Lexus

Lexus Buying Guide

Get the best online car shopping experience with expert reviews of Lexus Read more to learn about the most important features and important factors to consider when researching Lexus.

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Lexus Overview

Lexus, Toyota’s luxury division, stunned the automotive world in 1989 when it launched its first model, the LS400. The executive sedan, which reportedly cost over a billion dollars to develop, delivered features and refinement on par with the finest European cars but at a significantly lower cost. Since then, the automaker has continued with the same formula while also expanding its lineup. Today, it offers a wide range of models that consistently earn high marks for quality, comfort, and reliability. Among its top sellers are the RX, a crossover SUV, and the ES, a midsize sedan.

Noteworthy Features

Lineup Diversity
With an ever-rotating lineup of sedans, coupes, and SUVs, Lexus maintains a consistent and strong quality of a variety of vehicles that match many different niches from sports car enthusiasts to that soccer mom who needs a bit more room to fit all the kids coming in from practice. Having a lineup advantage like this while maintaining a consistent luxury brand image makes Lexus a rare breed in similar manufacturers of its class.

Craftsmanship and Styling
When it comes to simple and elegant design elements, few car manufacturers can match what Lexus does year in and year out. Many of these design elements are based on traditional Japanese design art forms, led by Takumi master craftsmen, that lend their timeless quality to the car's brand image. This leads to a clean, intuitive arrangement of features.

Comfort
No matter what model you are dealing with, whether it is the huge Lexus RX SUV or the smaller RC luxury coupe line, Lexus vehicles are manufactured with the driver's comfort in mind. This theme of comfort is woven into every aspect of the 2019 Lexus RX 350 car from the ratio of chassis size to engine horsepower for a smoother ride to technologically advanced leather seating that can be heated quickly during colder months.

Additional Considerations

Sportiness
The vehicles are quite expensive as is the upkeep required to maintain them and upgrade them to the highest performing level. While the cars are known for reliability, the price of replacement items and the base rate for Lexus-certified repairmen is not inexpensive. Lexus offers cars for lease or ownership. They also offer certified, pre-owned options.

Infotainment System
While an 8-inch infotainment screen is standard across models, it can be upgraded to 12.3 inches. Though the on-screen graphics are bright and helpful, the functions themselves can be confusing and are not advisable to manipulate while driving. In some models, navigation through the infotainment console is impossible to update unless the vehicle is completely stopped. If you need to update your final destination through the navigation system on the highway, you must first pull over or take an exit and park before entering your new destination.

Polarizing Exterior Design
Exterior styling can often be hit or miss with consumers with some designs being too "sporty" to match the smoother drive handling of the vehicle. This will offer better high-speed handling at the cost of limited room and comfort.