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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  Lovn this car - 2014 Lexus ES 300h
  By mpgsaver13 - September 26 - 9:59 pm

  Ive owned this car for two months now and feel ready to give a review. I traded in my 06 Acura TL. My daily commute is 140 hwy miles round trip (Oakland to Stockton, CA). I drive over two large hill ranges, dare I say, one is mountainous. 98% of my driving is hwy miles and my mileage is amazing. If I drive 70-75 mph, Ill get 39-41mpg, while if I go 65-69 mph, I can get 42 mpg. Ive tried just about every way to drive. Easy going, to "really" easy going and in ECO mode gets me the same as in Normal mode. In sport mode and driving really hard Im getting 34- 35 but again thats fast at every turn, on ramp, and passing other cars.

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  Fantastic!! - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Paul - September 26 - 8:00 am

  Im a 17 year old who bought a 04 ES330 after I wrecked my original car (05 Accord Hybrid). This car is absolutely amazing, I am a petrol head who loves cars and this car is my favorite of the five Ive driven. My Honda was good but this car handles so much better and is so quiet on the road sometimes you forget you are even driving. As a young kid obviously I would like it to be a bit faster and better on acceleration but yet ive never had a problem merging on the highway or getting out of my neighborhood. This car has surpassed all expectations that I had for it as I bought it with 155k miles, it hasnt had any problems besides the normal maintenance (oil change, brake pads etc). I would recommend this car to any parent or teenager who is looking for their first car, its reliable and when it needs to be: quick. Overall a great car and an excellent cruiser I love taking road-trips with it and you will too.

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  My Midlife Dream Car!!! - 2007 Lexus SC 430
  By kid free mom - September 26 - 3:36 am

  Just bought a lightly used 07 with 4000 miles. Just love it! The interior stands up against the Mercedes SL while being $40k less. Wanted a luxurious, smooth ride, with pep when I want it. This car is absolutely perfect! And the reliability of Lexus makes it a real no-brainer!

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  My RX 300 Rocks! - 2000 Lexus RX 300
  By RX350 Rocks - September 26 - 12:03 am

  We bought this used in California on vacation and shipped it to Indiana. Very fun to drive. And we cant believe its almost 8 years old. Just got timing belt, water pump and serpentine belt changed at 97,000 miles. It drives like a new car and is good for another 100k! We plan on driving this for a very long time. Weve been through two snowy winters and it drives great. Its styling still looks pretty modern and I like it a lot better than the 330. Its got no blind spots. One thing to note, check Toyota dealerships for major maintenance work...found to be a lot cheaper than Lexus dealers!

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  My third lexus and very happy - 1999 Lexus ES 300
  By jss - September 25 - 10:00 am

  I bought my first lexus in 1992 (es300 - first year). I alway liked the look and feel but alas, it was a standard and my wife didnt want to drive it in traffic. I had fun on the winding roads though. Ended up giving it to my son. My second was a 1996 LS400. Eats gas and its much wider then the es300. Smooth ride but couldnt get past the size and gas cost. Never got so much door dings. Gave it to my other son. Now 1999 ES300 coach. To me, rides just as smooth and as quiet as the LS. Does not feel as heavy. Great fit and finish. A little more boxy than the 1992 model (which I loved). Would buy another 1999 in a heart beat. Its great.

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  great car rough ride - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By lmst - September 25 - 10:00 am

  A great car. However, I am disappointed with the run flat tires. A bit to harsh

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  I LOVE THIS CAR!!! - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By lexusloverx300 - September 25 - 10:00 am

  omg. i have never driven a car so comforable...so awsome!!! The traction is amazing and I NEVER feel as though i am going to flip. and the people at the dealership were so friendly and helpful. They really helped me and my husband to find our dream car-and at such an affordable price!!!

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  Gotta have it! - 2008 Lexus RX 350
  By dalion - September 24 - 12:26 pm

  The ride is very smooth and comfortable. The mirrors are large and make blind spots disappear. The backup camera is incredible. The features available with the navigation make life easier.

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  Nice car to buy - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By DZ FEC - September 23 - 7:00 pm

  I compared GS 300 and ES 350, and I purchased ES 350. It is very fun to drive, great NAV system, bluetooth phone system very clear compare to Lexus 2006 version, very quiet while drive in highway

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  Lexus at its best!! - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By jakemt - September 22 - 9:26 pm

  I recently purchased this car used. Out of all the series of the LS, this is probably the best. Also, if buying used, make sure the previous owner(s) maintained it properly as this will have a huge bearing on the current condition of the car. I had a 2000 LS400 that was poorly maintained previously and the transmission started slipping on me. I also test drove a used LS460 but did not feel as comfortable as the 430. It felt too stiff for my taste as I live in pot- holed NYC. Surprisingly, Im getting almost 20 mpg in city driving. So far, great car!