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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  Quiet, Powerful, Joy to Drive - 2007 Lexus GX 470
  By moxielady - June 6 - 12:40 pm

  This is my 4th Lexus SUV, and by far my favorite. Its unbelievably quiet, and tows a 6x10 covered trailer like nobodys businesss. LOVE the audio-in port, in which I can play my iPod or anything else. Brakes are steady and strong, not grabby. The new nav is mind- boggling and easy to use, and the bluetooth phone interface blows me away. Theres lots of room for pax and cargo, and my dog loves the ease of access to the way back. Best vehicle Ive ever owned.

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  the "ONLY" issue - 2001 Lexus LS 430
  By Bill in Katy, TX - June 6 - 3:00 am

  First set of tires were shot in 18,000 miles. Steering settings were set to Lexus specifications. Found good front end man who played with the settings and now up to 65,000 miles on the car with the second set still looking great. Best car I have ever driven-- have new LS 460 on order. Hope it is just as good

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  The best car Ive ever owned - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By lucky boy - June 4 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car, tight, reliable, posh, thoughtfully executed. Everything about it suggests quality-- the finish, looks, touch of the controls. I owned the previous model (SC 400) which was also very sexy, but harder to control--road feel, handling, and control of this car are greatly improved. Run flat tires occasionally transmit too much of uneven roads to driver. I look forward to enjoying this car for years to come.

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  Lexus ES 350... Big Fan - 2008 Lexus ES 350
  By DT - June 4 - 8:36 am

  Traded in an 2006 Acura TL for the 2008 Lexus ES 350. I loved the TL but I love the ES 350 that much more. Totally diferrent drive as the TL is a much more aggressive car. This car feels much roomier and everything put into the car is of top notch quality. Little disappointed in the stereo but overall am very satisfied. The gas mileage as well as the ability to not have to use premium gas is much improved over the Acura and the displays are very easy to read.

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  CT200h - 2011 Lexus CT 200H
  By rgreen1068 - June 4 - 6:35 am

  After driving this for a while, I have to say it has made me happy about this purchase. I had read some reviews on the power / size, comparisons to a Prius and European rivals that concerned me. If excellent gas mileage, decent room and Lexus / Prius reliability (I have seen some of the same Prius drive trains with 300,000 + miles) is what you are after you will be happy. Gas is currently $3.60 / gallon so this takes the sting out of our morning commute by doubling what we were getting. Considered the Mini Countryman as well, but once it is optioned out, you can get a Lexus.

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  A luxury, med size, fuel efficient SUV - 2007 Lexus RX 350
  By Love It - June 2 - 9:46 am

  Just purchased the new 2007 RX 350 AWD with Premium Package Plus with options (18" wheels, towing, HID auto level, moonroof, gen 5 navigation, auto rear hatch function, bluetooth wireless). The vehicle is very quick. A bit pricey, but if you are looking for a reliable, luxurious, sporty but classy medium sized SUV, this new RX 350 is worth considering.

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  My Favorite Lexus - 2007 Lexus RX 350
  By antann55 - May 31 - 2:06 pm

  I have owned my RX 350 for almost one month and just returned from a 1600 mile trip with my wife. We love the smooth and quiet riding and audio sound from the 6 disc mp3 cd changer. The voice command navigation is a plus and very helpful. Gas mileage is slightly below 24 mile/gallon on highway. Passing power is weak for a 270 horsepower vehicle but it is OK for me.

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  Major upgrades everywhere - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By Carachi - May 30 - 9:40 am

  I replaced my 2004 RX330 with the 2010 RX350. My first impressions are everything about the interior of this car is perfect. Looks great, things are where I expect them, and the feature set smokes anything else on the road. The new 6 speed transmission paired with the 350cc engine is a definite improvement on the 330/350 from the 2nd gen and the new rear suspension makes the ride much more responsive. Exterior-wise the design hasnt changed as much as I expected, but it still looks good. I feel there are a few angles where it has a worse look to it, but most angles and lines were improved.

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  Superb Vehicle - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By Linda - May 30 - 7:20 am

  I just love this truck! It rides so smooth my husband calls it the airplane. No turbulence of course! The design is beautiful. It handles the road like a vehicle should. The V8 engine is great. The take off is fast and smooth.

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  First and Best - 2010 Lexus ES 350
  By Steve From Texas - May 29 - 10:56 pm

  This is my first Lexus. I bought it as my retirement car after a lot of research. It lives up to all my expectations. It is classically stylish on the exterior with the most beautiful paint job I have ever seen on any car. The interior is a visual pleasure and comfortable. Love the navigation system plus the voice command is efficient and simple to use. Thus far, I cannot find anything to criticize about the vehicle. I look for reasons to just get out and drive it. I am so glad I decided to wait and get the 2010 instead of an end of year bargain on a 2009. The upgrades for the new model year are significant and hardly added any additional cost.