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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  New Used Lexus Owner - 2001 Lexus ES 300
  By Ed McDougal - November 21 - 1:03 am

  Compared to my Nissan and 2001 Camry I feel it is a 20 to 30 % better built vehicle.

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  Peeble beach review - 2005 Lexus SC 430
  By peeble beach - November 20 - 1:26 pm

  I would like to see this sexy vehicle stay around. I cannot believe the plug is about to be pulled on this work of art. The only change I feel is necessary is the front end design. A couple minor changes could make this car very popular once again. The head lights cover too much space. I feel a change that resembles the front end of of the mercedes SL 550 would greatly improve its appeal. Do that and Ill buy another.

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  Me and my Lexus LS 400 - 1999 Lexus LS 400
  By padevlin - November 20 - 2:46 am

  I just purchased this car about one week ago; it is the best car that I have owned during my 53 years of driving and I have driven just about all of them. I could not afford a new one; had to settle for a used one. It is in excellent shape for a 6 year old car. Heavy miles but in excellent condition. I cant decide which I like best: the design or the drive? It is a fabulous car and I am glad that I finally own one. It is a real thrill to put the pedal down and feel the surge of the powerful V8 after driving a V6 over the last 5 years.

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  The best car Ive driven - 2009 Lexus GS 450h
  By Daniel Timofei - November 19 - 2:56 pm

  Great comfort for long drives, the noise is very low even at high speed, high and smooth acceleration, excellent stability, remarkable reliability, very robust mechanics suitable for bad roads, a wonderful car. Net superior to BMW 5 series and Mercedes E class in all aspects. "Zero" maintenance costs. The fuel economy is not that big for a sporty driving style.

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  After 4 years, finally found the car we wanted... - 2013 Lexus ES 300h
  By mdsofky - November 19 - 12:07 am

  My wife and I had been looking for four years to replace our 12 year old Honda Accord EX (which we loved and still runs well). We started casually looking on our anniversary weekend four years ago, but wanted lots of tech, and options that wouldnt be outdated soon. Wanted Bluetooth (phone and audio), blind-side detection, apps (Pandora, etc.), hybrid technology for good gas mileage (that didnt "feel" or look like traditional hybrid), nice quality, etc. We had looked at a Ford Fusion, Honda Accord (although I know there is not a hybrid yet), Buick Regal, Buick Verano (like our Buick Enclave a lot so were considering other Buicks). Ended up test driving ES300h and knew this was the one.

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  Very Nice Car - 2016 Lexus ES 350
  By jon roberts - November 18 - 7:14 pm

  I didnt rate repair frequency or dealership support, because I havent owned the car long enough to decide. I get lots of compliments on its looks and it being a Lexus makes it even more attractive.

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  Stay away - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By Eddie Hairr - November 17 - 9:40 am

  I love Lexus and currently own two. However, the RX has been very unreliable and left us stranded on vacation two summers in a row. I purchased the vehicle with 48K miles and didnt expect any problems; however, that was short lived. Everything from electrical issues to fuel system issues has plagued the vehicle. In the last two years alone, the maintenance costs have exceeded $6K. I know, I must be an idiot for keeping it this long. The longer I try to keep the vehicle to receive a return for the maintenance costs, the more it burns my wallet. Believe it or not, the vehicle is 10 years old, very well maintained and doesnt even have 100K miles yet. The repair costs far exceed the miles driven.

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  Lexus RX 350 Lover - 2015 Lexus RX 350
  By C. M. - November 17 - 12:39 am

  I absolutely LOVE this vehicle! I have wanted one for a number of years. The only thing I would love to have is the reverse camera guidelines. The mouse took a little getting used to, but I got it in a few days. The exterior and interior are gorgeous. Love that it is a 3.5L engine. Just the right amount of HP. I absolutely LOVE this SUV!!!

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  best car ive ever had - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By Erol - November 15 - 2:00 am

  this is the perfect car for those of you who want something larger than a coupe but still want something sporty and fun to drive, and catchy. this car has great acceleration, handling, and features

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  Best Car Yet - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By RoBro - November 15 - 2:00 am

  Quick acceleration, smooth yet agile handling, and you can hear a pin drop. ...as long as the cabin fan is on low. All controls are easily accessible and the interior is luxuriously appointed. The icing on the cake was the dealer, Hendrick Lexus, in Charlotte; words simply cannot describe how advanced they are in customer service.