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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  FUN, FUN, FUN - 2005 Lexus SC 430
  By LEXUS MAN - April 17 - 10:00 am

  POWER, LUXURY, AND THE ADDED BONUS OF OF TOP DOWN MOTORING. TYPICAL LEXUS QUALITY IN FIT, FINISH, AND DRIVABILITY. GETS THUMBS UP AND "WOWS" WHEREVER WE GO!

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  Loved the IS300 since debut - 2005 Lexus IS 300
  By jeremp - April 16 - 8:25 pm

  I recently picked up the last year IS300 (2005). I have always wanted one and I do not like the IS250 or IS350, they look too much like other lesser vehicles. I love the reliability, mine has 93k miles but I have seen them with over 200k and still running. The sunroof doesnt work, but it is 7 years old and I dont use the sunroof. I love the inline 6, v6 are not as torquey.

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  Simply Perfect - 1999 Lexus LX 470
  By lawboy74 - April 16 - 11:03 am

  I picked up this vehicle with a lot of miles but it still rides better than most brand new cars. The quality build by Toyota/Lexus is simply amazing. I have had many cars but this one is superior in so many categories most specifically in the quality product. Everyone loves this vehicle when they get in it and no one can believe it has 132K miles for the way it looks or feels. The leather doesnt show any cracks and there are no annoying rattles. You will not regret buying this vehicle (just be ready to pay at the pump). You will LOVE this car.

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  What a car! - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By Phillies40 - April 15 - 3:23 pm

  Just got the car this morning and drove it to work! What a fun drive! Noise is little high but the ride is very smooth! I think I got a great deal for 2002 SC430 with 23000 miles for 25K. Not bad! I love it so far!

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  Great Car - 2010 Lexus ES 350
  By globie40 - April 15 - 2:36 pm

  I just traded in my 07 ES for the ES 2010 and I have to admit it is much better the the 07. The new chrome on the bottom door panal really changes the look of the car. This car is "SILKY SMOOTH" and has great power. I am 65" and 250 pounds and I am very comfortable behind the wheel or in the passengers seat! Needless to say I am very pleased I got the 2010 model and I have no regrets. The Nav. system and casual speech is wonderful! Just say Im to hot and it lowers the temperature 4 degrees. Wow, oops I meant to say WOW! I have received more compliments on this car than any car I have ever owned.

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  ALL THE LUXURY ONE COULD DESIRE - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By ALLSAND - April 14 - 2:00 am

  A beautifully engineered and designed vehicle. Incredibly quiet.The laser cruise control makes Interstate driving a pleasure. Cornering lights, when the turn signals are used would be a helpful option, My only real criticism is that the Navigation system CD is more than a year out of date on the exit numbers for our Interstate (I75)

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  great suv sport vehicile - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By sak - April 14 - 2:00 am

  Other than a little less space in the rear of vehicile, you get Lexus like comfort , power, and smoothness.A great value for the price and luxury the vehicile delivers.

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  Very Satisfied! - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By ssides - April 14 - 2:00 am

  The lexus SC430 is an awesome car. Having had a Corvette C5 prior, I am a bit disappointed with the acceleration but it is a minor annoyance when compared with all the amenities and the hard top convertible is awesome. Oh, and did I say that the dealer experience is incredible!

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  RX 300 - 2003 Lexus RX 300
  By doris - April 14 - 2:00 am

  This car never give me any probblem except when I need to make a U turn. I need to backup several times to completed the U turnb

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  Well Engineered Lexus RX350 proves itself again! - 2007 Lexus RX 350
  By M.D. Ochoa - April 13 - 12:55 pm

  Find one that has been well taken care of and it will serve you well. It is an awesome little SUV, and does pretty much everything well. Put the best tires on it, for your type of driving (snow, hi performance, rain, etc.) and look for quiet tires in that category, it helps the interior noise level. It lacks the USB ports and higher technology you see in cars of this caliber today, but other than that, it is an amazing car. Even works well off-road, if you are gentle about it. Great in the snow!