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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  2 Years Later - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By El Torito - October 23 - 10:00 am

  I bought my SC430 during the early release. I now have 20,000 miles on it and have had absolutely no problems with it. I like the style, what a car for the price. I use it as a two seater, so no complaints about the back seat. I find the storage sufficient even with the top down. I would recommend a slightly tighter front suspension. The run flat tires have been great and holding up much longer than predicted. Best car for the price in its class.

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  excellent - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By calvin - October 23 - 10:00 am

  it is the perfect car for people who like suvs

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  "Im Lovin it"! - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By MaryR - October 21 - 8:30 pm

  The RX330 has a very smooth ride and easy handling. It feels safe while driving on the express way because of the great visibility, holds the road and can change speed quickly. It also performs well around town. Not too big so its easy to park and maneuver in traffic. It looks great! Very often find people checking it out when I return to the parking lot. Best decision Ive made about a vehicle in a long time.

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  Just a GREAT car ! - 1997 Lexus ES 300
  By rtk - October 20 - 5:33 pm

  Bought the Lexus in Florida and drove it home to Idaho. Perfect drive. Not a hiccup of any kind. Talk about quiet and smooth. Nice stereo, too. Mileage has always been 25-29 mpg. Ive driven it 10,000 miles already and loved every mile. The paint is still flawless and the interior looks new. Just great quality materials in this beauty. Its a better car than my last 2 Cadillacs.

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  Good and Bad - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By ES 350 - October 20 - 5:40 am

  Very smooth transmission. Great, quiet ride. Great radio and sound. I expected more than cardboard on door panels. Flimsy glove compartment door, trunk lid. Not enough front seat thigh support. Navigation system a colossal disappointment. It is practically useless outside major metro areas. Pretty picture, though. No way to open trunk if power lost. Fold down rear seatbacks with full access to trunk would be great. Front end too low, scrapes most curbs. Fatter tires would give even smoother ride. Roof line too low for tall people. Does not come with body side moldings, door sides are naked to damage. Support has been minimal from Lexus headquarters and dealership.

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  Smooth - 2002 Lexus LS 430
  By Tony - October 18 - 3:36 am

  This is the first used Lexus I ever purchased. I have been strictly a Mercedes guy up until now and didnt know quite what to expect. This 2002 LS430 is the most quiet, smooth riding car I have ever been in, far surpassing my many Mercedes and the few Rolls and Bentleys I have been in. It is, without a doubt, the finest car ever made.

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  Rock solid - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Bilfire - October 16 - 6:56 pm

  My second used Lexus, what else can be said? Rock solid, comfortable, very good on gas. I will have a third someday.

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  Scoop on Mileage - 2010 Lexus RX 450h
  By His and Hers - October 16 - 10:56 am

  My wife and I both drive this car, and I wanted to let people know our experience about gas mileage. My wife drives the car just like she always has driven any vehicle. She routinely averages about 25 to 26 MPG. I have found that, if I deliberately drive to maximize mileage (no jackrabbit starts, stay at 70 on the interstate, take it easy in general, but nothing extreme) I can consistently average 29 or 30 MPG. I would stress that these are AVERAGE mileage. Often people (and car ads) talk about the highway mileage as though that is the mileage. The really strong suit of these hybrids is their combined mileage. An SUV that can average 30 MPG if driven calmly is pretty impressive to me!

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  My third Lexus Sedan - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By Ann Thaxter - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I love my 2002 Lexus. It is dependable, comfortable and I feel as though Im completely in control. It drives and turns and corners beautifully.

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  4 in A Row - 2003 Lexus LX 470
  By L Wood - October 16 - 10:00 am

  There is nothing even close and I own or have owned them all.