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:

• 

  My Most Fun Car in 50 years! - 2005 Lexus IS 300
  By Gina Hudson - February 13 - 12:16 pm

  Ive been driving 50 years and have driven a Lexus automobile since 1993. This IS 300 is undoubtably the most enjoyable car Ive ever owned to drive, exceeding even the Lexus 400. As a rather "vertically challenged" woman, Ive never, until the IS 300, been able to see over a hood of any car Ive driven (scary thought). This automobile allows me to sit high enough to have a clear view of the front of the car. It makes driving fun and much more comfortable for me. In todays market, this automobile is a bargain!

• 

  Very excited - 1996 Lexus ES 300
  By 16 yr old lexus ownr - February 13 - 11:00 am

  Im a 16 year old and just got my license. My grandmother unfortunately just passed away. She had this car and I was lucky enough to be the one that would get it. The car drives amazingly... it will be 12 years old in October and has only 55,000 miles on it and Im very excited about it. The car has been no less than perfect for us. Low maintenance and great gas mileage.

• 

  A wonderful car - 1999 Lexus LS 400
  By JC - February 13 - 10:26 am

  Ive now owned my 99 LS for about 2.5 years. Ive driven the car about 20K per year since I got it and its really a remarkable riding and driving car. Its not a car of feeling as your almost numbly fixed to your seat. Once you drive other cars, youll really notice the exceptional quality of ride, solidity, and performance. This big car handles good too. This car is superlative when it comes to being practical. It costs a third less than a Jag, it has comfy room for 5, rides like a Lincoln, fast as a Mustang, a teen sound system, great gas mileage, looks great and half the cost of a Benz to maintain - still a bit pricey.

• 

  Jeffs LS 430 comment - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By Jeff Nelson - February 11 - 5:33 pm

  The ride is incredibly quiet. It is pure comfort. The design is elegant and the car a pleasure to drive. I believe the car has a very distinctive look and is by far the most dependable vehicle I have ever owned.

• 

  Lexus 330 - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Roger Fischer - February 8 - 5:40 am

  My experience with this model has been excellent. Quality workmanship and this model has been refined over the years to have a great deal of reliability and little or no defects. The moonroof is standard, however I never use the moonroof and am paying for it in the overall price. I also prefer a solid roof for greater (potential accident) safety.

• 

  Luxury and Refinement Like Never Before - 2003 Lexus LX 470
  By SuPeRtOfFeE - February 8 - 2:00 am

  This SUV, by far, is one of the best vehicles I have ever owned. It has everything you need to live large: Navigation, Night View, Adjustable Suspension, etc. The ride quality is by far the best I have ever experienced. Its way better than my MB S500. I also enjoy this SUVs creature comforts such as the adjustable suspension. You just push a button and the car automatically lowers about four inches from normal height. The most important part of this vehicle is that it is built by Lexus, a company that promises impeccable service at the dealership and a vehicle that will provide you with trouble-free maintenance for many years.

• 

  The best LS 430 ever - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By lovetoplaygolf - February 8 - 2:00 am

  By far the best Lexus and car on the market.

• 

  Awesome - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By biabia - February 8 - 2:00 am

  I had baghut a year old ML500 from this dealer and hated it and they told me to com test drive a new RX330, so I did a now am the proud owner of a 2004 Lexus RX330. I love it. The power rear door and the interior feel is great. I recomend this car 10 out of 10.

• 

  Frustrated - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Brian Tuomala - February 8 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my RX330 in August and up until a month ago I was very happy with the car. Then a slight clunking noise developed whenever the transmission downshifs from 4th gear to 3rd gear. The same noise also appears when lightly accelerating or decelerating at speeds from 30 to 45 mph. Lexus says its normal torque converter noise. Not on any other car I have driven especially when the price tag is approaching $50,000. Assuming Lexus is not going to fix this problem, this will be the last Lexus I will buy. So much for the relentless persuit of perfection.

• 

  Almost perfect - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Ron O - February 6 - 1:06 pm

  I had the RX 330 previously and was very pleasantly surprised that the H was substantially better. Much faster, and as expected the mileage was 40% better. One of the best cars of its type Ive owned. I only have 3500 miles on it at this time. Time will tell if it can maintain the high esteem I have for it now