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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  Quality not as good as with the 300 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By hlubick - May 31 - 10:00 am

  If all the goodies were taken away, you would still have an SUV that does not have the best working transmission, and brakes that fade.

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  Transmission Slips at 25,000 miles - 2009 Lexus RX 350
  By cyberchic - May 30 - 12:43 am

  i bought this car as a cpo 9 months ago. 17000 miles on it. The transmission slips. when I slow down like to turn or in traffic and then step back on the gas, the car revs but its like its in neutral, then I hear a thump and it lurches forward. Or it will shudder for a second, then thud and lurch forward. I have been to the dealership 2x already. they say there is nothing wrong, this is how the car is designed to drive. A car this expensive should not drive like this. I called Lexus and I am awaiting a response back.

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  Great & its not even summer - 2006 Lexus SC 430
  By Bubba - May 23 - 9:36 am

  I think the GPS is very intuitive and Ive never used one. I activated the bluetooth without the manual and it definitely works when the car in moving. Hearing the other party is much better than my other cars bluetooth hook up. I even like the token back seat that holds my son until hell move to the front. I love the headlights that go around the corner and the seats that fit like a glove. Im not thrilled that it asks for premium fuel but thats not a big deal. I cant wait to drop the top this summer but love the fact that the PA winters are not harming a soft top while waiting for summer to come.

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  2001 IS300 - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By Mike Marshall - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Excellent value for the money. Transmission electronics and shifter design need improvement. 5-speed manual should be offered on the SportCross. Cheaper IS200 should be brought here from overseas market.

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  excellent - 2004 Lexus LX 470
  By Grayson - May 18 - 2:00 am

  i own a new lexus lx470 and i have fallen i love with it. this car is great! it can take me anywhere i want to go. it does not have as much horse power as i would have wanted but the rest of the vehicle makes up for that. lexus are very reliable and luxurious. i highly recommend this car.

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  Rider seat not as comfortable as driver - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By MA - May 18 - 2:00 am

  The rider seat does not have the adjustments that the driver seat has and leg room is too short.

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  Need more work - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Frank - May 17 - 5:16 am

  Engine and wind noise greater than my ES 300. The ride is much harsher and appears to be a true sports suspension. Not what I was looking for.

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  Lexus GS 450h - Nice but not great - 2007 Lexus GS 450h
  By Andy Kimball - May 14 - 10:16 am

  I received one of the first Lexus GS 450h hybrid sedans. I had been driving an LS model. The GS definitely feels like a step down in luxury. I have been getting a disappointing 20-21 miles per gallon. The interior feels cramped compared to the LS. However, the GS hybrid has plenty of power and is fun to drive. I would think twice before spending the extra money to get the hybrid model of this car.

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  Not well-equipped - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Himanshu - May 14 - 10:00 am

  The Lexus ES330 is a beautiful car, perhaps the most beautiful and aerodynamic exterior in its class. The interior is classy and tasteful too. A car worth admiring, but not necessarily worth purchasing. Compared with Acura TL 2004, this car seriously lacks some useful features.

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  Okay car - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By JW - May 11 - 5:50 pm

  Pretty car. Great for long trips. Loud clicking in the engine until it warms. Taken to dealer several times and they report that it the noise is normal. However, loaner cars do not make that noise. Car has several rattling noises and is poorly insulated from road noise. Poor thigh support. Poor rear vision. Love the keyless entry. Love the large trunk.