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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  CT 200H F Sport... Love It! - 2013 Lexus CT 200H
  By melissaboyle - March 5 - 1:41 pm

  My husband and I, bought the 2013 F Sport used. It had just under 9k when we bought it, nearly a year ago. It now has 26k. I took it on a road trip this Summer, from WA to NM, AZ, NV and back to WA! I managed to fit myself, 3 dogs (2 med. 1 sm), my overweight friend (sorry friend!) and all our stuff! I was comfy, my friend and the dogs not so much... Mainly because my friend took up most of the room, with herself and her bags. We were all fine on the way back, without my friend. I did pickup my niece whos about my size. 54/115lbs. So 2 average adults, 3 dogs and everyones stuff fits fine and we were all comfortable!

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  More Style and Comfort than a Prius - 2010 Lexus HS 250H
  By Car Freak - March 4 - 10:46 am

  Car had wind noise that was corrected by the dealer. Smooth but firm ride quality on highway.

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  Best car for the money - 2006 Lexus LS 430
  By Mike - March 4 - 1:36 am

  Im in the finance business so I drive a lot. This is my 4th Lexus in 12 years all LSs. I went to test drive the MBZ S-Class, the 750 BMWs and the Infiniti M45 and I still come back for the best ride for the money. Reliability is a major factor in my decision plus Im not a techno guy. Always looking for a solid ride and this car delivers. It helps that it has beautifull spacious cabin. Another 50 to 60hp will help against the Germans. Im in my early forties I do feel the car styling a bit old fashioned. I know that the 2007 model new looks will help attract a younger crowd. Will trade up for new model can wait.

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  2000 es300 - 2000 Lexus ES 300
  By wp2ztrs - March 3 - 3:43 am

  Very good car! But the only issue I have is the engine torque bar rattles. Overall its a great car. Very reliable!

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  Great car sans the rattles - 2009 Lexus ES 350
  By jeff205 - March 3 - 12:16 am

  This is my second ES. The prior was an ES 330. The car is quiet in terms of road noise. Performance is great unless you are used to driving a high performance BMW. I;s easy to look down and see you are cruising at 80 thinking you are driving at 60. Interior materials are all high quality. I only have 2 complaints. First the sound system is sub-par for this class of vehicle. Second there is as persistant rattle in the sun-roof area that the dealer cannot seem to fix. There are also other bump related rattles that seem to develop during the first 20k miles.

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  Best cross-over SUV - 2007 Lexus RX 350
  By Johnny - March 2 - 10:46 pm

  Ive owned this vehicle for about a year now, and this is the best vehicle out there for the money. This is a luxury vehicle, not a high performance sports car. Lexus sets the bench mark and now every other cross-over SUV out there is making lookalikes. The cabin is very quiet and comfortable. The ride is smooth, not stiff like some other SUVs. Quality materials and craftmanship is very evident. This vehicle is heavier than your sedan, but it has lots of power for your thirst. Lexus really design this vehicle to not only satisfy your needs, but to pamper you. Also styling is top class, better than BMW X5 and or the Mercedes look.

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  lexus 330 - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By SAMMY - March 2 - 10:00 pm

  overall in one word - "smooth" - handles great.

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  Do I need to explain, its a Lexus.. - 2006 Lexus RX 330
  By Alienx99 - March 2 - 11:26 am

  Im a Realtor and I spend quite a bit of time in my car so I got everything I pretty much needed: GPS Navigation, Bluetooth phone. I really like the hands free phone because I can crank up the radio and it turns it down and tells me I have a call coming in without having to do anything. Easy controls on the steering wheel: stereo volume, phone, voice activated commands. Yup, you can tell it to do certain things with just your voice if youre feeling too lazy to reach a button. When people get in it, without knowing its a Lexus, I always get complimented on the smooth ride and stylish interior. What else could a girl want?

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  Fun To Drive And Chear to Own - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By mik - March 2 - 2:00 am

  Wow great car for the money. My freind bought a 3-SERIES about the same time I bought my IS 300 his car has been in the shop 4 times for warranty repairs mine has not been in at all.Thats a good feeling because I was thinking of buying one before I settled on the Lexus.It really Handles well in any condition I would recomend this car to anyone except maybe somone who likes to visit their dealership on a regular basis.

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  First rate suv. - 2003 Lexus RX 300
  By Steve Kim - March 2 - 2:00 am

  The RX-300 was not my first choice, but my wife absolutely wanted it. So it took alittle bit of selling on my wifes part. But was I convinced once I drove the car. Unbelieveable ride so quiet and smooth and the quality of the way this car is built.