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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  "Im Lovin it"! - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By MaryR - October 21 - 8:30 pm

  The RX330 has a very smooth ride and easy handling. It feels safe while driving on the express way because of the great visibility, holds the road and can change speed quickly. It also performs well around town. Not too big so its easy to park and maneuver in traffic. It looks great! Very often find people checking it out when I return to the parking lot. Best decision Ive made about a vehicle in a long time.

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  Just a GREAT car ! - 1997 Lexus ES 300
  By rtk - October 20 - 5:33 pm

  Bought the Lexus in Florida and drove it home to Idaho. Perfect drive. Not a hiccup of any kind. Talk about quiet and smooth. Nice stereo, too. Mileage has always been 25-29 mpg. Ive driven it 10,000 miles already and loved every mile. The paint is still flawless and the interior looks new. Just great quality materials in this beauty. Its a better car than my last 2 Cadillacs.

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  Smooth - 2002 Lexus LS 430
  By Tony - October 18 - 3:36 am

  This is the first used Lexus I ever purchased. I have been strictly a Mercedes guy up until now and didnt know quite what to expect. This 2002 LS430 is the most quiet, smooth riding car I have ever been in, far surpassing my many Mercedes and the few Rolls and Bentleys I have been in. It is, without a doubt, the finest car ever made.

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  Scoop on Mileage - 2010 Lexus RX 450h
  By His and Hers - October 16 - 10:56 am

  My wife and I both drive this car, and I wanted to let people know our experience about gas mileage. My wife drives the car just like she always has driven any vehicle. She routinely averages about 25 to 26 MPG. I have found that, if I deliberately drive to maximize mileage (no jackrabbit starts, stay at 70 on the interstate, take it easy in general, but nothing extreme) I can consistently average 29 or 30 MPG. I would stress that these are AVERAGE mileage. Often people (and car ads) talk about the highway mileage as though that is the mileage. The really strong suit of these hybrids is their combined mileage. An SUV that can average 30 MPG if driven calmly is pretty impressive to me!

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  My third Lexus Sedan - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By Ann Thaxter - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I love my 2002 Lexus. It is dependable, comfortable and I feel as though Im completely in control. It drives and turns and corners beautifully.

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  4 in A Row - 2003 Lexus LX 470
  By L Wood - October 16 - 10:00 am

  There is nothing even close and I own or have owned them all.

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  The best!! - 1998 Lexus LS 400
  By camam50 - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Excellent car. Luxury and comfort is the best definition for this car.This wonderful vehicle has everything than you can dream.

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  A All around fun CAR to speed in - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By Lexusguy2003 - October 16 - 10:00 am

  The acceleration literally just made me smile on my test drive. The comfort of the wheel and the sporty design won me over. I just feel happy driving my Lexus. If you want a car thats fun to drive, this is the one for you. I dont really even have to pounce on the gas to make this baby pass on the highway.

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  mylexie - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By joejoe25 - October 16 - 10:00 am

  a new, innovative design with plenty of safety features and the fun of a sports car. a delight to drive in the city or on curvy roads. sporty handling with the class and reliability of a Lexus. I cant wait for future designs and anticipate possibly getting one in the future.

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  Magnificent car - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By jbt - October 16 - 10:00 am

  This car is just a lot of fun to drive. It is smooth, comfortable. The dashboard is well laid out and convenient to use. The navigation system is outstanding. The top retracts with great style. This car is beautiful to see moving or parked.