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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  Safety And Beauty - 1997 Lexus ES 300
  By bcolby - December 10 - 10:00 am

  We have had our 97 ES300 for about a year and it has been the best car we have ever had. Loaded to the gills and showroom-like condition, until recently. My wife and 14-month old son were in an accident where another driver turned in front of my wife. Travelling at 55mph both vehicles were totalled. My wife and son came away with only minor scratches and aches. If they were in any other vehicle I feel the results may have been different. It was a beautiful car, but they make more everyday. There is no question we will get another.

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  Fabulous car for a 60th birthday gift - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By Molly Garofalo - December 10 - 10:00 am

  This car makes me feel fabulous every time I get into it. If you are having a bad day just put the top down and drive your cares away. I have also had a Lexus GS and traded a new LS on this car. I have been so surprized about the amount of trunk space when the top is up. I have traveled for 3 to 4 weeks and had plenty of room for all my luggage, dog crate and everything else. It also holds tons of groceries. Even with the top down I have enough room for a weeks groceries in the trunk. But, the best thing about the car is the smiles on my face when I approach the car, and slide into the seat. Put the top down and the day turns into sunshine.

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  Daves Lexus - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By thongdee - December 10 - 10:00 am

  Quiet, reliable, beautiful,Powerful, exceptional handling, fast (awesome),finest of quality everything about this vehicle is first class!!!!

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  Very impressive & unique car - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By Liu Henry - December 10 - 4:06 am

  The driving experience feels safe when youre turning on a curve. It was very stable and no shake at all.

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  The best - 2005 Lexus IS 300
  By slav - December 10 - 2:30 am

  Awesome to drive and really nice on a round smooth and perfect in winter this car is best for a teenager looking to race and customize the car sweet ride have fun.

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  Excellence - 2017 Lexus RX 350
  By Bernard Myers - December 9 - 3:10 pm

  Always check with Edmunds.com before making any decision on a vehicle.

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  Wouldnt drive anything else! - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Kay R. - December 9 - 10:46 am

  This is my 3rd Lexus ES and I love it. It is easy to handle and has great pickup when needed. It is very stylish and very dependable! I will probably always drive a Lexus as long as they are built to perfection.

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  Great Car - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By jjstroz - December 9 - 2:20 am

  We just bought the car 3 weeks ago and it is an amazing car. My wife and I argue over who is going to drive any time we go out. Would highly recommend it to anyone.

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  Dream car - 2006 Lexus LS 430
  By Satisfied - December 8 - 9:06 pm

  This car is the best vehicle I have ever experienced. Other than standard maintenance, I have had NOTHING go wrong. Service trips have been an ease with no appts, etc. This car beats my Mercedes on all factors - power, style, comfort, efficiency, SERVICE, fun!!

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  2002 Lexus RX300 Coach Edition - 2003 Lexus RX 300
  By Bobssurfn - December 8 - 2:00 am

  A pleasure to drive! Very smooth & quiet ride. I test-drove and researched luxury suvs thoroughly and this one is best in overall value for the price.