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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  OK - 2008 Lexus GS 450h
  By Mary K Hood - August 17 - 8:40 am

  This is one of the best performance cars in existence, BUT I bought it for the mileage it says you get and it doesnt come anywhere near what it is supposed to do. If you want a performance car and dont care about the validity of the hybrid performance then it is an exceptional vehicle. My goal was to have a true hybrid. I am very disappointed.

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  Nice all around - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By dmoney - August 16 - 9:10 pm

  I bought this car used with 76k miles on it. Traded in a Mitsu SUV and I was on a budget. I found this car for under $11k. Car is very fun to drive with quick acceleration and great handling. Ride is a little stiffer than what Im used to, but hey I went from an SUV to a compact sport sedan. Auto tranny shifts nicely, the interior is nice and has an easy layout.

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  02 Lexus GS 300 Soldiers On - 2002 Lexus GS 300
  By 2002 gs 300 - August 16 - 2:36 pm

  This has been a very good car for me, a salesman traveling around Ohio, Ky and Indiana. At 191,000 miles, it runs exactly as it did when I bought it new. I have one complaint-it uses a qt of oil abt every 1,400 miles in the last year, using full synthetic. I still get compliments on the millennium silver color and the light grey leather interior. The handling and acceleration are crisp, for the size of the car. A good value!

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  47,500 Miles Problem Free So Far - 2007 Lexus LS 460
  By Sherelle - August 15 - 3:23 pm

  Ive had my car since Nov 06. The only thing Ive had to replace are the tires @ 45k miles and a $7 battery for my key fob. Im planning to take the car in for the wind noise, rattling and hesitation before my warranty expires. Service on the car is expensive, but thats to be expected. Oil changes are just under $80, 45k service is $240, 50k is $320 and 90k is $1,160 (DC area). If this car last me 20 years it will be well worth the $70+ it cost. My 1996 ES is still running after 216k miles. I love this car so I hope it continues to meet my expectations.

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  The best SUV - 2010 Lexus GX 460
  By nks - August 15 - 1:43 pm

  Ive had the SUV for less than a month now and purchased it sight unseen based on info from internet. While there were negative comments posted in some pre-sale reviews, I find this SUV everything Ive wanted in an SUV. It gets up to speed easily like a regular automobile, handles well, extremely quiet, averaging 17 mpg, more than expected for a 5000+# vehicle and workmanship is exceptional. So far, I havent found anything to complain about.

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  Lexus hybrid - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By george iv - August 15 - 11:06 am

  The reliability of toyota products in a top of the line luxury suv. Drives smoothly, quietly but has also thought of everything that you need. Im actually blown away with the performance and fun of having this car.

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  PERFECT SUV - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By bryce - August 15 - 7:06 am

  I LOVE MY LEXUS RX300. Everything about the car is absolutely perfect. It is quick off of the line and handles very well. The interior is beautiful and very comftorable. There is plenty of space and it sits the perfect height off of the ground. THE STANDARD SOUND SYSTEM IS AMAZING. I love everything about it.

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  Awesome Auto: Lexus SC 430 - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By Mark Murphy - August 15 - 2:00 am

  The Lexus SC 430 is a stylishly- designed hard-top convertible that meets all of the lofty expectations Lexus usually commands. It is quiet, powerful and richly-appointed (i.e. 9- speaker Mark Levinson CD/stereo, DVD navigation system, burled walnut interior), and has all of the beautiful detail so typical of the Lexus brand. However, as a high-performance (300 hp V-8) convertible, it is truly unique. Less expensive than the comparable Jaguar, Mercedes and Cadillac offerings that are its primary competitors, this car is hard to beat.

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  confort and reliability - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By Diaz - August 15 - 2:00 am

  the paint job is poor

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  gx470 review - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By lfsteach75 - August 15 - 2:00 am

  This car is absolutely incredible. It drives smooth and I never have any problems or concerns when on the rode.