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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  pleased with lexus - 2004 Lexus GS 300
  By BandaS - September 30 - 2:00 am

  I love my lexus. However, the gas mileage is the only negative draw back. The interior needs a place for cell phones and a charger that is not so close to the cup holder.

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  Quality issues for Lexus? - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By Ceasar - September 25 - 2:16 am

  Well Ive been watching the Lexus RX for quite a while now, after going from Mercedes and other luxury brands I decided to try with the 2010 RX. Ive owned this car for about 2 months, it drives smooth and the cabin is quiet. However my first impression from them is poor quality. I have noticed paint peeling on the interior, which they finally replaced and loose fittings and less in cabin wood from prior models. They also took away auto rain sensing on the base model which used to be there on my local base model. I love the way the car drives but there is definitely poor quality during the manufacture process on this one.

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  So Far So Good - 2007 Lexus LS 460
  By Bronco - August 31 - 7:53 pm

  I play for a professional sports team in Denver and got my hands on a new LS 460 this month. I have really enjoyed the features and the comfortable interior of this car. It is very roomy and comfortable. It has a smooth and responsive powertrain. It is very comfortable and the hands free parking feature is very cool. Ive been getting some looks in it... it is definitely a head turner and looks great on 20s.

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  Size vs me - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By mark - August 25 - 5:13 am

  The Lexus ES 330 is a nice car. However its a bit cramped inside. The between the seats cup holder is terrible and the acceleration is weak. Fuel mileage on trips is good, but poor around town.

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  The poor mans exotic - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By NOB - August 20 - 2:00 pm

  Despite the recall on the tire valves, and the battery that could never charge, and the broken 6 disc CD changer, this is an awesome car. The closest thing to a lemon that toyota has ever built, but im in love with it.

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  Best reliability of the three vehicles Ive owned - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By cjopil - August 18 - 3:24 pm

  Ive purchased a Ford Taurus and a GM Alero brand new and both vehicles had $2-$3k issues just after 3 years of ownership. I bought a 2006 RX400H used in 2009 (from dealership, it was leased). Initial problem was the battery in the CPU; I dont believe the dealership changed it out and I couldnt start the vehicle if it sat for longer than 24 hours. Since then, no problem - just regular maintenance. Put one new set of tires on it, avg MPG is 27 (being very conscious to "coast." Best savings: my husband sat in 3 hours of traffic to drive 45 miles due to a snowstorm and used less than 2 gallons of gas.

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  AwEsOmE - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By Alyssa - August 18 - 2:00 am

  This is an awesome car to travel in

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  my 3rd. Lexus - 2015 Lexus RX 450h
  By chuck lichter - August 17 - 6:23 am

  This is the second "h" we have purchased. I see much improvements over the last. Clearly the interior had a "womens touch". Engine much more "peppy" than the last. Still the better ride compared to the Cad 2013 Rx I now use for work.

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  Still turning heads... - 2001 Lexus IS 300
  By SeattleSheila - August 16 - 10:00 am

  18 months/15,000 miles; NO rattles or squeaks. Only problem: Drivers side door pin popped out a couple of times...the dealer replaced the hinge. No more trouble. The back seat is cramped, but since I rarely have passengers, it isnt an issue for me. I was looking for reliability and driving fun...within my budget. I found it. Even though the new car smell is gone, I am still taking the long way wherever I go. I just hate to stop driving it. It is a thirsty little beast, but its hard to muster up any concern about it. The mileage for stop and go driving has been 19.6 miles a gallon. Nothing prettier than my fresh-washed, blue IS300...she still turns heads.

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  LS430 - 2001 Lexus LS 430
  By DoubleT - August 7 - 10:00 am

  The LS430 has the best electronic wonder I have ever had. The voice activated, touch screen GPS is wonderful and the Mark Levinson stereo amazing. The car, however, is truely boring to drive and cannot corner worth a darn.