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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  What a Great Ride! - 2008 Lexus LS 460
  By Christian - November 30 - 9:00 pm

  After having driven a Mercedes E-Class for the last seven years, I fell in love with this Lexus. I had initially planned on purchasing the GS model, but felt that it did not have enough headroom for me. After testdriving the LS, I knew that it was the perfect car for me! With the exception of the two suggested improvements noted, I love everything about this Lexus. It seems that Lexus considered even the most minute details when they designed this car, in order to create a ride as close to perfect as possible!

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  "OH WHAT A FEELING" - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By USAFR AKA "Rock" - November 30 - 10:50 am

  After hours on the Internet researching vehicles I spent weeks visiting local dealership’s test driving many, many cars of various brands. Next stop Lexus dealership, they have this brand new 07 Lexus ES 350 in the showroom. I started looking the car over and right off I was amazed with all the standard and luxury features car had to offer. After test-driving the ES 350 I was sold, the quiet smooth ride was awesome. Needless to say, that was the end of my lengthy search. If youre looking for a car, test-drive the Lexus ES 350 first, it might save you time & money.

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  Driving the RX330 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By spd522 - November 29 - 5:40 pm

  This is a very comfortable and quiet vehicle. Seats and steering adjust to find the best position for all drivers. Handling is quite good for this type of vehicle. It is very easy to park although there is a blind spot at the rear roof pillars. We have been getting 22 mpg for all around driving. It has gotten 24 on the highway and seems to improve with each tank the more it gets broken in. Fit and finish are the best I have seen. Every detail is perfect.

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  Nicest vehicle Ive ever driven!!!! - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By blkjack - November 28 - 7:46 am

  I bought this car because we recently had an addition to the family and my 2005 Mustang GT just wasnt going to be suitable for all the appurtenances that go with a newborn. Anyway, I have never driven such a luxurious vehicle. Its quiet, powerful for an SUV, has a great sound system and the navigation is easy to use. Not to mention that it is a Lexus and is No. 1 in manufacturer reliability. Also, the materials are top quality.

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  Love My New Lexus ES 330! - 2006 Lexus ES 330
  By chulsey - November 28 - 12:23 am

  I have never owned a Lexus until now, and I see why owners of them are so loyal. The car, for the price, has so much too offer in terms of comfort, safety, sportiness and luxury. I was impressed by the comfort and responsiveness. For the price, safety and reliability I couldnt justify not taking the Lexus ES 330 home! I am so happy with my purchase!

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  lexus rx330 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Joshua Storey - November 26 - 10:00 am

  I would recommend this car to anyone who asks about it. It is very comfortable and fun to ride in. This is a very spacious suv.

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  Wishing For Hybrid Mileage Advertised - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Lois - November 26 - 8:30 am

  Overall, I am still very impressed with this vehicle. I just wish that I could get their advertised 30-33 hybrid miles per gallon. Currently I am averaging 22.5. I have asked about this at the dealership & told that if the terrain is steep/elevated like going up mountains that this is what is affecting the mileage. Well thats what we have in CA & NV.

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  Great performance and mileage! - 2008 Lexus RX 400H
  By DHENRY - November 23 - 1:56 am

  Broke this car in on a trip through the mountains. At 200 miles, it averaged 25.1 MPG, 72 MPH. Town driving at average 27 to 29 MPG. Latest trip (Interstate and mountains) averaged 26.1 MPG., again at 72 MPH. Acceleration is both excellent and fun. This is our third Lexus (2nd RX) and its by far the best. If your gas mileage isnt AT LEAST as good as the EPA estimate, work on modifying your driving style. Build quality for this Japanese-built example is flawless, and dealer (Classic Lexus) is extremely hybrid knowledgeable.

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  Nice Car - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By bgelso - November 21 - 4:16 pm

  I love my sc430. I bought this vehicle about six months ago with 72K miles from an independent dealership. This Lexus is not as fast as some sports cars, but the luxurious interior, unique exterior, comfortable seats, and retractable hardtop makes up for any shortcomings. I changed the runflats to grand touring "Platinum Kumo All-Season" tires. With the new tires, the traction is greatly improved and the ride quality is slightly improved. Overall, as a used vehicle this car is outstanding given the price, features, and Lexus reliability.

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  Pa review - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By gray - November 21 - 10:00 am

  So a wonderful vehicle to drive...no problems or issues.