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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  Lexus RX 300 fun, cushy car to drive - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By susan r - December 26 - 10:00 am

  I really love this car...For 35K it was way cheaper than most other luxury SUVs. The only problem I had with it was that the AC would go out, especially when it was super hot. Think Houston in summer. 100% humidity and 103 degrees. I brought it to the dealer in San Antonio who said they couldnt duplicate the problem. I later brought it to a dealer in Albuqerque who fixed the problem for free becuase by that time it was apparently a known bug. Also when I put sunblock on my hands, I got some on the black plastic thing around the console and caused the black paint on it to smudge and rub off.

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  MY RX - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By peterpal - December 26 - 10:00 am

  THE BEST VEHICLE IVE EVER OWNED. ONCE I TOOK THE TEST DRIVE I WAS HOOKED. ITS QUIET,RIDES LIKE A LIMO GETS YOU OUT OF A FOOT OF SNOW WITH OUT A WHIMPER. EXCELLENT STEREO GIVES MY HOME UNIT A RUN FOR THE MONEY. AT 70 MPH VERY LITTLE TO NO ROAD OR WIND NOISE. GREAT PAINT JOB. VERRRY COMFORTABLE SEATS. THE DAY I PICKED IT UP MY DAUGHTER, HER BOY FRIEND, AND MY WIFE FELL ASLEEP ON THE RIDE HOME. ITS LIKE A VACATION ON WHEELS.....

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  Amazing! - 2010 Lexus GX 460
  By Ben - December 26 - 1:30 am

  I had a lexus ES 350 and traded it in for the new GX. Not kidding, this vehicle is quieter and smoother then my 07 ES. The outside is starting to grow on me, but the interior is perfect. I have been test driving and researching for over a year and came back to the comfort,reliability and luxery Lexus gives its customers for the price. The 3rd row is pretty much useless however, with it folding down flat, its not an issue for me.

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  well worth it - 2000 Lexus ES 300
  By vsalib - December 25 - 2:00 am

  Since the minute I waslked into the dealership door, this car was nothing but good experience. The car is excellent drive, easy to handle. all controls and buttons are in the right places. the car looks and is sturdy. The best of all is Lexus superb customer service

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  best sedan in the world - 2002 Lexus LS 430
  By philetus - December 25 - 2:00 am

  far better auto than the S500 sport

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  Forget the monstrous SUVs! - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By ShereKhan0074 - December 25 - 2:00 am

  My RX300 was the smartest purchase Ive made. It drives as smoothly today as it did the day it came off of the lot, and has an incredible service record- never had ANYTHING break. I dont understand the big deal that is being made over the LCD screen. Its not complicated! After a couple of drives to get used to it, I acclimated to the system and now love being able to see all of the information at a glance. If you cant figure out the info on the screen, you probably shouldnt be operating a 2-ton vehicle.

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  Love my Lexus - 2008 Lexus GX 470
  By Linda - December 24 - 8:46 pm

  I purchased a used 2008 Lexus GX470 2 weeks ago with just 7500 miles. I love this car! I previously drove an Acura MDX and this vehicle is so much more comfortable. The ride is smooth and there is no road noise at all. My only issue: my Blue tooth. I can hear perfectly but no one seems to hear me! Hopefully, this can be fixed. If you enjoy an SUV but yearn for the smooth ride of a luxury sedan, consider this model!

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  Excellent family car! - 2008 Lexus RX 350
  By bonfig8 - December 24 - 2:00 am

  After years and years of research for the perfect "next" family car, my husband and I settled on a used (2008) RX 350, and couldnt be happier. We had bought a Chrysler Pacifica when they first came out in 2004 and had terrible luck with reliability, but couldnt justify trading it in until we got our money out of the thing. So basically we have been looking for the next car for 7 years. Having 2 younger children we were set on another three row vehicle, but were not happy with the costs of a new Pilot, Acadia, Highlander, etc. We then looked at the two row luxury market and almost got a Volvo xc70. Im so glad we test drove the certified used RX 350 first. Love it!!! and the price.

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  HATE This Car - 2009 Lexus ES 350
  By Linda - December 22 - 2:43 am

  Am I the only person in the universe who bought a rattletrap? Have taken it back several times but still develops more rattles. I have an 8 year old RX that doesnt have one rattle. Very disappointed.

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  They got it right!!!! - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By mark - December 22 - 2:20 am

  Old car was an ML55 AMG. This car is not as fast but is every bit as nice for 1/2 the cost. Vastly improved over prior year model. The extra weight makes for a smooth ride, the extra width and redesigned cockpit eliminates the skinny feel of prior models. Quality has been engineered into this car. They were almost giving away the 2009s but this is just a whole lot more car - worth the test drive to see for yourself.