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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  RX 300 awd - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By tom w - October 9 - 10:00 am

  This is our third suv and all I can say is wow, did extensive inquiries and shopping. The Accura was a close second, the Mercedes-Benz did not even come close in the ride, looks and comfort of the Lexus. A deffinate plus was the relationship with the dealership, they could not have been better. Very knowledgeable, concerned and helpfull.

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  Great Machine, Needs Touches - 2001 Lexus LX 470
  By car buff - October 8 - 2:00 am

  Great machine but lacks some touches you would expect at this price...info computer, steering wheel controls, eye glass holder, readable clock and outside temp.

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  2000 RX 300 - 2000 Lexus RX 300
  By stevern - October 8 - 2:00 am

  The RX 300 has been without any problems. Build quality and reliability are excellent.

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  Great ride - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By Julio Perez - October 8 - 2:00 am

  Once you take it home from the dealer, you know what a great ride this is. Quite, almost silent engine, handles very well. However, gas mileage will dissapoint. After 14K miles, not a single minor objection

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  driving experience with lexus ES300 - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By bradley - October 8 - 2:00 am

  Experience noise reduction . cant feel the engine is in idle. Very helpful Navigation system.

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  Best SUV on the road - 2003 Lexus LX 470
  By mike - October 4 - 7:23 pm

  Ride is superior, never had a mechanical problem. Quiet... this is my second 470lx and I probably will buy a third.

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  GREAT CAR BUT.......... - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By LSD - October 4 - 2:00 am

  Love the handling and the brakes are spectacular. Car is very quiet, smooth and energetic.

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  Love It! - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By sTRIDER - October 4 - 2:00 am

  I have always wanted a retractable hardtop vehicle with a great stereo system that was fun to drive. I have achieved my dream come true.

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  New Lexus SUV - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By urbancowgrl - October 4 - 2:00 am

  Just got this SUV and I love it!! The size is right, it is reasonably priced with other vehicles on the market. A must test drive. These cars dont stay on the lot long too!

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  Best of 3 - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By Charlene - October 3 - 3:30 pm

  I previously had a Navigator and a 2003 Range Rover. After major expensive problems with the RR, I wanted a SUV that was reliable and with the same luxury as the RR. I decided on the GX470 because I am previously a Lexus owner. So I know the quality and the performance of the Lexus. Its not as big as the full size SUV but it is not as small either. It was perfect for what I was looking for.