car is great with some issues I cant believe Lexus missed like usable storage and room, amenities like memory seat, more adjustable steering, and tire replacement difficulty. I have a BMW and they can get these items right. Great handling doesnt forgive these items since most people dont push the handling to the limit.

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  A Boring Convertible - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By mickeyalso - October 12 - 10:00 am

  For a performance convertible this has to be the most boring for the dollar. Our Volvo S60R T5 is more fun, and a better value. It pales in comparison to the Z06 for a performance vehicle.

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  Overrated - 2000 Lexus ES 300
  By Warren - October 11 - 4:00 pm

  I married into this car. Looks good and engine is strong with good acceleratIon. But in last 2 years weve been through 2 batteries, 2 sets of struts and other miscellaneous items that should not go bad in a car that has a quality reputation. Even the struts that hold up the engine hood have worn out so it has to be held up with an old broom handle.

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  Nice ride - 2007 Lexus RX 350
  By THD - October 10 - 3:43 am

  This is our first RX, but our third Lexus. My wife LOVES "her" car. Certainly not a sedan, but I am impressed with the handling and ride from a SUV. MPG isnt bad given the peppy engine and AWD. For a vehicle of this caliber, I would have expected a better stereo system.

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  Wifes Car - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By Pete & Char - October 6 - 10:00 am

  She loves everything about it. He think it should be quieter and have a better ride/handling combo. Dealership experience with the purchace & service is excellent.

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  Out-of-Date GPS Data - 2010 Lexus ES 350
  By Andrie Chen - October 4 - 10:00 am

  The GPS data is either out-of-date (about 20 year) or incomplete. The dealer didnt advise me when I purchased the car neither did the salesperson told me how to get the up- to-date data.

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  Bad Model - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By megan - October 2 - 10:40 am

  Bought the 2004 Lexus because I drove the RX 300 and loved it. Yet this car has disappointed. The transmission lags horribly! Going from a stop, you press on the gas with no response and then a huge lurch forward. We took it into the dealer and explained the problem and they insisted nothing was wrong and it was "how they all run". Only to talk to them 4 years later and they admit that this car was underpowered. However, the styling, space, and comfort was exceptional.

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  Nice car - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By billy - September 30 - 7:40 am

  so far, Ive raced with a M3(98 or 97 model) a few other BMWs, some modified rice car, and guess what, with the superior handling and cornering that this car can do, I beat them all! enough said!