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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  A 30-year-old guy buys ES 350? - 2013 Lexus ES 350
  By dehw - August 20 - 8:35 pm

  I just turned 30, and previously drove BMW 320, MINI Cooper and Lexus IS 250. As you can see, I am a typical young guy with some money to be spent on cars, loving sporty cars. I was looking to replace my IS 250 and was looking at GS 350 and Audi A6 at first. While searching, the new ES 350 came along. I wouldnt have even considered ES 350 previously since it looked just too much of a grandpas car. The new styling got me. Comparing the three cars, I noted that ES 350 was the best bang for the buck. Yes, it does not drive like a sports car. For that matter, I like the new GS 350. However, it has more space and its ride is slick and balanced. Switching to Sport mode does help fun driving.

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  2005 LS 430 Excellence number 7 - 2006 Lexus LS 430
  By Don Taylor - August 20 - 2:43 pm

  I have owned seven Lexus LS model cars. Each one has been better than the previous model. I have owned many other brands of automobiles in my life and none have been as totally satisfying as the Lexus. Nothing ever goes wrong with these cars. My latest LS 430 gets 21/22 mpg in all around driving and 26/28 mpg on highway trips.

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  GS is a great car - 2000 Lexus GS 300
  By Super Johnny - August 20 - 2:00 am

  I think this car is great, you cant here the motor let alone the road noise, mine has navigation and it brings out the beauty of the dash. I also enjoy the frame work of the dash in relation to the windsheild. The heated seats work awsome for when I travel to the snow or on a cold night.- My chick really diggs it too. On the exterior I have onyx black paint with a spoiler. I dont care to much for the grill which I am going to have replaced, HID front lamps are awsome, dont care to much for the lexus crome 16 in rims so will be replacing those.

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  Not made in Japan & service costs vary greatly - 2013 Lexus RX 350
  By Peter - August 19 - 3:01 pm

  This 2013 RX350 is my 7th Lexus ( my 4th RX) and my first Lexus built in the USA rather than Japan. This RX has also been my the least reliable one. The car had a chronic and constant squeak audible at low speeds which after 4 trips to the dealer finally got diagnosed as a poorly fitted hood (poorly fitted at the factory). It was finally fixed at 20,000 miles. The squeak had gotten so annoying that I actually considered selling the car rather than listen to it. The electric self positioning steering column began to groan when it moved, starting at about 35,000 miles, and was replaced under warranty. The dealer had to keep my car for two weeks to make the repair. The service tech said the steering column would have eventually given out and that it is tied into the cars starter switch so failure would have rendered the car inoperable. It would have cost $2 500 to fix had it been out of warranty. Also the leather on the two front seat cushions wore poorly. Deep creases developed into cracks during two years and 50,000 miles of normal use, despite routine application of leather conditioner. The leather cover on the door armrest also came loose from its padding. After some discussion between the dealer and the factory rep, all of these upholstery items were replaced even though the car was a few miles beyond its warranty period. My previous Lexus experiences were trouble free, so I felt I bought good value despite the high purchase price. However, this car has required a lot of attention. Although this RX is a safe comfortable versatile SUV, it is not a great machine like all my other Lexuses. About service, I have learned that each Lexus dealer sets the cost it charges for service and these costs do vary greatly,. Desert Lexus in Cathedral City, CA charges more for service than any other dealer I have found in Southern CA. I will probably not buy an 8th Lexus.

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  08 ES 350 Ultra - 2008 Lexus ES 350
  By mbdriver - August 17 - 3:26 pm

  We did months of research for a ML 320 replacement and this sedan came in on top. The ES is smooth, quiet and comfortable The privacy tinted glass roof gives the car a look unlike others in this bracket. Nice job Lexus. MBDriver Apex, NC.

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  Ok, not what I expected - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By Doug Reynolds - August 15 - 10:00 am

  I compared the GX with the Volvo XC90 but chose the Lexus due to immediate availability. It drives nice, but Ive had vibration issues at highway speeds that the dealer cannot replicate, the flip-up seats rattle, and the transmission slips and hesitates occasionaly. Maybe I should have bought the Volvo...

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  lexus does it right...again - 2000 Lexus GS 300
  By lovelexus - August 15 - 10:00 am

  this car is hands down the most awesome car on the market! Never gave me a single problem, ive been a lexus driver for 10 years,recently replacing my ES for the new GS, perfect ride,awesome nav., and super interior design-plus, it always takes me to the dealer to pick up my sister when her benz breaks down.

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  Fantastic Voyage - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Dave Balaban - August 14 - 3:16 pm

  After owning a few Toyota vehicles, we finally decided to purchase a Lexus. This has been a wonderful experience. The finish and fit are excellent. The steering wheel audio and Navigation controls are a great idea. I was worried about the ride quality with 17 inch wheels but it was not detected after I drove a 2004 with 16 inch wheels. I would like to see a folding rear seat. My wife and I argue as to who drives the car. We truly love this car and will probably purchase another.

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  Best most comfortable suv - 2016 Lexus GX 460
  By Ramiro garcia - August 14 - 7:28 am

  It is very comfortable and quiet.

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  Very Good - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By N/A - August 13 - 3:56 pm

  Very Good on perfomance, comfort,Fuel Economy, Interior Design, Exterior Design, Build Quality, and Reliability