There are few cars that consistently rank in the top spots of reliability lists. However, it’s almost guaranteed to be a Japanesecar. Lexus is one manufacturer that seems to get it right every time. Between official rankings and real owner satisfaction surveys, this brand has a strong history of building reliable cars. Now, these used Lexus models are luxury car bargains that require little maintenance.
Lexus
Another benefit of scoring highly in every category is that they stay desirable, meaningJapanese luxury vehiclesoffer great resale value. Well, it’s a benefit for sellers. Some buyers might prefer theLexus lifestyle on a budget.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various authoritative sources, including Lexus, J.D. Power, and Kelley Blue Book. These are ranked in no particular order.
3L inline-6
220 hp
Torque
210 lb-ft
Seeing a Lexus from the nineties leaves a warm, fuzzy feeling inside. However, the 1993 Lexus GS is pure nostalgia. Though its engine required some TLC, its bulletproof design pulled through to keep this luxury Japanese sedan on the road for hundreds of thousands of miles. We were only able to find a 224,000-mile example, but there’s bound to be someone driving one with a much higher odometer reading.
215 hp
218 lb-ft
As the smallest sedan in the Lexus stable, the Lexus IS is often underrated. While JDM fans tried to import theToyota Altezzafor its 2JZ engine, the IS was an almost identical car in Lexus guise, albeit slightly heavier and longer to comply with US laws. Still, the Lexus IS is a fun car that was built to last.
250 hp
260 lb-ft
The Lexus LS was launched as the brand’s flagship model, and has held that status to this day. You don’t need to look far to find an older model driving along the road, but one of the most recognizable LS' belongs to Matt Farah. Despite only paying $1,400 to buy it, and around $4,000 to keep it roadworthy, Matt surpassedone million miles in his LS, proving that proper care goes a long way.
272 hp
254 lb-ft
Another reliable Lexus that has outlived most of its competition is the 2007 Lexus ES. Owners rave about how good their ES' are, and that’s backed-up by J.D. Power and Kelley Blue Book ratings. What’s more, RepairPal estimates annual maintenance costs as low as $380. Like the LS above, regular maintenance should see thissleeper sedan easily reach 300,000 miles.
270 hp
248 lb-ft
The Lexus RX went viral in America in the early 2010s, thanks to its reputation for reliability and low maintenance costs. The RX wanted for nothing; it had the looks, the status, and an attractive price tag. Even now, there are lots of these, new and old, on the road with happy owners. The 3.5-liter V6 only produced 270 horsepower, but it’s well-engineered. For better efficiency, the Lexus RX hybrid is also available as areliable hybrid SUVthat will get you from A to B.
306 hp
277 lb-ft
The 2015 Lexus GS is the youngest car featured on this list, but it’s still ten years old with a solid history. RepairPal suggests annual maintenance costs of $617, but that should be kept at bay if the car is looked after. Reliability aside, the 2015 GS is a good-looking car that’s perfect for financially-savvy executives.
380 hp
367 lb-ft
Bringing more power and road presence, the 2010 Lexus LS features a fat V8 and long wheelbase — it could be Japan’s Rolls-Royce. With affordable maintenance costs and high owner satisfaction scores, the LS should be high on your list of Lexus models to buy used.
286 hp
The 2012 Lexus ES is similar to the earlier model in terms of owner appreciation and reliability. Gaining modern tech on top of a lush interior and a power boost for its robust V6 makes it a must-have. Plus, it’s low maintenance at just $415 per year, and should pass the 200,000-mile mark with minimal effort. With a completelyredesigned model revealed for 2026, used models are set to become even more affordable.
288 hp
317 lb-ft
Not everyone is a fan of the SC, but this stylish convertible is perfect for the sunshine states. It may not look like a traditional Lexus, but it shares the same qualities where it matters. It’s one of the highest-scoring models on Kelley Blue Book, and hovers around the average annual maintenance cost.
416 hp
371 lb-ft
All the cars on this list have great engines. However, there’s something magical about a 5-liter V8. Rather than simply dropping a big engine into an existing shell, the 2011 Lexus IS F is designed as a street-legal track car, with specially tuned suspension. Annual maintenance costs are above average for Lexus, but remain lower than other performance cars. It’s also more unique and reliable.
