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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  Great Convertible - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By parispick - November 11 - 10:00 am

  We have had absulutely no problems with this car . It is a joy to drive. The retractible hardtop is supberb. Very quiet with top down. Handles great

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  almost a happy owner - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By alK - November 11 - 10:00 am

  EXCELLENT VEHICLE. HANDLING IS GOOD.

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  Best SUV Around - 2000 Lexus LX 470
  By Mark - November 11 - 8:00 am

  Test drove just about every large suvs on the market and the Lexus was heads and shoulders above the rest. We were looking for a quality used vehicle that would be reliable. After owning the LX 470 for over a year and a half we are still singing its praises.

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  Good Choice! - 2004 Lexus LX 470
  By Bill nelson - November 10 - 6:10 pm

  nice vehicle over all. For the consumer that requires "high end" luxury i.e Real Estate Brokers like my self, I find that my clientele gives exceptional feedback to the vehicle. Amenities are prevalent throughout. Regarding dependability I personally have had zero issues. Service the vehicle regularly and it should give 300k in mileage in the end. As a fast paced Realtor, dependability is key to my success. Id highy recoment the LX 470 for those are accustomed to higher level of excellence.

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  Very satisfied after 10 months - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Bob Jones - November 10 - 3:00 am

  I have been very satisfied with the Lexus ES 350 I have been driving for the last 10 months. I live in the coastal plain of North Carolina and drive 90% of the time on flatland. If I drove in an area with hills or mountains I dont think I would be as satisfied with the ES 350 driving experience because the transmission seems to get "confused" in hilly terrain. But, I have been very satisfied overall with the ES 350.

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  Perfect luxury SUV - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By naveen - November 8 - 7:40 pm

  An exceptional SUV with uncomparable comfort. All wheel drive performs well while driving in snowy or rainy conditions. Acceleration is bit dull while starting from full stop. But is good after picking up speed above 40 MPH. Interior is plush and cozy. Front seats are very much comfortable with spacious leg room. Over all its a very good choice among luxury SUVs.

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  Very Impressed - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Ray - November 8 - 10:23 am

  I have only had the vehicle for a month and a half, but I am extremely impressed with the performance. The car has a smooth ride and many usable features. I can now drive in comfort, stlye and class. There have been many compliments too!

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  4,600 miles and I really, really like it - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By 2RC2 - November 5 - 3:20 pm

  Excellent automobile! I had the RX300 (2001), RX330 (2004), and now the new 400h. The 400h drives, rides, and handles like the RX330. But, has much better performance, and a little better gas mileage. I averaged 25.3 on 3,000 mile trip. the RX330 was getting around 21~22 for an average. Its an expensive automobile, but I really like it. Savings in fuel will not justify additional cost of the 400h. I have not experienced any problems with any of my Lexus. I tried 87, 89, and 91 octane, could not tell any difference in mileage or performance. I do recommend you buy the 400h. Buy it for what it is. A "state of art", electronic/mechanical marvel.

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  ES330 - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Rafael Mejia - November 5 - 10:00 am

  THE LEXUS ES330 (SPORT DESIGN) IS A SPORTY YET VERY CLASSY VEHICLE. IT GIVES ME THE SPORTY HANDLING THAT I LIKE WHEN I DRIVE AND LUXARY WHEN MY WIFE DRIVES. THE ES330 COMES WITH MANY FEATURES (i.e. NAVIGATION SYSTEM)THAT MAKE DRIVING SAFE AND AT THE SAME FUN. OVERALL I AM VERY HAPPY WITH MY PURCHASE OF THE LEXUS ES330 AND OF THE A1A SERVICE THAT CAME WITH IT.

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  Unimpressive mileage - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By EJ - November 4 - 9:43 am

  Moving from my third LX 470 Lexus to the Hybrid RX400h took a bit of adjustment. This hybrid has an impressive pick up, very quiet ride and quieter when idling (had to honk to people in front several times). Mileage is not as good as claimed, under average driving conditions in the city 22 mpg, highway around 21 mpg. A little pricey but so is everything with a LEXUS logo. Comes with almost every option except three that you can order as extras. Surprisingly satellite radio is not one of them, I had to get it installed professionally off lexus and it worked out great!!.