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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  Getting there in style - 2016 Lexus NX 200t
  By P Karam - May 26 - 9:07 am

  There is no dispute on luxury and reliability. Its a Lexus. I have had mine just over a week, and so far its a fun vehicle, handles well, comfortable, agile and luxurious. However, in as much as it is a Lexus it does fall short in a couple areas. 1/The fuel tank is too small and that is a complain on both of my previously owned Lexus both the GS350 and the RC350 and now the NX. 300 miles is just plain inadequate. And dont expect 30 MPG, if you have a heavy foot. My other grief is safety related. Lexus boasts safety so why cant I get 1 safety package with everything, Pre collision with pedestrian detection, dynamic radar cruise, Blind spot, Lane departure alert with steering assist, Backup and overview camera in one package, not spread all over different packages. If safety is #1, lets put it all together. Lastly the cargo compartment is short a few inches. I literally had to wait over one month for mine. They could not find a white AWD F model fully loaded with pre collision which was a must have for me(Even though no one has proven that it stops itself). I had to settle for AWD with luxury package and no lane departure alert, no power rear seats. Otherwise it would have to be special order without December to remember deal. I will review further in the next month or so.

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  4th Lexus - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By stewart Brenner - May 25 - 5:20 pm

  Comfortable, roomy, easy to handle. Love the toys. GPS works easy. Rear view when backing up is a great idea. Very good road car, and gets very adequate milage.

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  A masterpiece - 2006 Lexus LS 430
  By L Dean - May 24 - 1:46 pm

  Riding and driving the LS 430 is like riding on a cloud powered by a jet! It is the most maintenance free vehicle I have ever owned.

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  Best ride/drive - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By tom - May 22 - 12:06 pm

  The new 440h is great. The especially quiet - and quick - ride is the best. Comfortable on long ride (450 mile trip over weekend - mostly highway - 27.0 mpg aver.). yes - expensive - bells and whistles not all that necessary - but the car is 100%.

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  This is the best car in the world - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By Lexus IS300 Sports C - May 22 - 7:00 am

  The Lexus Sport Hatchback is the greatest car for me. I carry children around in it, its very safe. And if Im driving a long distance the gas saved by not driving a huge monster oversized van or truck-type vehicle is enormous. Plus, this car is so much fun to drive. Im usually the first to volunteer to drive anywhere because it is such fun and very comfortable. The sound system is wonderful as well. I cant say enough about this fabulous car. It has it all.

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  LS 430 not an olds man car anymore! - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By Precision Pilot - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Awesome.. Great new styling. Fresh Quick transmission. Great 18 wheels with awesome handling characteristics with the Euro-suspension.

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  Car of the Century - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By B.gregorios - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Best auto I have ever owned. From price to performance it cant be beat.

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  Not a pretty face ! - 2017 Lexus RX 350
  By Robert Sarchet - May 21 - 10:01 pm

  I do not like the looks of the grill but you can not see it from the driving seats.

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  Very dependable and comfortable - 1996 Lexus LS 400
  By abraham - May 21 - 10:00 am

  Have driven four times for 325 miles one-way and it is a dream to drive and ride the highway. Super quiet, super smooth. A vehicle that you can read with ease without feeling car sickness as you will in most. Everyone after riding in it has expressed satisfaction with the car and was impressed with its, quietness, luxury, room and beauty.

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  Great Little Car - 2016 Lexus NX 200t
  By Winton Woods - May 18 - 6:29 pm

  I bought this car for my wife and put a red bow on it to surprise her. Weve had lots of cars over the years but this is her favorite. Its our first Lexus and we have no disappointments. My only problem is that I think the seats are hard but Im sure I will get used to it.