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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  Happy with my choice - Lexus ES 350 - 2008 Lexus ES 350
  By Iris - February 10 - 9:06 am

  I love my 2008 Lexus ES 350, so quiet, comfortable, smooth, and saving a lot on gas - highly recommend this one for a luxury car.

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  this vehicle is a must have! - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By tea - February 8 - 1:43 pm

  my husband just bought me this 3 days after christmas. we traded in a lx 470. this suv is out standing. it has a dvd player for the kids and a navigation system. even though it is a few inches smaller than the lx 470, you would never know it. i also love the way the back door opens. it is much easier to load groceries and packages.

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  Outstanding Automobile - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By Darin Bell - February 8 - 10:00 am

  Nothing comes close to the build quality and comfort of the Lexus. It is quiet, comfortable, and just a joy to drive. The Lexus just feels tight. I compared the GX470 to many other luxury SUVs and the Lexus always won out in my mind.

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  Great Car - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By SBenner - February 8 - 10:00 am

  Fantastic Car! After looking at Acura TL, Volvo, Audi I know I made the right choice. Rides like a dream and looks great inside and out.

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  Outstanding - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By D Wofford - February 7 - 4:30 am

  A fun and reliable vehicle that I have had almost no problems with. When the speakers were damaged by my son, the dealership replaced them at no costs. Lexus service is outstanding.

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  Velvet Rocket! - 2016 Lexus RC F
  By John D. Clark, D.D.S. - February 5 - 12:56 am

  Exactly as advertised; smooth, fast, a real joy to drive. Perfect for long drives for the three of us. (Ollie, our Frenchie puppy, owns the back seat.)

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  Awesome - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By JGH - February 3 - 9:40 pm

  Excellent vehicle -- quality is hard to beat. A great looking car that is very enjoyable to drive.

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  The best ever - 2005 Lexus SC 430
  By Darren Mclean - February 1 - 3:40 pm

  It is very comfortable to drive. If I was to sell it I would make sure that it is in the best conditions that it could be in. It is so comfortable that you could sleep in as soon as you sit in it. It drives very smoothly. The interior design is very beautiful to my eyes. The exterior design is wonderful to my eyes. It is fun to drive.

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  Stylish, sporty, stellar - 2001 Lexus IS 300
  By jstxlr8 - February 1 - 2:00 pm

  I have liked the IS since it came out and was thrilled to be able to buy one 2 years ago. In two years, I have had no complaints, just a lot of compliments and a lot of fun. Id rather have this car used for the 20,000 I bought it for than any new car on the road for the same price. I drive my cars pretty hard, and this has been one of my favorites..have had a Prelude, Maxima, and Probe GT, but the IS spanks em all. I do use the E shift alot, makes for a more fun driving experience, especially with the traction control off... it tends to kick in early sometimes, which is fine if Im not having a little fun with the car. Great luxo-sport car, that acts like and even looks like a coupe.

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  My Third RX & Still Loving It! - 2006 Lexus RX 330
  By Lexi Luvr - January 31 - 6:30 am

  This is my third Lexus SUV and I am a very happy customer! The drive is good, the looks are good and the price is good! You cant beat the price for what you are getting. I bought 2 RXs in a row. Then decided to try another Make of SUV and what a mistake that was. So I traded it in a year later for the RX 330 and Im happy again. My passengers love it also. I have only had my SUV in for oil changes & tire rotations. There is never a problem. This SUV you can count on! The stereo system is great, the seats are comfortable and the ride is smooth. I love new cars, so I do a lot of research before making a purchase and I keep coming back to the Lexus. In my book, its top rated!