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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  So Far...So Perfect - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By brown - May 2 - 2:00 am

  The fuel economy is not great but as good as expected for this type of vehicle. If I wanted better gas mileage I would have bought a 3 cyl. Geo Metro. Power is good but not great. The engine puts out less horsepower but equivalent or better torque than the larger V8s. More power is always better, in my opinion.

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  So Far...So Perfect - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By Brown - May 2 - 2:00 am

  The fuel economy is not great but as good as expected for this type of vehicle. If I wanted better gas mileage I would have bought a 3 cyl. Geo Metro. Power is good but not great. The engine puts out less horsepower but equivalent or better torque than the larger V8s. More power is always better, in my opinion.

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  One fine automobile - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By LCDR - May 2 - 2:00 am

  A fine touring automobile. The DVD navigation system and excellent sound system made a recent trip a pleasure. Excellent acceleration and handling. I am very pleased with this car.

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  Another Perfect Lexus - 2007 Lexus RX 400H
  By Low CO2 - May 1 - 8:26 am

  I researched and test drove the following: Acura RDX, MDX, BMW X3, X5, the Lexus blows them all away. As a former 4Runner owner, I again am more than satisfied with the typical perfection in Japanese build quality. The complaints I have heard on the 400h I have yet to experience, i.e., the jerking sensation when shifting from electric to gas.

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  Excellent Value - Great Car - 1997 Lexus LS 400
  By JayNRocky - April 30 - 12:16 am

  Ive had my LS 400 for 11 years and it runs like the day I bought it. I have 172,000 miles and it still runs strong. When my Mercedes was totalled in 2006, I was back to driving my old LS 400 full time. I was planning to sell it and buy another car, but I was so impressed how it still drives, that I just decided to clean it up and keep it. Dont be cheap about maintenance. I do all service at the dealer, and have no problems. It passes smog tests with flying colors and the gas mileage is not bad for a car this size. I plan to keep this car for as long as i can!

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  An Absolute Dream Machine - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By spinedr - April 27 - 10:00 am

  The quality of this automobile is unsurpassed. We had the opportunity to take an offroading class with Landrover. As it is a remarkable SUV, it is simply that, an SUV. The Lexus GX deserves the title LUV! Its smooth quite ride, amazing cabin appointments, and functionality are stellar. We cant drive it enough!

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  2004 Lexus RX330 Review - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By nickname - April 27 - 10:00 am

  It is really fun to drive and the styling is superb! The interior is elegant, but could be improved.

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  Excellent all around Sports Sedan - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By ACLC - April 26 - 12:16 am

  I wanted a car that was fun to drive and was different than any other car on the road. The IS was the answer to both of my needs. Its smooth shifting 3.0L 6cyl engine is responsive and the E-shift comes in handy for highway passing. DONT drive this car if you are someone who likes to blend in with the crowd...this car is a POSITIVE attention getter!!!

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  Fantastic SUV - 2008 Lexus RX 350
  By PGH Nittany Lion - April 25 - 6:03 am

  I just bought the RX 350 three weeks ago and I absolutely love it. I live in Pittsburgh and was able to test it out in the last snow/ice storm we had, and the car performed admirably. I couldnt be happier with it. Lots of cabin room, seating 4 or 5 is comfortable. Very good with pick-up, given that the V6 puts out 270 hp, and the RXs competitors are all V8s (easier on the wallet with gas too).

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  Its a technological marvel - 2006 Lexus GX 470
  By DC - April 25 - 12:53 am

  The top reason to buy an SUV is for traction control. Well, the technology in this car is phenomenal. Full, split axle 4-wheel drive for mud and snow slopes that some trucks could not even handle. Computer assisted 4-wheel drive for on road use in snow and ice, along with a brilliant ABS system, though unnerving at times, and you can be sure of a safe fast stop in any weather. I also got a special suspension option (one of the few options offered on a Lexus) and I am amazed at how it handles bumps. Riding in this car is an absolute pleasure. Its computer technology is amazing as is its build. Cost is high, but I can say, its worth every penny.