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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  A great car! - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By RSA - September 22 - 10:00 am

  I owned 3 Porsches and a Mercedes E55. The SC430 lacks true sports car feel but is the best built. A hardtop convertible was our preference. We could not rationalize or justify the $40,000 price difference of the SL500. The Mercedes CLK500.It felt cheap and plastic-filled - ditto the new Cadilac. As for the back seat and small trunk the SC430 has more than my Porsches, the SL500 or Cadilac. With the top up we have room for both sets of golf clubs and luggage - meaning we can travel with this car where we could not with the SL500 or Caddy.

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  Best $50k ever!!! - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By classylady - September 22 - 10:00 am

  I had bought a Jeep brand new and had nothing but probelms. Own a toyota and never had a problem. Loved the idea of the "all new toyota r-runner" but hated the new body style. When the GX came out I read everything I could find on it. I am very very pleased with the quality, comfort and class.

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  Impressive - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By GabWmn - September 22 - 10:00 am

  I was driving a Vette and felt it was time to purchase a more family friendly vehicle. The GX blew away the competition! Smooth ride and zips around town & into parking areas with ease. The interior is as plush as a home den. I like the rear side- opening barn door. Its light weight and easy to handle. I have banged my head on my husbands up & away tailgate. I continue to be amazed at all the safety features incl. automatic lighting inside & out which assures safe passage to and from the house, multiple side curtain airbags and rear view camera for backing up. Too many well planned ammenities to list...

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  hybrid rules - 2016 Lexus RX 450h
  By lou fine - September 19 - 3:13 pm

  excellent ride and comfort.

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  Quality, Luxury & Service - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By Zoom - September 18 - 7:50 pm

  After years of trying other luxury cars, I am back to the Lexus. The service cant be matched. The quality is top notch. The car screams with luxury and comfort. I highly recommend this car.

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  the car is the best car i have evea been - 2004 Lexus GS 300
  By aaron jason - September 16 - 10:00 am

  well i dont have this car but my friend doz and it realy took my heart away the frist time i got in to it i was stund at the smoothness and how u can not hear the engen as other makes. all in all this car if it where up to me would be the best car known and on the road! im saveing 4 1 now and i will get it! there realy is no qustion about this car im geting it and thats that!! ps it realy is a beautifull lovey sexy car and will not stop loveing it.

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  excellent - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By disreal - September 16 - 10:00 am

  beauiful car the ride is second to none. i will buy another in a few years

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  best vehicle Ive ever owned - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Stan Fleck - September 16 - 10:00 am

  this has been the best vehicle I have ever owned and takes less maintenance of any vehicle that I have ever owned. I have told all my friends about it.

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  Dream car - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By vicki - September 14 - 11:13 pm

  I owned a GS 300 a few yrs. ago and sold it to drive a practical car. I bought a Yukon. Every time I saw a sporty Lexus I longed for another one. I stopped by to check out what Lexus had in the way of sporty and fell absolutely in love with the sexy looks of the SC 430. I knew I was in love! I bought it after only 1 test drive and have loved it every day since.

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  Amazing car. One of a kind! - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By mike - September 13 - 10:03 am

  The Lexus IS300 is an absolutely amazing car. This car is the most solid-built, reliable car I have ever owned. My previous vehicles - an unreliable Volkswagen and cheaply made Civic - will never be missed. This car runs and drives so smooth you forget its even running. I bought this gem at 98k miles and it still drives like brand new, Ive NEVER done any repairs other than maintenance (tranny flush, timing belt, etc). Like many IS300 owners, I feel like I want go buy a new one when this one dies off. Too bad they dont make the IS300 any longer.