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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  Couldnt be happier. - 2006 Lexus GX 470
  By Lindsay - November 12 - 5:50 pm

  Traded in 02 X5 for fully loaded GX 06. The ride is very quiet and smooth. The X5 doesnt even compare. Also test drove RR Sport and Aviator. The Lexus was the hands down winner. I highly recommend the sports package. Makes the interior a lot more attractive. Couldnt be happier with my choice. A GREAT vehicle.

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  Smart purchase - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By blautens - November 12 - 3:03 pm

  Great midsize SUV - especially if youve decided you cant really use a 3rd seat that might be too small anyway. Very comfortable, great resale, looks great, and the only one we found with the power tailgate (for those who might not have the reach or strength for closing it sometimes). Easy to get in and out of.

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  Smooth Ride - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Mike & Cathy - November 12 - 9:43 am

  It was a tough choice between the M35 and Lexus GS300. The convincing issues favoring Lexus were: smoother ride, quieter ride and interior finish. We would have liked a bit more wood on the dash-a logical place is the trim strip on upper edge of the glove box. A dream to drive, our first tank of gas resulted in overall average 28.5 mpg

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  Great Car - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By urban - November 12 - 2:00 am

  I have owned many cars in my life but the GS300 is by far one of my best choices. It is elegant, luxury, sporty, fun to drive and a head turner yet not too flashy. I have the upgraded 5 star 18 in. chrome wheels on it and it looks beautiful. I have already put around 100k on it and the car runs great, no problems what so ever. The only thing I do is an oil change and periodic tune up with original Lexus spark plugs (dont use generic or aftermarket).

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  Still #1 - 1998 Lexus LS 400
  By LexusGuy - November 12 - 2:00 am

  An extremely quite, but very sporty car. Sound system will impress even the most stubborn audiophiles. Non boastful yet beautiful, elegant exterior design. Ample leg and head room for those over 6 tall.

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  Quality,quality and boring - 1999 Lexus LS 400
  By mid-lifer - November 12 - 2:00 am

  The quality of this car is outstanding. In many ways better than its German rivals. I have had no problems at all with car. The dealer is the best I have come across. The down side is it is a bore to drive. After a drive up the Oregon coast I turned to my wife and said Im selling the car.

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  Love My Lexus - 2001 Lexus LS 430
  By mollie - November 12 - 2:00 am

  This is my third Lexus vehicle. The LS430 is so elegant, reliable, comfortable, quiet, and smooth riding. I really love my car.

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  SUV made us sick - 2010 Lexus GX 460
  By Sea_sick - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Avoid this truck-based SUV you if can. We tested drove GX470 were very happy with it. Bought this GX460 with regret not testing it on high-way. The dealer didn’t offer any help but a trade-in. The hash ride made us sea sick the first day! It bounces back and forth on local road and shakes on highway. The SUV feels solid same as the seat, they look good but are stiff. Love the NAV and interior color.

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  Impressive Lexus - 2010 Lexus HS 250H
  By Consul - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Im impressed by this Lexus Hybrid, get close to 40MPG, can use regular unleaded fuel, fully loaded with awesome technology found previously in a LS600. It is pricey almost $50K but for the mileage and contributions to the environment, Im pleased with it. Nice comfortable interior and yes, the brakes does get some getting used to. The navigation is easy to use, head up display on windshield is helpful and the front angled camera has saved me many times. Not to mention the lane keep assist for those late nights in the office when you are tired, it can save you from an accident and tickets. Awesome car and I recommend it.

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  Dont hesitate to buy - 2010 Lexus ES 350
  By Wife is happy - November 11 - 7:53 am

  After 6 months of researching for a vehicle for my wife, I decided to buy the es350. Trust me Gents i did the research. When it comes to class, comfort, dependability and quality this was the car. We looked at BMW, Buick, Infiniti, Acura, etc, etc. I do not have one buyers remorse on this purchase!