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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  Still the best in its class - 2017 Lexus RX 350
  By Happy Lease Customer - October 4 - 7:36 am

  After years of waiting for a same size Vehicle to dethrone the Lexus RX, I gave up looking. The Lexus RX is and has always been the best all around ride in its class from the very first day it arrived here. Comfort & Safety & Handling were always its best points and now it looks great too. Highly recommended. Ive driven from New York to Florida in this Lexus and I would never drive anything else. Just try to get anything close to this machine for the price? Impossible.

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  Nice Car - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Happy with the RX - October 4 - 5:20 am

  We have owned the 2006 RX-400h AWD for 4 yrs. We have been very happy with the car. No mechanical problems or breakdowns, much better mileage, about 26 mpg, than our 1999 RX-300 AWD, 18 mpg. Recent safety inspection shows almost no brake wear due to regenerative braking system. Original Michelin Tires have lasted for 54,000+ miles. There are some rattles developing over the years, but nothing serious. Power Steering linkage was replaced by dealership, under warranty repair and at their own recommendation.

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  Reliable - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By Reliable - October 3 - 11:40 am

  Love the car. Bought it with 15K on it and its got just over 80K now. Sporty, handles great, looks great but most of all its reliable. In 65K miles of driving, I have had to do squat to the car other than oil and change the tires. Obvious normal maintenance but still havent needed brakes, belts are getting ready but no mechanical problems at all. Especially the A/C - works like a champ and still freezes me out.

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  I love this car - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By newlexuslover - October 2 - 2:00 am

  Ive never had a SUV before but in comparing everything on the market, including all sedans and SUVs under $50,000, I decided to break from my sedan habit & join the new world. My #1 criteria was putting a mountain bike through the back. Only the BMW 525i was in contention after many test drives. In the end, dealer attitude was a huge tiebreaker. Lexus beat BMW on price, had the least flaws & unbeatable follow-up after my first visit. The in-dash 6-cd player was great. I now ride looking down on every sedan on the road...and all other SUVs too!

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  Surprised at the mileage - 2008 Lexus ES 350
  By Jay - September 30 - 4:00 am

  I was pleasantly surprised by my city driving mileage. At present I have just under 2000 miles on the vehicle and have averaged 23-24 mpg. The mpg indicator helps me to manage my driving habits, I hope to exceed the 24 mark once the car gets a couple of thousand more miles. I believe for the $ this vehicle is very tough to beat especially given the fact if I do need service it will be done at the Lexus level. I am very pleased with the ergonomics, ride, styling, and performance. I am recommending this vehicle to friends/family.

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  LOVE MY ES 330 - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By AnnetteMarice - September 29 - 5:50 am

  I researched many cars including the BMW, Audi, Acura, Mercedes-Benz and the Avalon. After much contemplation, internet research and test driving all the cars, I chose the fully loaded 2005 Lexus ES 330. I have had it for 5 months and I love it. It is a smooth ride, not as sporty as others, but still fun to drive. The inside is pure luxury with many features to keep you entertained. The navigation system is very easy and user friendly. Voice activated Nav makes using the nav while driving really safe. The Mark Levinson stereo is a dream to listen to. The comfort for the front passengers is great. Lexus has the best reputation and is living up to it. Luv my car.

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  Excellent Car - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By jamul - September 27 - 2:00 am

  Great Car,fun to drive, excellent handling, sticks to the road

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  I LOVE this car - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By george thorpe - September 27 - 2:00 am

  This car is a magnificent vehicle. It is a pleasure to drive and very comfortable. It is wonderful on either short hops around town or on the road. I am thankful I have it.

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  MY LEXUS - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By JOANNE - September 27 - 2:00 am

  THIS IS MY 5 LEXUS. NO BETTER CAR ON THE ROAD. I HAVE DRIVEN A MERCEDES AND IT DOESNT COMPARE TO MY LEXUS.

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  Very Satified - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By fre1 - September 27 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my ES330 about 2 weeks ago at Lexus of South Atlanta. The staff was awesom and my car buying experience was painless. I am very pleased with my car. This is my first luxury car and I really attract a lot of attention on the road and in the partking lot. I love the interior of the cabin...it is so luxurious. I feel like Im driving something that costs a lot more.