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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  Love this car!! - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Indiana97 - October 27 - 12:13 pm

  This is my 4th Lexus, with one being 2001 GS 300. The new GS 300 is much improved. The 6 sp. trans. is so smooth with great midrange power. Interior is very quiet and refined. The audio system (not ML) is very crisp and clear. I got 26 mpg overall on first tank of gas and now getting 28. I have had a lot of nice cars over the yrs. BMW, Audi, and other Lexus but this is the nicest. Some have said it lacks power. I feel there is good smooth power and much better feel to the road then by previous GS 300. Love this car!!

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  Great Ride...Smart Buy!!! - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Rich Mc - October 27 - 7:00 am

  I drove my last car a (Maxima) for nearly ten years. I was ready for a new car and shopped the market hard. I compared everything from sedan to suvs. When it was all said and done I opted for the smart buy in the Lexus ES 330. After three months of owning the car I have been extremely pleased. While it might not make the statement some other trendy cars or even other luxury brands might offer, its an amazing vehicle. This is my first Lexus and it wont be my last. Ill be hard pressed to look outside the Lexus family when purchasing our next vehicle. If youre looking for an upgrade from an Accord, Camry, or Maxima, I suggest you consider the ES 330.

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  Under the radar - 2008 Lexus IS F
  By j_az - October 25 - 3:33 am

  This car is just amazing! The Engine is fierce, 420hp from a normally aspirated 5 liter V8. I love this car because only a handful of people know what this car is and everyone else just assumes its just another Lexus, thats fine with me because it keeps me under the radar, but when the occasional person in the know sees the car, jaws drop! The exhaust note is also intoxicating. 8 spd tranny is fantastic. I have owned Audis and VWs with their dual clutch trannys which i can say honestly are the best I have ever driven, but the Lexus does not come up short here. Interior is well designed. Steering wheel feels a tad thin for me and the leather is just too soft.

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  First Luxury Ride - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By Gitmo - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Had this car 2 months and already 4700 trouble free miles. Really like the quite and luxurious interior. Driving the Lexus 300 and my wifes Chrysler M300 is no comparision. The Lexus is sooooo quite, hardly any road noise. Ride and handles great. The navigation system and the Mark Levinson sound system are great features and work and sound great.

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  Great by any standard - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Chet Gronke - October 25 - 1:20 am

  We purchased our Lexus ES 330 and went on a 3000 mile trip almost immediately to the NE and the performance was flawless. While we purchased the auto in Fl I had the 1000 mile checkup done in NJ. The Dealership was prompt efficient and most thorough just like Fl. No hassle and we were on our way in a little more than an hour. Being 6 3" I found the interior room up front more than sufficient while the rear seat crowds a 6 footers head space. Has about 99% of the quality my Benz had only sacrificing a little handling response. Lots of value here for the dollar.

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  Excellent decision - 2007 Lexus GX 470
  By grmccoy - October 24 - 8:13 pm

  This is my first Lexus and I am very pleased with my purchase. The ride is smooth and the technology updates are great. I was over 1k miles in no time.

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  Best Yet - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By R.S. - October 24 - 3:10 pm

  Excellent ride and interior comfort. Great attention to detail as only Lexus can provide. Good road feel and you feel in command of the car. Far advanced from the 2001 Lexus we owned.

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  Love my Lexus - 2006 Lexus LS 430
  By R Victor Wood - October 24 - 12:16 pm

  This is one of the top luxury cars in the world. I am elated! Before this I owned Mercedes automobiles. The Lexus is easily 15% better than the comparable Mercedes in comfort, quietness and reliability. Victor Wood

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  A classy ride - 2008 Lexus SC 430
  By Baer - October 23 - 12:46 pm

  Im now 72 years old and have owned many fine nameplates in the past including BMW, Mercedes, Porsche and Audi. This car is an engineering masterpiece and a joy to own in its own right. I love top down cruising in the countryside with that smooth V-8 under my right foot. Turning on the Mark Levinson to my favorite tunes adds to the pleasure. Its a style that grows on you not unlike the new Mercedes SL, and for a lot less money. When it is replaced next year I doubt there will be another quite like it.

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  Best of two worlds - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By tillmanhb - October 23 - 10:00 am

  My 330RX has the best features of an SUV without the needless bulk: Its built on a 2 wheel drive sedan platform and gets tolerable mileage-- 18 to 24mpg. However,the SUV configuration of higher seating and accessible cargo area make the large sedan obsolescent. The 330RX is enhanced with creature comforts. It does not handle at speed like my 2001 Mercedes E, but its more comfortable, sumptuous,trouble free and useful a vehicle. The Mark Levinson sound system alone puts the car ahead of any close competitors.