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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  Great investment! - 2012 Lexus ES 350
  By Kent - May 18 - 4:09 am

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  ES 350 - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By James - May 17 - 9:46 pm

  This is my wifes car and we both just love it. She has gotten more positive comments then she ever did on her old one. Much more upscale than the previous model with much better power and room. Also the gas mileage has been much improved in town with the new six speed transmision.

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  After 145,000 miles - 2000 Lexus ES 300
  By thomas - May 17 - 5:33 pm

  Bought my ES300 at 83,000 miles. No troubles, absolutely no troubles at all. Never been to the shop at all except for regular maintenance oil changes. At speeds above 75, wind noise gets appreciable higher through the window. The car has lots of pep only when floored. The tranny thinks for about a second before shifting and then the car flies. A very smooth ride and smooth steering. Absolutely disgusting cup holders. I have given up on the floor mat after numerous spills. There is a noticeable body roll during cornering at high speeds, but thats due to the soft suspension bug - again the ride is magnificently soft. If you are looking for a soft, plush, trouble free ride. This is not a sports car.

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  sweet chariot - 1998 Lexus LS 400
  By nseversole95 - May 16 - 6:40 pm

  I baught this car new in January of 1998. I paid $62500 for it and it has been worth every penny. I love it. it rides like a cloud and it will out run any Camaro or mustang on the road. I would recommend this car to anyone . repairs are a bit pricey but it is a luxery car. this car has probably the best sound system I have ever heard. 16 years later it now has 170,000 miles on it and it run and drives like brand new.

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  Navigational system - 2008 Lexus LS 460
  By Bradley - May 16 - 4:20 am

  This is my second Lexus, and have owned several cars previously. This is probably the best car Ive ever purchased. The one flaw is the input control on the nav system, you have to stop the car. If it was a way to design the system so that if the passenger seat is occupied, the the passenger would be able to operate the system. just a thought, otherwise, very nice and enjoyable vehicle to drive.

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  Wifes Baby - 2004 Lexus GS 300
  By Scotspal - May 16 - 2:00 am

  My wife loves it - I am more of a critical reviewer. It is an extremely nice car. However, I am surprised by several negatives. There is no engine compartment light under the hood - Ive never seen that on a car. There are visible "Staples" on the carpet where it runs up under the dashboard and on the trunk bed liner - Strange for a luxury car. The mileage compares very favorably with my other vehicles, the only drawback is it requires premium fuel. That said, I think it is superior in many ways to offerings from Mercedes and BMW. In fact we first tested an Infinity G35. After testing the Lexus there was no comparison.

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  Best SUV Ever - 2004 Lexus LX 470
  By VeroGuy - May 16 - 2:00 am

  Over 100,000 miles and not one issue. Plan to keep this vehicle for 20 years. Most comfortable feel and ride available.

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  Never Driven a Better Car! - 2002 Lexus LS 430
  By vyoung - May 16 - 2:00 am

  At 65" and 290lbs., I find it difficult to find a truly comfortable car. Forget the exemplery reliability of this vehicle...the ride is beyond any possible expectation. More amazing is the fact that the ride is exactly the same after 40,000 miles! Responsiveness and handling are excellent and the service is unmatched. Cannot imagine every buying a car elsewhere. I am more spoiled.

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  benadam - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By benadam - May 16 - 2:00 am

  excellent overall needs more power which was improved in the new models.ES 330....

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  Love our RX330 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By GSmith - May 16 - 2:00 am

  We purchased at Lexus of Ann Arbor what a great experience from our sales person Trish to our service visits...all wonderful. The RX330 was a great purchase decision. Quiet ride with all the comforts you expect from a Lexus.