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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  Quality is horrid - 2014 Lexus ES 350
  By snowman22 - March 9 - 10:05 am

  After taking my 2013 RX into the dealer for a NYS inspection I asked for a ES 350 as a loaner car for the day. No problem. As soon as I sat down I could tell that cheap was the order of the day with this interior. Cheap- cheap and more cheap. Also no room and hard un comfy seats. I mean hard and narrow and I m not that big. The ride was ok but not that firm quality experience one would expect from this car. My neighbors new IMPALA was fantastic in comparison. Lexus has really missed the beat with this ES 350. They should re-think this whole car. On the positive side--- my RX is the best ,high quality car I have ever owned. Nothing CHEAP--- high quality and beautiful interior.

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  Lexus Platinum Service/Until you need it - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Lexus Transmission - March 9 - 5:30 am

  Transmission was bad off showroom floor. It was my wifes car and I never drove it and would not believe her Lexus transmission was bad until we took it in for service at 3000+ miles. Transmission jump in first almost caused my wife to rear end car in stop & go traffic. The transmission had to be replaced requiring entire motor & front end to be dropped out from underneath. Not a happy camper!

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  This is My ultimate SUV - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By jayt - March 6 - 8:16 pm

  Ive only had this car for about 3 weeks. After owning several domestic SUVs and cars this lexus is my ultimate SUV. Its really comfortable to drive on long trips. It handles well. Very quiet cabin. Excellent interior quality. Great mileage for a vehicle this size 28 highway and 35 city. The engine is a bit whiney when accelerating hard (Im used to a v8).

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  An improvement over the 2004 model - 2006 Lexus LS 430
  By tricky73 - March 6 - 8:00 pm

  This is my second LS430; the first was a 2004 model. I tried the ES 330 instead but missed the amenities of the LS and went back. The most striking difference relates to the improved documentation that comes with the 06. The 04 and 05 ES seems primitive by comparison. One can now actually find information and the description of how to do things now seems to be quite accurate. My only complaint is the reluctance to integrate a satellite radio completely. Leaving the placement to the judgement of the dealer does a disservice to the appearance of the vehicle if not done properly.

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  Poor performance - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By johntemp - March 6 - 10:33 am

  We bought this brand new and kept it only 7 months. In buying it my wife did not understand her desire for a car that actually went when you pressed the gas. After trying to get constant hesitations programmed out of the controller for our car we gave up and sold this nice but totally poor performance car for a BMW X5 which blows the Lexus away.

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  Very Happy - 2004 Lexus LX 470
  By HDW - March 6 - 10:00 am

  Cant tell you how happy I have been with my LX. The dealer makes sure your car buying experience and service is a pleasure. On the few occasions I have had to have something repaired they have always been fast and eager to please. Driving the LX is also a pleasure. The quiet and smooth ride in amazing for a SUV of this size.

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  lexus rx330 review - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By kjflesch - March 6 - 10:00 am

  This is our third Lexus RX. We are obviously satisfied and loyal buyers. The RX330 has refined the previous models and improved gas mileage. All told-a great car.

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  Lexus RX330 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Nancy Gamier - March 6 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is very comfortable especially if you are in your vehicle alot-which I am. Im on the road doing sales and the smoothness of the ride is unbelievable, even in the backseat. I had my husband go with me on all my test drives so I could sit in the backseat and see how smooth the vehicle drove. When I have to go anywhere with other sales staff, I always offer to drive. Just a side note-before I leased this vehicle I test drove 14 other SUVs. The handling on this is exceptional as is the steering radius. The back up camera is a great option as far as safety to have.

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  car does not go at 20mph - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By susie q - March 6 - 10:00 am

  car has a terrible hesitation at 20 mph has completely ruined the fun of it

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  Love My Car! - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By dgrant1518 - March 6 - 12:00 am

  I love this car! I purchased it with 38,000 miles. I am now at 256,000 with no major problems at all. I have only had a couple sensors and the alternator replaced.