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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  Total Comfort - 2001 Lexus LS 430
  By Tom - October 9 - 1:50 pm

  Bought used with 18,000 miles, now have 77,000. Have replaced brake pads, air mass flow meter (because I broke it cleaning it), trunk struts, battery, tires and have serviced according to the owners manual. No major mechanical problems. Its like driving around in your living room. Silky smooth. No squeaks, rattles or wind noise. This is an extremely well built and designed car.

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  Im in LOVE... - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By Paris Patrick - October 9 - 1:33 pm

  I LOVE this car. Its hard to find an exceptional car these days, especially when it comes to quality, but this is truly an exceptional automobile. The exterior is eye catching and timeless with an almost retro feel. Ive got the ecru/birdseye maple interior, which doesnt sound that great (I wouldve normally gone for the darker leather) but in reality is gorgeous and impresses everyone. It looks perfect with the Egyptian Sand exterior. The feel of quality and comfort is everywhere. I tested the Boxter, the Mercedes C series and the Volvo convertible, but they all seemed "plasticky" compared to the SC 430, especially the Mercedes. One drive and I was hooked.

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  Sweet car - 1999 Lexus LS 400
  By JTP - October 9 - 10:00 am

  Almost everything about this car is perfect. The best ride of any vehicle I have ever been in, almost silent inside, yet it grips the road like a cat climbing a tree. Every detail has been thought of by the Toyota engineers. Interior feels luxurious to the point of opulence. Lush walnut trim, plush leather seats as comfortable as the best chair in your house. Getting into the car instantly relaxes you. Almost unheard of even in a full-size car nowdays: three adults can sit in the rear, and the one in the middle is actually comfortable. Engine is as powerful as it is quiet. How do they do that?

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  Dream Car - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By Venice Beach Pups - October 9 - 10:00 am

  I am still thrilled to hop in, put the top down and rocket down PCH in this car. The open cabin is quiet enough at 80 mph to speak hands-free without raising my voice and the ride is silky smooth nimble handling PLUS not a bit of a breeze ruffles my hair (air dynamics MIRACLE!). The only complaints I have heard regard cargo space and I find sufficient space with the run-flat tire option (no spare.) The rear seats are a visually stunning way of adding stowage. The SC430 is a dream car with Lexus reliability, Bentley luxury, Aston Martin panache and Porsche speed and handling. I plan to keep it FOREVER!!!

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  Solid Beauty - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By kleesmith - October 9 - 10:00 am

  I am a residential real estate agent showing property all the time in the Atlanta area. I get all kinds of positive comments from my passengers of how well this car rides over most all terrains. After the break-in period I have noticed the performance and gas mileage improve. It handles well, but after my Audi A6, I can tell it is not a sports car nor a Quattro gripper. For my business and personal pleasure, it handles quite supurbly. Quiet, comfortable, solidly built. There is ample room for average sized people in the back seat. The local dealers treat me like royalty both in sales and service and that will drive me right back there for my next one.

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  My Third RX - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By TengPresby - October 9 - 10:00 am

  This is my third RX (previously 99 and 01) and love every inch of it! In order to fully appreciate the 330, itd help to have owned a 300. The quality of design and larger dimensions and engine power improve tremendously what was lacking. The dual zone A/C, better audio controls, getting rid of the old- styled telescopic radio antenna and steering column adjustments are all welcomed improvements. Even though I had to wait over two months for the Performance Package version, it makes the RX that much more enjoyable!

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  Luv my Lexus - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By donsandiego - October 9 - 10:00 am

  The car is everything I expected in a Lexus. Quality and comfort. No problems.

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  More than just great - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By moouth - October 9 - 10:00 am

  This SUV is the hottest suv on the market. I tis fantastic to drive and even more beautiful to look at.

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  Sexy Lexy - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By sexy lexy - October 5 - 10:03 pm

  Great car! For the price I got many more bells and whistles with the GMC Envoy, but no where near the smooth ride. This is a MUCH BETTER BUY!!!

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  Best Car Ever! - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By ChrisW8595 - October 5 - 7:53 pm

  Biggest change in automotive technology Ive ever experienced in 46 years of driving! The last change I remember close to this was the Olds Toronado with Front wheel drive. This is a bigger step, more luxurious, more responsive, smoother ride, more intelligently built, and a beautiful car inside and out. Tailgate goes up and down electrically, great rear end camera out the back on dashboard display in reverse gear, best GPS, best audio. I came to this from a BMW 540i six speed stick which I used to feel was the best car Ive owned. Now the BMW is second best. I am already in line to buy the sedan model GS450h which comes out next May. All car manufacturers have to be scrambling to keep up!