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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  From one Lexus to another - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Tim Palko - November 20 - 1:40 pm

  This is my second Lexus, my first a 05 LS430. Drove it for 5 years and loved every minute of it. I wanted another Lexus but couldnt afford a new LS so I purchased a 05 ES330 and love it. Same great features and Lexus ride. No transmission problem noticed because I do a lot of Highway driving. As far as cup holders, well you shouldnt be drinking anyway.

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  Magic car - Perfect 10 - LS 460 - 2008 Lexus LS 460
  By mitchell rowe - November 18 - 8:43 am

  The 2008 SWB LS 460 is light years ahead of the 2007,

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  Miles of Smiles - 2010 Lexus RX 450h
  By Tom McLaughlin - November 17 - 2:03 pm

  Previous to this purchase I have always been a Toyota man. So, this is my first Lexus. I have only owned it a couple of weeks and have 950 miles on it. However, knowing how competent Toyota is I am sure I will get years of good service on this Lexus. Its the most fun I have had driving a car since the first miles on my old 93 Land Cruiser which I traded in on the Clunker program. However, that Land Cruiser was anything but a clunker! My wife has an 08 Toyota Highlander which we also love. Still, the Lexus has it over the Highlander and Im glad I bought it.

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  Best of the Bunch - 2010 Lexus ES 350
  By gam - November 17 - 4:50 am

  I had looked and test drove many cars before buying my Lexus. It is so comfortable in the drivers seat that I wish I can bring it into my TV room. The ride is quiet; one can hardly heard the road sounds. Performance is outstanding and the structure itself seems very secure. I was looking uppermost for safety, quality and performance and received all three. My only disappointments are that the trunk design and inside compartments in my previous car, 2004 Toyota Solara were superior. Outside of that, I love my Lexus and I have received many compliments on the color, Cashmere Satin.

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  RX 330 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Chito Jacinto - November 14 - 4:43 pm

  Exellent suv, ride like a luxury car, very quiet ride cant hear any wind draft even at high speed. Has an easy handling,responsive to turns.

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  GS300 AWD - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Kitzler - November 13 - 6:06 pm

  The car can be personalized to a tee, however, this is not very easy to do. What I did not like is that when the outside temperature is cold, the transmission takes forever to reach top gear; the manual states it does so on purpose, but I dont like it. Also, while the car is powerful, it has a tendency not to downshift on hills, and thus loses some speed. Of course, stepping on the pedal remedies all that, but to me, it indicates the cars final gear ratio is too high. The gas mileage is unbelievable, but actually a couple of miles less per gallon than indicated on the trip computer. Inside it is a marvel of simplicity and access. Auto Windshield wipers are too fast for me.

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  All Around Quality - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By Impressed owner - November 13 - 5:56 pm

  I purchased this car used, 6 model years old and 69,000 miles. It is very comfortable to drive on extended trips, smooth, quiet, soft leather seats, and a high quality sound system. It has soft and smooth handling, as its designed as a luxury sedan, not a sports sedan. My only problems have been a pair of new catalytic converters(warranty) and after replacing a rear window, the automatic switch is off so I need to manually stop it on the way up. I will definitely look at Lexus when my wifes Avalon needs replacing someday. This one will stay in the family for the rest of its lifespan.

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  the best suv - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By yoyoyo123fo - November 10 - 10:00 am

  you get what you pay for in this car. i just got this car on the 17th and i have never made a better decision. the voice command on the navigation is so much easier to use than other cars along with the navigation screen. the space to see behind you in reverse is limited but that isnt a problem if you got the rearview camera. the standard all wheel drive works like a charm and you couldnt ask for more standard features in any other cars. it even comes with the hill climbing systems and the height leveling system. the back door is very unique. i dont find the 3rd row seat very bad at all, after all, it has air conditioning. best car i ever had with bmw 5 series

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  great vehicle - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By jim oneill - November 10 - 10:00 am

  This is the third RX that we have owned and the best so far. These vehicles are trouble free and feel like luxury cars. Lexus has combined great style and handling in a comfortable cabin with plenty of room. Cant imagine them improving this one but they probably will.

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  Love it Love it Love it - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Dan Cacich - November 9 - 11:33 pm

  This was my 1st luxury car. Looked for 18 mths. Compared to BMW, Benz and Acura I felt I got the best bang for my buck. No other vehicle had the ride. Mileage is unbelievable at 33 mpg highway. Took it on many trips. Currently shopping for the wife. Looked at a 2010 RX 350. Of course, had to look at everything else again. Decided on the RX. Nothing else comes close to a Lexus. Son in law is a mechanic. He says you can never go wrong with a Lexus.