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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  A Lexus RX350 in every garage. - 2017 Lexus RX 350
  By Jerry Guthrie - December 21 - 6:59 pm

  If it was up to me, everyone would be driving a Lexus RX350. This is my 3rd one since 9/9/99 and they get better each time. Other than the 2017 we are still driving a 2004 and have not had any problems with this RX330. If I had not wreck the 99 RX300 Im convinced it would still be in service. I swerved to miss another SUV and turn the RX300 over.We had to be excavated through the moonroof. The only injury to me or my wife was my pride.

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  Overrated - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By dempsey - December 21 - 2:00 am

  Transmisson shift from reverse to drive is sluggish.Has slow pickup when passing.It looks too much like a camry.

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  This guy wont buy anymore euro trash - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By zdude - December 21 - 2:00 am

  Ive orned BMWs and Mercedes and now that Lexus has a luxury vehicle that has a sports suspension, the day when I would buy a European car is over. I was so tired of visiting the service department with my last BMW (25 times in as many months) and the crappy service I also get at my local Mercedes dealer, it was time to try out a Lexus. I am glad I did! Imagine - Nav, Bluetooth, stereo and other electronics actually working! AWesome interior and fit and finish. I actually look forward to driving again. This is a great car, period.

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  The best Lexus yet - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By Bertrand - December 21 - 2:00 am

  This is the smoothest, quietest and most enjoyable car I have ever driven. The quality shines through everywhere and the Lexus engineers thought of everything. The only change I would make is to increase engine power a little above 4000 rpm. A 400 hp LS500 would be a nice option!

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  Problems, and More Problems - 2008 Lexus RX 350
  By Suffering - December 20 - 8:33 pm

  The car has 2300 miles on it and needs a transmission repair. Many rattles and other strange noises. Hyundai quality maybe better. The car is not as quite as many reviews have stated. It is actually very noisy. This car at over $40k compares to a Chevy or Buick,not a real luxury car. Overpriced, and poorly built.

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  The Best Lux Car over $50,000 - 2002 Lexus LS 430
  By eaglesteve43 - December 19 - 10:00 am

  Wonderful ride, fast comfortable and terribly reliable. Nothing ever goes wrong with it. More comforable ride and seating than the S500 and with the Ultra Lux pack it has more toys that a person could ask for. More than the S600 and a fraction of the cost.

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  A head turner - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By eaglesteve43 - December 19 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. It is extremely comforable, quick and with the exception of the noise from the run flat tires, it is quiet. Top is amazing and the heads continually turn. Not good for the self conscious driver. Had people chase me to get a better look. Great car for the GT drive who is tired of making compromises and excuses for the discomfort of his sports car. Great mid life crisis toy, with Lexus fabulous quality

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  Timeless Classic - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By Timeless Classic - December 18 - 7:33 pm

  When a car doesnt change its shape for the first 10 years it tells you something. They got it right the first time. This car gets the same admiring looks as it did in the fall of 2001 when introduced. Its the perfect combo of luxury, style and performance. Its not a pocket rocket but it is a luxury cruiser. You can take a 10 hour trip and not feel fatigued. That cannot be said about too many two seaters. This is one of the sexiest looking cars on the planet. The darker colors like Indigo Blue with saddle are the best looking color combos.

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  by much, the best car on the road - 1998 Lexus GS 300
  By erick0277 - December 17 - 10:00 am

  A great combination of design, road maners, enogh power and safety features. Definily a quick car on the road with a great estability and smooth drivetrain without sacrifice the sport feeling. Fine style and comfort. Never been more happy with a car before. Excellent acceleration and braking, feels very handy, secure and awesome looking. best over all car.

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  IS300 Blends youth and luxary into one. - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By Yanger - December 17 - 10:00 am

  I recently bought an IS300 5-speed Transmission: Being a previous owner of a Honda S2000, I was not overly impressed with the shifting in this car. The shifts could be shorter and just a bit smoother (less notchy). Mind you, I am comparing the 5-speed shifting with that of the Honda S2000s. Overall, the 5-speed manual drives very similar, if not better, than my friends 330ci. Interior/Exterior: Very nice, except for the plastic dash. Lexus needs to upgrade to some sort of rubber like the Audis and Beamers. Exterior is Excellent! The smoked tail lights really help differentiate between boy racers and young professionals.