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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  Better than before - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By mjklaw - December 8 - 10:00 am

  This is my third RX. The new 330 version is longer, wider, more powerful and luxurious....with so many new toys!!! They finally managed to elevate the interior to rival the other models in the line. (I also own an LS430). The turning radius is vastly improved.

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  A prodigious achievement! - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By toyotas1 - December 8 - 4:40 am

  Thank you, Lexus, for bringing 21st century style and luxury to the FULL-SIZE luxury convertible class. The one who compared this to the Audi TT needs to drive BOTH cars before making a fool of himself. Just wish that instead of the fake back seat, we could get a parcel shelf, more front egroom, and a pop-up rollover bar, like the SL. But this car is a stunner, and an incredible value, at over $25k less than an SL, its onlt real competition.

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  The envy of all other manufacturers... - 1999 Lexus LS 400
  By CloudNine - December 8 - 4:16 am

  This is my second LS-400. Prior car was a 92 model. 98-00 version has many improvements over earlier models. VVTi, 5-speed trans, far more European feel overall. Nakamichi audio is only bested by newer Mark Levinson system. Seats are quite firm but offer excellent support. Onboard trip computer is fun to toy with. Excellent fuel economy for a 3900-lb. vehicle, ranging as high as 33mpg on straight highway runs. Averaging 23 overall (mostly city). Only use genuine Toyota T-IV fluid when servicing the trans! Keep the oil clean and the 1UZ-FE engine should last forever. Styling has aged very gracefully. Still attracts attention even though 10 years old. HID headlamps excel. Pleased overall.

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  Why own anything else but Lexus - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By Barry Pravorne - December 7 - 6:13 am

  Anyone who owns this car knows it does everything well. Lexus takes care of you by doing everything well while making you feel that servicing your car isnt an unpleasant chore. I had three bmws in the past and will never own another one while Lexus sells cars. I am currently looking to add another GX and get rid of my last bmw. Owning this car has been a pleasure.

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  Awesome! - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Josh F. - December 5 - 2:40 pm

  I waited a long time for this car, and am happy to say it was worth the wait. With a family to lug around, I needed to upgrade to an SUV from the sedan I was driving, but didnt want a gas guzzler. This offered the perfect solution to my problem, and had the additional benefit of being a Lexus that is quite luxurious and offers superior performance.

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  Near Best of Both Worlds - 2007 Lexus RX 400H
  By Stan - December 4 - 5:43 am

  Best of both worlds in that my RX has the torque to move briskly as well as a return of decent fuel mileage when driven conservatively. And its a ULEV. Navigation is cumbersome and simplistically inflexible. Nav voice command search returns nearest X and you either take it or stop to search the database thru layers of menu options, or find it on your own. Wind noise that I didnt expect in a Lexus. CVT is smooth. Interior nicely appointed, flawlessly assembled inside and out. Smooth quiet IC engine. ICE runs efficiently at highway speeds and had no problems going over mountain passes thru Idaho and Montana. Overall, a very well put together vehicle that I am glad I jumped into.

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  LS 460L - Awesome - 2007 Lexus LS 460
  By hsmd - December 3 - 9:36 am

  I got the car yesterday, itÂ’s awesome, extremely comfortable front and back seats, pleasure to drive. Finally Lexus can claim to compete with BMW 7 series and with S550. Navigation is easy to use, touch base navigation & phone use is superb and makes driving easier. Voice based commands is still an issue, requires more practice. The drive is more smooth and silent as c/w S550. Center console is easy to use. While reversing the camera is a big help.on the whole its been worth the wait.

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  True Lexus Luxury - 1996 Lexus ES 300
  By Lexman - December 2 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car and my 4th Lexus. Reliable and confortable as well as sporty. Bought it with 91K miles and it rides like new. Definately recommended.

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  What was I thinking of........ - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By fpwmerc - December 2 - 2:00 am

  I am locked into buying an M3 BMW. Two test drives later I am wondering if a 61 year old "car nut", can live with the day to day adventure of a lurchy, non-seamless but sporty SMG transmission and a fairly rough ride on all but the smoothest road surfaces. On the day I was supposed to consumate the purchase, my wife said why dont we drive the Lexus? I was shocked as to how nice it was in every detail. I have had Porsches, MBZs, Zs, BMWs, an Audi, an Alfa. I drive alot and being in a rural area I can enjoy a car. This car is a pleasure. It is comfortable, sporty, quiet and the best sound and navigation system I have ever experienced.

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  Reliable, Fun, Beautiful,Nice, Sweet Car - 2003 Lexus RX 300
  By Jaxen2000 - December 2 - 2:00 am

  Its a reliable, fun, beautiful, nice, sweet car. we have even named it Millie.Shes part of the family now. Thank you Lexus for making this era in our lives wonderful and joyous. May the Gods bless you in all your life and afterlife.