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 RX300 - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By Leanne - November 24 - 9:46 pm

  I bought my Lexus when it was 3 years old. I dont like to buy new cars because you lose so much money on them, I prefer certified used cars. The only problem Ive had with this car is that the air conditioning went out after Id had it a year but it was covered by the extended warranty. Otherwise its been a great car. I like the way it looks and it feels very solid on the road in all kinds of weather. One criticism of the inside design is there is no in-dash CD player but this is fixed with later models

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  Great performance and mileage! - 2008 Lexus RX 400H
  By DHENRY - November 23 - 1:56 am

  Broke this car in on a trip through the mountains. At 200 miles, it averaged 25.1 MPG, 72 MPH. Town driving at average 27 to 29 MPG. Latest trip (Interstate and mountains) averaged 26.1 MPG., again at 72 MPH. Acceleration is both excellent and fun. This is our third Lexus (2nd RX) and its by far the best. If your gas mileage isnt AT LEAST as good as the EPA estimate, work on modifying your driving style. Build quality for this Japanese-built example is flawless, and dealer (Classic Lexus) is extremely hybrid knowledgeable.

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  Nice Car - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By bgelso - November 21 - 4:16 pm

  I love my sc430. I bought this vehicle about six months ago with 72K miles from an independent dealership. This Lexus is not as fast as some sports cars, but the luxurious interior, unique exterior, comfortable seats, and retractable hardtop makes up for any shortcomings. I changed the runflats to grand touring "Platinum Kumo All-Season" tires. With the new tires, the traction is greatly improved and the ride quality is slightly improved. Overall, as a used vehicle this car is outstanding given the price, features, and Lexus reliability.

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  Pa review - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By gray - November 21 - 10:00 am

  So a wonderful vehicle to drive...no problems or issues.

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  Great car - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By Wolve91 - November 21 - 10:00 am

  Great car, I traded in my 2000 Corvette for this little machine. In outhandles the vette, less acceleration but more fun to drive, heads turn just as much as in the vette

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  A real SportCross owner! - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By Weber - November 21 - 10:00 am

  Our SportCross is our 1st Lexus and most definately will not be our last! The transmission shifts like silk and the handling is superb and sharp. The other so-called SportCross owners above are most assurredly bogus and probably will never experience Lexus quality and dependability. We love Our Lexus IS300 SportCross! P.S For the owner above who wanted to disable their vehicle skid control just push the TSC button on the dash.

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  Transmission Blues - 2000 Lexus RX 300
  By Fuming - November 21 - 10:00 am

  Up until today I LOVED my Rx. It is just the right size for a woman to handle and still has power and style. But today, I was told that my vehicle needs a new transmission to the tune of $4,000...count em, $4 grand! Of course it is just 5,000 miles out of warranty. Wondering if anyone else has had this same problem. Called an independent transmission shop and they said they see it on this model all the time! Yikes, Im thinking about dumping it for the MDX. At least my Acura and Hondas have always kept running even with 200,000 plus miles wracked up!

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  rotor problems continue - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By 3.con - November 21 - 10:00 am

  ought car from private party with 14K miles--noted on first long trip that car shuddered when braking at highway speed. Took it in--needed new rotors. I had read that Lexus was having problems with the brakes, especially rotors. Dealership (Concord Lexus) replaced the brake pads and rotors @ no charge to us. Shocking note from dealer that rear tires will need replacing soon--only 14, 300 miles on them and no abuse. Toyo tires, another warrenty issue, we hope. Nice car---but the transmission is not smooth and it hesitates when you need to move out in a hurry. Not powerful, good gas mileage, great interior. No rattles---yet!

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  Lexus ES300 Review - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Mr.WJB - November 21 - 10:00 am

  This is my 4th Lexus in 9 years and by far the best. The quality, comfort, handling characteristics and luxury can not be beat at the price.

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  Wife loves it, I drive AMG - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By jshoes - November 21 - 10:00 am

  The Lexus is a comfortable and practical ride. My wife loves everything about it especially the interior. I drive AMG Mercedes and it is hard to go from one to the other. The Mercedes is incredible performance, the Lexus is more mainstream, so I am ambivalent towards the Lexus except I admire the comfort.