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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  The best!! - 1998 Lexus LS 400
  By camam50 - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Excellent car. Luxury and comfort is the best definition for this car.This wonderful vehicle has everything than you can dream.

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  A All around fun CAR to speed in - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By Lexusguy2003 - October 16 - 10:00 am

  The acceleration literally just made me smile on my test drive. The comfort of the wheel and the sporty design won me over. I just feel happy driving my Lexus. If you want a car thats fun to drive, this is the one for you. I dont really even have to pounce on the gas to make this baby pass on the highway.

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  mylexie - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By joejoe25 - October 16 - 10:00 am

  a new, innovative design with plenty of safety features and the fun of a sports car. a delight to drive in the city or on curvy roads. sporty handling with the class and reliability of a Lexus. I cant wait for future designs and anticipate possibly getting one in the future.

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  Magnificent car - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By jbt - October 16 - 10:00 am

  This car is just a lot of fun to drive. It is smooth, comfortable. The dashboard is well laid out and convenient to use. The navigation system is outstanding. The top retracts with great style. This car is beautiful to see moving or parked.

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  Love my lexus - 2003 Lexus RX 300
  By Mary askin - October 16 - 10:00 am

  It is a joy to drive, I love the way it looks. If you want an suv buy it.

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  Great car - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By kerifish - October 16 - 10:00 am

  This is a wonderful car! I really hesitated at the price, but, so far, it has been worth it. Gas mileage could be better in town, but highway mileage is reasonable for the performance and safety features. The Lexus dealers have been uniformly excellent-they have the best customer service of any dealer around. I chose the car for its reliability and safety ratings, but it is a blast to drive, especially on long trips, and was great in the snow last winter.

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  fvipicks - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By fvipicks - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Took trips to St Louis and Indianapolis.The ride and general comfortis better than I was used to after owning Park Avenues and LeSabres all my life. The standard sound system is fantastic. Climate control was wonderful. Tight well-built car.

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  Worth Every Penny - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Heartsurgeon - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Just switched out of unreliable German performance to the hush quiet and fit and finish second-to-none Japanese. For my money you cannot buy a better car. Flawless fit and finish, comfortable seats, super value and fine performance. You dont need more and you certainly can pay a lot more and get a lot less. Well done again by those who relentlessly pursue perfection.

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  awesome - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By lexman2004 - October 16 - 10:00 am

  the new rx330 is like no other,the comfort and style is no match to the same class.it can use more horse power though but overall its a 10!!!

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  Love My Lex RX!!! - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By LexDiva - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I took delivery of my 2004 Lexus RX330 at the end of May 2003. This was exactly 7 months after I had taken delivery of a 2003 RX300. I was so intrigued by the Rx330 that I had to have it!! All I have to say now is, "No Regrets!" I LOVE MY LEX RX! I didnt think Lexus could improve upon the unique, superior quality and design of the RX300, but the RX330 has convinced me that Lexus is the master when it comes to quality, luxury, and customer satisfaction. Im a Lexus Lover for life!