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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  Great hybrid - dont expect "sportcar" performance - 2011 Lexus CT 200H
  By jcpharm - October 14 - 3:10 pm

  i bought this car because i wanted fuel efficiency first and foremost but wanted as sporty a driving-dynamic as was possible - this car delivers.

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  Classy suv - 2011 Lexus RX 350
  By Louis - October 14 - 4:09 am

  Hold great value

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  Love It! - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Gwen - October 13 - 12:43 pm

  This was a birthday present to myself. The drive is wonderful and is fun to drive.

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  2006 Lexus 400h hybrid - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By phigman - October 11 - 8:20 pm

  Best car I have ever driven. Would buy the exact same car again. love my car

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  RX400h - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By mz - October 10 - 6:33 am

  After 500 miles in part highway and part city driving, car is averaging 25 mpg. This compares to 19 mpg for an Audi A4 and 16 mpg for an 8 cylinder Touareg about the same size and weight as the 400h.

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  Wonderful - 2004 Lexus LX 470
  By Davis1 - October 10 - 2:00 am

  This is simply hands down the nicest large suv on the planet. I also looked at the Escalade and the difference in night and day. The interior of the Cadillac is made from the cheapest plastic imaginable. The quality in the LX is top-notch. If you want the best, and believe me Ive tried them ALL, the LX470 is as good as it gets.

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  My Experience with the New LS430 - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By RajaReMax - October 10 - 2:00 am

  I just bought a new Black 2004 LS430 on 10/31/03. For the 1st few mornings after, I must admit to peeking in the garage to see if it was really there. This car is superb in every way. The car has a EuroSport suspension w/18wheels. A rearview camera is an entertaining feature as well as the Navigation & MarkLevinson sound system. A SmartKey enables a keyless system to enter & drive the car. With SmartKey, interior & sideview mirrors light up automatically when you simply walk up to the car. Also a big kick is the headturning factor...With style, luxury, power, quality & plenty of toys, this is understandably the highest rated luxury car.

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  A fine car - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Casseleyot - October 10 - 2:00 am

  For me, size of car is near perfect- roomy cabin without the bulk of luxury car land yachts. The ride is what I wanted - quiet, smooth, with a solid feel. Although not an excitement machine, power is ample and is delivered velvety smooth. Fit and finish are exemplary, and cabin styling is excellent.

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  Excellent - 1998 Lexus ES 300
  By Elainbrwn2 - October 9 - 10:00 am

  I test drove a Lexus and i said my next car would be a Lexus and i would say about three months later i was droving my own Lexus. If i trade it in it will before another Lexus maybe a 2001.

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  Assistaint General Manager - 2001 Lexus IS 300
  By amspears54 - October 9 - 10:00 am

  10