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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  First time lexus owner. - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By happy lexus owner - June 7 - 4:13 pm

  I bought my 2003 es 300 lexus used with 39k miles on it. I have now had it for a year and I love it. The ride is very quiet, with all of the windows rolled up and sunroof closed driving 70 mph people in the car can whisper to each other and be heard.

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  Almost Got A BMW 525, Glad I Didnt !!! - 2005 Lexus GS 300
  By BzDentist - June 6 - 7:06 pm

  I did my research and found that the GS 300 Lexus is a much better car. Its a lot more comfortable in side than the BMW 525, and guess what they both cost about the same. Yet, it has a more stylish body.

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  Most uncomfortable Lexus I have ever owned - 2014 Lexus ES 300h
  By hmbcoastsider - June 5 - 10:46 am

  Ive owned a Lexus for 13 years and and always loved them. So I was hoping for a similar experience when I bought the 2014 Lexus ES 300h, premium package. The car drives fine, although there is that hesitation every time you start up after stopping, which is common with many hybrids. But the problem is the ventilated seat. It is very uncomfortable. It is so bad that my back hurts every time I drive it. I complained and the service manager acknowledged "some" people feel just like me and offered to put extra cushioning in the back, although that would void the ventilation; I said OK and although better, it is still a terrible seat which makes me hate this car more and more every day.

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  Dont Mess With A Good Thing - 2009 Lexus RX 350
  By Clayton - June 5 - 5:03 am

  Our 2000 RX 300 had cleared the 125,000 mark so I took the wife car shopping at the Dallas Auto Show. She looked at 10-15 comparable mid-size SUVs and choose the 2009 RX 350 -- hands down. We had great luck with the first RX and we saw nothing we liked better than the 09 RX. Had it now for about a month and weve taken two trips. Super comfortable and WAY more fuel efficient than our original RX. Also, the turning radius is greatly improved. I think the best part of the whole deal though is that after 125,000 trouble free miles, the Lexus dealer gave us 26% of our original purchase price. Pretty unbelievable for a nine year old car with 125,000 on the ODO.

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  Nice Ride! - 2004 Lexus GS 300
  By One Happy Camper - June 4 - 10:00 am

  Lexus really knows how to satisfy their buyers. My experience from the time I set foot on the dealership floor until I drove off with my brand new car was fantastic. The car drives like a dream and has the fit-and-finish that would leave even the most critical buyer in awe. The sound system is great and the navigation is easy to use. The use of high quality materials is apparent on both the interior and exterior of the vehicle.

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  Take a pass on this car - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By ferretlover02 - June 4 - 10:00 am

  I couldnt decide between the ES330 and a C320 Mercedes. Now I wish I had gone for the Mercedes. This car is extremely uncomfortable and boring to drive. The interior is beautiful, but thats where it ends.

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  Do not buy this car! - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By luckygesss - June 4 - 10:00 am

  After driving a 95 ES 300 for 115,000 miles & 7 years this car is a MAJOR disappointment! Severe hesitation & rough shifting at times, acceleration from a stop is jerky, POOR mpg and overall sluggish. The dealer told me 1) theyve had a lot of complaints about the ES330 2)its a computer problem & 3) there is "NO FIX" for the problems! The 1995 ES 300 drove just as beautifully when I traded it in as the day I bought it. I am so sorry I bought this car!

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  Great car except for tranny - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By skeown - June 4 - 10:00 am

  car has great features,and quality feel on the interior.GreatSedan, and the 4th ES I have owned. Very,very disappointed in the hesitation/hold back from first to second gear, and really bad in bumper to bumper traffic.Fly by wire transmission cant learn between how it should control in staight road which is great,but in bumper2bumper its relearning new shifting patterns and =s jolting. The internet is full of writeups on this problem,and tires pulling left. The 2003 chip fix helped some, but hesitation can be dangerous.

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  Great vehicle - 2017 Lexus RX 350
  By Rw - June 3 - 5:38 am

  Great ride, handles top notch. Comfortable, awesome safety features. Did i say comfortable, I’m 6’3 ,265. This rx350 f sport, impress me every time i drive it.

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  Hybrid Delivers Luxury and..... - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Carol - June 2 - 6:00 am

  I was extremely successful in getting car within week of release without being on wait list. Car is amazing -- delivers 268 horses on demand but hybrid system is flawless. Two electric motors in addition to the 3.3L V6 work seamlessly. I LOVE THIS CAR! This is the first time I have ever owned a Lexus and it wont be the last...but I wont be giving this car up for a LONG TIME. Buying experience was as amazing as the car. A lot to learn about the navigation system and the technology of the automobile, but so worth it.