Lexus

The Upside of Lexus: Where the Brand Shines

Lexus's core strengths are reliability and dependability. Lexus vehicles are consistently ranked among the most reliable on the market, meaning owners are less likely to experience unexpected breakdowns or repairs. This translates to lower long-term ownership costs and greater peace of mind. Lexus is also known for its smooth and quiet ride, with well-insulated cabins that effectively isolate passengers from road and wind noise. Furthermore, Lexus has a reputation for excellent dealer service and high customer satisfaction ratings. In recent years, Lexus has also made strides in injecting more performance and excitement into its lineup.

The Downside of Lexus: Where it Falls Short

While Lexus excels in many areas, it's not without its drawbacks. Historically, the brand has been criticized for conservative styling and a lack of driving excitement in its core models. While Lexus interiors are generally well-crafted, some critics find them to be less visually appealing or innovative than those of some competitors. The infotainment systems, particularly the touchpad interface found in some models, has been a source of frustration for some owners.

Lexus's Model Lineup: Notable Cars

Lexus offers a comprehensive range of luxury vehicles, including sedans, coupes, SUVs, and hybrids. The ES, a mid-size sedan, is known for its comfortable ride and spacious interior. The IS, a compact sports sedan, offers a more engaging driving experience. The LS, a full-size luxury sedan, is the brand's flagship model, showcasing the highest levels of luxury and technology. The GX is a rugged, body-on-frame SUV with genuine off-road capability, based on the Toyota 4Runner. The LX is a full-size luxury SUV based on the Toyota Land Cruiser. The RX, a mid-size luxury SUV, is one of the best-selling Lexus models, praised for its comfort, reliability, and available hybrid powertrain. The NX is a compact luxury SUV that slots below the RX. The UX is a subcompact luxury crossover aimed at urban buyers. Lexus also offers the RC, a stylish coupe, and the LC, a high-performance luxury coupe or convertible.

The F Performance Brand: Injecting Excitement into Lexus

Lexus's F performance brand (the F stands for Fuji Speedway, where much of the development took place) adds a much-needed dose of excitement to the lineup. F Sport models, like the IS 500 F Sport Performance, typically feature sportier styling, upgraded suspensions, and sometimes more powerful engines. Full-fledged F models, like the RC F (now discontinued in the US), are even more performance-oriented, with track-tuned suspensions, high-output engines, and aggressive styling.

The Lexus LFA: A Supercar Halo and its Lasting Influence

The Lexus LFA, a limited-production supercar built between 2010 and 2012, is a legend among car enthusiasts. Powered by a high-revving V10 engine co-developed with Yamaha, the LFA was renowned for its incredible sound, razor-sharp handling, and exotic carbon-fiber construction. Only 500 were ever built. While the LFA was a commercial failure for Lexus, losing money on each one produced, it served as a powerful halo car for the brand, demonstrating Lexus's engineering capabilities and its commitment to performance. The LFA's influence can still be seen in today's F and F Sport models, which strive to capture some of the supercar's spirit and driving dynamics. The exhaust note of the LC 500 is said to be an homage to the LFA.

Buying a Used Lexus: Things to Consider

Lexus's strong reputation for reliability makes its used vehicles a popular choice. When buying a used Lexus, a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic is still recommended. Service records are important to verify proper maintenance. Research the specific model and year for any known issues or recalls. Be aware that some older Lexus models may have outdated technology features, such as the infotainment system.

The Lexus Dealership Experience

Lexus dealerships are known for providing excellent customer service, often going above and beyond to create a positive ownership experience. Expect a well-appointed showroom, attentive sales staff, and a focus on customer satisfaction. Lexus has consistently ranked high in customer satisfaction surveys. While they are a luxury brand, do not be surprised to find yourself being offered the usual up-sells in the finance office.

Clutsh's Take on Lexus

Lexus has carved out a strong position in the luxury market by offering vehicles that are well-built, comfortable, and exceptionally reliable. The brand's focus on customer service further enhances its appeal. While some models may not be as dynamically engaging as their European rivals, the F Sport and F models inject a welcome dose of performance. The LFA, though no longer in production, stands as a testament to Lexus's engineering capabilities and continues to influence the brand's performance aspirations. Lexus is an excellent choice for buyers who prioritize long-term dependability, a smooth and quiet ride, and a hassle-free ownership experience, with a growing emphasis on performance for those who seek it.

Lexus's Closest Competitors

Lexus's primary competitors are other luxury automakers, including Acura, Infiniti, Genesis, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi. It also faces competition from well-equipped models from mainstream brands like Toyota, Honda, and Mazda.