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, soooo good! - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By jockoB - April 2 - 10:00 am

  A blast to drive. Could be a little roomier, but I can still squeeze in the rear facing infant car seat. It is more sport than sedan. AGAIN, a blast to drive.

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  Best car in the world - 2001 Lexus LS 430
  By Savio - April 2 - 10:00 am

  Drives like a dream. Silky smooth engine. Ultra quite cabin and better ride quality than anything Ive ever Driven! Way to go Lexus, Worth every dollar spent!

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  maliks review - 2000 Lexus RX 300
  By maliksul - April 2 - 10:00 am

  Excellent suv good in snow, this is my second lexus and I wouldnt have any thing else. the only problem is gas mileage.

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  Lexus Hybrid - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By tom - April 1 - 4:20 pm

  Just got the car this month. The mileage is a little less than advertised, but its a fun car to drive with pop when you need it.

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  Traded in S500 Mercedes - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Marvin Smith - April 1 - 3:00 am

  Purchased in August 2006. Drove 3500 miles in five weeks. Cant believe what a great car in a great package. Love it, wish I had purchased Lexus before the last three Mercedes. All had too much trouble and fun was not part of driving mercedes due to always in shop. Enjoying.

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  A Must Experience - 1998 Lexus ES 300
  By Moe - March 31 - 1:23 pm

  Bought the car with 69k miles; 9 months later, it has 94k miles. The car has been flawless and fun to drive. Its extremely quiet. One day I picked up my buddy from the airport and when he got in the car he was convinced that the engine was off. I silently uttered "the car is in drive." He looked but still didnt believe it until I pushed the gas pedal. Also, the car has great power and good gas mileage, exceeding my expectations. Furthermore, most of the ES300 parts are interchangable with the Toyota Camry so oil changes and other maint. parts arent expensive. In fact, I take my car to Toyota for oil changes, however, the service at Lexus makes you feel like a celebrity...

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  12 Years Old - still looks great and runs excellen - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Steve G. - March 31 - 12:02 pm

  I purchased this in 2013 - one owner car who traded it in at the Lexus Dealership. I bought it with 78,000 miles on it and now has 163,000 miles - The paint is perfect, with some fading only on the rear bumper. A highly reliable car, runs smooth, comfortable, and gets up to 26mpg on the highway and about 20mpg around town. - Solid / I added Bluetooth (Parrot) and have put Michelin tires on it (they are the best for both ride comfort and low noise) - I do expect to get 300K - runs as good now with 163K as it did with 78K. Great car - highly recommend it.

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  Superb Ride - 2003 Lexus GS 300
  By sivadiel - March 29 - 10:00 am

  Excellent vehicle, superb ride and comfort. Build quality is better than any other vehicle I have owned. Dealership experience is actually worthy of the vehicle. Only complaint, and its minor, is the amount of power available. Could use 25 more HP and 25+ft/lbs of tourque

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  Wonderful Purchase - 2001 Lexus ES 300
  By Robyn L - March 29 - 10:00 am

  This is the perfect used car. Quality, comfort, style, and reliability. Awesome gas mileage, so quiet I cant tell if it is running. No problems. Great warranty with car that I havent even needed.

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  Fabulous! Absolutely PERFECT! - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By leebarnhouse - March 29 - 10:00 am

  Absolutely fabulous car. There are no words to describe how nice this vehicle is. Absolutely the best luxury vehicle on the road. I HIGHLY recommend it!