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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  Love it - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By ninabobina - July 4 - 2:00 am

  bought the car in october of 2004. its a great car.. wish i could have gotten the mark levinson audio system though. the lexus premium system that comes standard is weak.. if you are a true audiophile, spring for the upgraded system. too bad it only comes standard with the navigation package. makes it way too pricey.. hasnt given me any problems yet and i have 1800 miles on it so far.

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  The most reliable & comfortable car in the world! - 1999 Lexus LS 400
  By afriend4life - July 2 - 3:50 am

  Ive owned a dozen cars in the past: 2 Cadillacs, Jaguar, 3 BMWs, Infiniti, Corvette - most Ive owned for 12-15 months and had to invest $1700-$3300 per year on maintenance. Ive owned 99 LS400 for 3+ years & it has been the most reliable car Ive ever owned - my ex, Lexus SC430 was just as good, & they both have the "worlds most reliable engine" award. I do a safety inspection once a year & surprised to hear that all is good, no problems with suspension, engine or transmission. Im only changing oil every 10K miles (using Amsoil), brakes last long & tires are good for 70K miles. Besides better handling that my ex-BMW 540i had - this Lexus has been such a pleasure to own & joy to ride!

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  Its hard to beat a Lexus - 2015 Lexus RX 350
  By Vick - July 1 - 11:13 am

  This is our third Lexus and wouldnt want to own anything else.

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  This is not my first - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By bcaf - June 30 - 11:13 pm

  This is the third Lexus overall and two in the family at once. One is an RX 350 for the mountains and snow days and the ES 350 is for everything else. The vehicle is all class. Easy on the wallet, and good gas mileage. I tried the Acura and traded it in on the ES 350 after less than one year. The ES gives me the comfort and power I want in a vehicle. I have never been back to the dealership for anything but standard maintenance service with the RX or the ES and both are 07s.

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  All I ever wanted - 2015 Lexus RX 350
  By Bob Kaloper - June 28 - 11:11 am

  I researched this car for over two months and finally decided to go for it. It has not let me down and is probably far more car than I actually anticipated. I would recommend this car to anyone.

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  Little Devil - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By skiric - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Pleasantly surprised how this car handles. Used to drive Mazda Miata and longed for the same thrill. And found it - even better...

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  Great SUV - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By cosmo31 - June 26 - 10:00 pm

  After driving several competitors (Infiniti, Audi, Acura...and Toyota Venza), I decided to purchase the RX 350. So far, Im really enjoying it. The ride is great (though I prefer sportier). The tech features are very user friendly. Large and clear navi screen is nice too. Love the HUD. Build quality seems excellent.

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  Great car. - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By pdriver - June 26 - 10:00 am

  A great combination of luxury and practicality. This car is equally at home in an upscale social scene or hauling home plants and potting soil. Mileage is excellent for SUV; average of 20 MPG in mostly in-town driving. Would definitely purchase this vehicle again.

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  Its worth your money - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By pp - June 26 - 10:00 am

  quiet, smooth and comfort drive; convenient features. much more...

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  Brooks review - 2006 Lexus LS 430
  By Stephen Brooks - June 24 - 2:10 pm

  Very impressive handling. The LS 430 surprised me with its ability to accelerate, handle curves, and gas mileage on the road. Very spacious interior, with beautiful leather seats and wood grain interior. Beautiful car.