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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  Underrated! - 1999 Lexus ES 300
  By Giuseppe - December 24 - 2:00 am

  This car is amazing. OK, so it looks a little like the Camry, but it is very distinct in providing itself a unique personality. The ride is quiet and the acceleration is silky smooth. The Coach Edition is the one I bought and I really enjoy the fact that the leather is perforated, you dont sweat as much in the summer.

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  I love it....again! - 2000 Lexus ES 300
  By Brian Martin - December 24 - 2:00 am

  I never thought I would like a car better than my 95 ES until I got this one. This is the best car I have ever owned. lexus quality is second to none. The dealer was exceptional as before. A++++++++++ All the way around

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  Amazing Car - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By Jblackbelt - December 23 - 1:03 pm

  AMAZING CAR, ONE OF THE BEST SUVS OUT THERE

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  The perfect car - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Bob Uchida - December 22 - 10:00 am

  Not only is this the best built car in the Luxury $35,000 range but on national T.V. Dateline says is is also thje BEST PICK FOR SAFETY! IN THE LUXURY CLASS $35,000

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  What a perfect cat - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By won - December 21 - 3:33 pm

  This is my first Lexus ever. I test drove other competitive cars and found this car is the best. There was nothing to compare. Comfort, design (especially interior) and size. The best part was comfort and reliability. As you know Lexus can run 200,000 miles very easily. It drives like a heaven.

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  First Lexus - 2000 Lexus ES 300
  By BARB - December 20 - 2:00 am

  This car is a dream to drive. It handles the corners well. Pickup is great! I get the feeling that I am riding on a fast whoosh of air. The car is solid. I have driven a BMW 528 but my Lexus is much smoother in acceleration and turns. What a solid ride!!! Dealer service is honest and reliable. I love having a loaner Lexus to drive while I am having my oil changed.

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  First Lexus - 2000 Lexus ES 300
  By Barb - December 20 - 2:00 am

  This car is a dream to drive. It handles the corners well. Pickup is great! I get the feeling that I am riding on a fast whoosh of air. The car is solid. I have driven a BMW 528 but my Lexus is much smoother in acceleration and turns. What a solid ride!!! Dealer service is honest and reliable. I love having a loaner Lexus to drive while I am having my oil changed.

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  WOW!! - 2003 Lexus RX 300
  By johnwstefan - December 20 - 2:00 am

  What a great car! Just bought this for my wife. Dealership was great, could not have been nicer or more professional. Good deal on the car but the best part IS the car (not always true with a new car purchase). The build quality, ride, stability and bang for the buck are unsurpased. Lexus just earned themselves a life-long customer!

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  Its harder to find a better car at any price - 2011 Lexus LS 460
  By jekfranklin - December 18 - 6:26 am

  This is my 11th Lexus vehicle and they never disappoint. The quality of the vehicle and the personal service provided by the dealership are always tops. I have never driven a domestic car or dealt with a domestic dealership that even comes close. The other foreign brands that compete with Lexus are much more expensive and all have their drawbacks.

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  love my Lexus - 2007 Lexus RX 350
  By RL - December 17 - 9:16 pm

  I have always driven the traditional big station wagon/SUV, after my boys left home it was time to downsize and go for comfort. My husband had a 13 year old Lexus es300 w/300,000 mi when it was finally time to let it go so it was obvious to me that Lexus was the answer and it has not disappointed. I have 45K mi on my 2007RXAWD and couldnt be happier. It has enough cargo space, good MPG, and creature comfort features I love. I am waiting to see what new features are to come out on the new RX, as I think gas consumption is an issue that may warrant serious engine changes, and then I hope to get another.