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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  High quality car at an attractive price - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By GVK - March 29 - 10:00 am

  There is a lot to like with no weaknesses. The interior fitted with leather and wood and the luminescent speedomter cluster compares favorably with the high priced luxury sedans. The new bigger engine provides more than adequate acceleration. Add in Lexus reliability, fit and finish, a good sound system, good fuel economy and a low price, and you have an attractive car.

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  extreme disappointment - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By pankur - March 29 - 10:00 am

  bought this expensive junk thinking it will be more quite than my corolla but so far at 1000 miles it has been a big disappointment. Car makes so much noise when it starts and jerks when it restarts after applying the brakes,everytime. Once it is running at highway speed it may be little quite than my corolla,but not much. I would have better bought acura MDX

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  Same problem - 2010 Lexus GX 460
  By cemiliano - March 27 - 10:00 am

  I am having the same problem that the last persons review (Mr Sylvester). Sometimes, when I am in a stop light, and I want to accelerate quickly, the car does not responds right away for a few seconds and this yes! Could cause an accident. I thought it was normal, but now I know I am not the only one with this problem and I will take it to Lexus dealership

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  What a disappointment - 2010 Lexus ES 350
  By NK - March 27 - 10:00 am

  Since Aug 10 I have owned 2 ES350s. First one totaled in a flood after 3 weeks of purchase. Drove well. I was very happy. I replaced it with another one. The cabin shook violently since day one. I drove other demo ES350s. All had steering vibrations, one worse than the other. After taking the car back to the dealer 3 times, they finally found out that my brand new car had fix-a-flat in all 4 tires. With new tires steering doesnt shake, but the cabin still vibrates. All demos and loaners I drove have a cabin vibration at all speeds. Bad engineering flaw! I am extremely disappointed. Lexus was known to have the best drive!

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  0 complaints... coming from an Audi A6 - 2008 Lexus ES 350
  By Bob - March 27 - 10:00 am

  People say, "never day never." Well, I truly believe that I will never drive another car other than a Lexus. I owned an 2002 Audi A6 2.7T from new to 70k, I had to take it to the dealer every month... Now, I have the 2008 Lexus ES 350 and this car is simply amazingly reliable and fun ride! The back of the car needs a more contemporary look, but, overall it gets a 10!

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  2004 Lexus 330 needs a V-8 - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Dave - March 26 - 10:36 pm

  If quality and luxury tops your list, consider Lexus as a buy. Drivability, interior comfort and amenities are impressive, but performance could use a little more power. V-8 engine in next years model would be better. 300 hp instead of 225 would make the ES 330 perfect.

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  Nice!! - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By Jon - March 26 - 11:50 am

  Drove BMW 3 series, G35, Volvo S60 and IS 300 just to be complete. Expected to buy the G35 but after driving the Lexus, I just loved driving it. It was by far the most engaging, quietest, and tightest ride. The G35 was faster in a straight line but I felt "one-with-the-car" driving the IS 300. Feels much faster than it really is. And it is not slow. Beautiful styling in and out and great build quality. Was also sold on the reliability record. Consumer Reports listed it as one of the top 3 most reliable cars for 2004. I hope that holds true with mine.

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  99 Lexus LS 400 - 1999 Lexus LS 400
  By WMR - March 23 - 2:00 am

  Bought the car with 49,000 miles on it. It has been an excellent car in every way. This is my 3rd LS 400 and I plan to buy another one when I sell this one. Each one has been better than the previous one!

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  Lexus Rx 330 Review - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Chilling - March 23 - 2:00 am

  The Rx 330 is the best cross-over vehicle on the market. It handles well and has a nice pickup. It also has good fuel economy and is very safe. It has many new technologies including a rear backup camera.

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  2007 Lexus GX 470 - 2007 Lexus GX 470
  By Kenny Brooks - March 22 - 9:40 pm

  This is the greatest vehicle Ive ever purchased. Fun to drive, and rides like a dream. We test drove 14 other SUVs before our purchase of the Lexus. We are thinking about purchasing another GX 470 and replacing our 2004 Jaguar XJ8.