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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  Best of its Class - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By ErnestN San Diego - April 3 - 3:06 pm

  What an outstanding car!!! Tested it straight up against a M35, and the GS 300 was a hands down winner. It has everything, I mean everything you could ask for in a car. Bought it lightly used, the ride is superb, the looks head-turning, the features off the charts. Gas mileage 25 on my first tank, compared to 17-9 for the M35. Had a laundry list of items I wanted for my post military retirement "new" car, and this GS hit every one. Its only been a month, but no road noise, smooth ride, and the engine barely makes a sound. But with keyless start, youll never grind the starter!! Money well spent!! One of these days Ill read the manual to find out what other features I have!

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  Change of Heart - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By ckersh - April 3 - 10:00 am

  Well, I wrote a review of my GX470 after only a couple of weeks and I was not very kind in my remarks. We have since driven the car on a couple of long trips as well as city stop and go traffic and I must admit, the car has proven me wrong! I love this vehicle and my wife does even more so. I took it in for routine maintenance and they gave me an RX300 as a loaner. I was so surprised at the difference. It made me even happier that we had chosen the GX470. It wasnt even a close contest. If you buy the GX, drive it a while before passing judgement. The pluses far outweigh the minuses! Were hooked!

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  Lexus LS400 96 - 1996 Lexus LS 400
  By motamedd - April 3 - 10:00 am

  Have not had any problem with this car. This is a car that should last you a good 1/2 million miles.

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  ES 300 vs. others (Audi, Acura) - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By lucky charm - April 3 - 10:00 am

  Wanted luxury with reliability, roominess and performance for a good value. After a lot of research, including reading lots of these notes, Lexus ES 300 was the winner after test driving Audi (A6 3.0), Acura, Nissan Maxima, Linclon LS, and CTS. Would rate the others in that order. Just feels good to get into and drive the ES 300. Drive is solid yet smooth, and we have the comfort of Lexus reliability. Have had car for 2 mos, and wouldt change my mind. It delevers what we were told it would. Lexus dealership a pleasure to do business with.

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  BEST CAR I HAVE OWNED - 2005 Lexus SC 430
  By David - April 2 - 6:20 am

  I purchased a 03, and it is by far the best car i have ever owned. My previous vehciles were 1994 Porsche 928GT (good car), 2000 Corvette (good acceleration but cheap parts and unreliable), 1999 Porshce 911 (good overall car, but lower quality after nearing bankruptcy in 1996) and 2003 BMW Z4 (good looking, but had it for a year and brought it to the dealership for 8 times for repairs). None of these care compare to the SC. The interior is the best I have seen in any car (my friend owes a Jaguar XK, and he agrees). The ergonomics and quietness of the cockpit is amazing. Great Reliability. This is a perfect car.

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  Great SUV,But... - 2008 Lexus GX 470
  By carenthusiast7 - April 2 - 1:16 am

  For an SUV its very good with plenty of space unless you have a family or carrying more than 5 people, then some issues arise. The third row isnt exactly spacious and kids will fight for the mid row to avoid the third. Gas mileage is self explinatory since it runs on a V8. Power is plenty when you need it on highways and even after years, the GX is still fairly quiet even with a V8. All in all, it is a great SUV, just be prepared for gas trips and the questionable third row.

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  Not So Bright Headlamps - 2013 Lexus GS 450h
  By gilnarro - April 1 - 3:10 pm

  We traded up from RXs to the GS450h for efficiency and environmental reasons. But, the first time we drove at night was a revelation. The bi-xenon HID lights are simply no comparision to the bright and expansive headlamps we expected. Theyve checked them out thoroughly, but no, thats what you get. A critical component that nobody ever addresses! The LED lamps that come with the luxury package are impossible to find on any Lexus lot, so a comparison is, well, impossible to date. My suspicion is that the LED lights are better; otherwise, why would they be available only with the luxury package. Have you experienced the LEDs on a Lexus? Weve driven the car a little over 1000 miles.

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  My toy SC430 - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By Scott K - March 29 - 10:00 am

  After owning 4 previous LS, SC, and ES versions of this now legendary mark, I am pleased to finally have a convertible available in the lineup. I believe Lexus hit their mark with a thoroughly delightful power machine. The quality is obviously Lexus and the design is an eye catcher every time it leaves the driveway. My Indigo pearl with custom lexus wheels seems to be the attention getter of the neighborhood. Power is sufficient but not over the top, handling is solid but lacking against the likes of BMW. Far superior in every way over my previous Jaguar!

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  Lexus SC430 - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By Sheree - March 29 - 10:00 am

  Absolutely fabulous. Have had several Mercedes in the past ... would never go back!

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  Mixed feelings - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By HFPjr - March 29 - 10:00 am

  Just passed 5000 miles. Superb drive train and visibility. Wonderfully quiet. Narrow and short driver seat, third row useless. Rear barn door a pain. Very busy ride. Worst issue is excessively powerful a/c creates way too much air movement. Passengers always too cold. Outside thermometer defective, dealer cannot fix.