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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  Will not buy another Lexus - 1999 Lexus ES 300
  By MaxK - May 21 - 10:00 am

  I had to replace the front strut mounts at 50,000 miles. The lexus service advisor told me it is common to have this problem. I still cant believe it. Paint chips off very easily (2004 ES330 has the same problem), lot of wind noise at high speeds.

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  Run Flat Nighmare - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By localred - May 21 - 10:00 am

  A wonderful car if you dont mind bone rattling jolts hitting potholes. Run flat tires are a nightmare: I have two new tires and two new wheels on a car with less than 10K mileage. Two other tires have bubbles meaning replacement soon. My wife hates to be a passenger unless we are on perfectly paved road. Avoid this car unless you only do highway driving!

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  Worst Car Ever Purchased. - 2000 Lexus RX 300
  By Upset with Lexus - May 5 - 5:13 pm

  I bought this car for reliability and have put so much money into repairs on this car that Ive exceeded the value of the car. At 110,000 miles the transmission went out! (I thought Lexus built quality) I have had to replace 4 oxygen censors at the tune of $450 each. The engine now leaks oil. Just got new oxygen sensor last week & various other repairs ($800) today the check engine light came on again!! I am so disappointed in Lexus. I contacted them about the transmission problem which 1000s of people are having and received nothing! I thought when I bought Lexus I was buying a great car that would last forever!! NOT!! U need to trade this car at 80000.

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  Not easy to drive - 2017 Lexus RX 350
  By Mike - April 27 - 9:00 pm

  I had a Lexus RX350 which was much more comfortable and easier to handle on the road. The 2017 I have is cumbersome and not fun to drive like my ex 2010 rx350. I wish I had never bought the 2017. It is big and boxy and difficult to park.

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  You have to be kidding - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By Rpac - March 21 - 11:06 pm

  I purchased a 2010 RX350 in Dec 09. Car built same month. I noticed that in making a change with the engine manifold etc the car warms up faster than earlier model. But, driving into a driveway like into a gas station the car rocks like a canoe on the ocean. The improved suspension is a joke. I have 19 inch wheels; I donÂ’t know what for as I donÂ’t have the sports edition. The car does not have the quiet smooth ride as mentioned in reviews. All in all I am disappointed in the car. You slam the driverÂ’s door and it sounds like a car full of tin cans. I would expect this from an American car of years ago but not a new Lexus. The car sounds cheap, rides cheap, and is just an overpriced mess.

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  Steer clear of Navigation system - 2017 Lexus RX 350
  By Craig Hardt - March 12 - 1:38 pm

  The 12.3 inch navigation system is a joke. The voice system rarely understands me and I enunciate clearly. I bought a new 2017 In June 2017 and the Navigation system does not show streets that I know have been there for over 4 years. It is terribly out of date. There routes to almost anywhere are never the best routes. It is a $3200 MSRP piece of junk. The rest of the vehicle is fine.

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  Lexus RX 300 2000 - 2000 Lexus RX 300
  By pbowman - January 31 - 9:43 am

  The transmission went out without warning. I called Lexus, they said sorry about your luck. It will cost me $4200 to start for a reconditioned transmission. My mechanic said this model transmission is in such demand they are difficult to find. The name Lexus is nothing to me now!

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  DONT BUY A 2005 MODEL - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Tamra Parks - January 22 - 7:00 am

  I have the same issues as others with the transmission and it drives me crazy. I complained at the 5,000 mile checkup and the dealership told me, "We know about this common complaint, but you will get used to it." In other words, too bad. My car has 63,000 miles and I have not gotten used to it. So I will never buy another Lexus because of it. This is my second one. Also, the cup holder is so flimsy that it broke and they want $380 to fix it. The quality is equivalent to what you would find in a $10,000 car.

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  Lexus, NEVER AGAIN - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By RX300 - December 22 - 1:50 am

  The Lexus RX300 is all about look and false reputation. I bought this 99 RX300 108K 8 months ago hopping to have a reliable vehicle at least for 50K based on Toyota/Lexus false reputation and transmission blew at 120k, then I saw on the web forums that is very common on RX300 transmissions blowing under 100K (90, 80 or 75K). Lexus RX300 is a piece of crap. Overpriced to buy, insane to fix. Next time I will definitely go with Ford or Chevy family. I will recommend it to my worst enemy.

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  bad leather seats - 2012 Lexus ES 350
  By Rick P. - December 9 - 1:34 am

  before you purchase a lexus their interior leather is the worst I have ever seen in a so called luxury car. have a 2012 and have already had to replace the seat covers the perforated inserts just plain ripp. Had to pay $1700.00 per seat to replace just the cushions. expected much better and they say normal wear and tear! 4 YEARS AND RIPPS. KIA has a better interior than this at 10th of the price. beware!