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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  the best - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By bob430 - October 14 - 2:00 am

  the best car ive ever had and i get a new one every other year my last 3 have been an 2002 t bird mercedes 320 clk chrysler 300 m this is the best

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  RAVINDER H KAPOOR - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By RAVINDER H KAPOOR - October 14 - 2:00 am

  EXCELLENT CAR # 1

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  Brians RX - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By bgreenjr - October 14 - 2:00 am

  I love everything about my RX, the ride is smooth and quiet, my gas mileage has been around 18 miles per gallon in the city and 22 on the highway. I get excited every time I get in this vehicle. This is the nicest vehicle Ive ever owned.

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  Very satisfied - 1997 Lexus LS 400
  By chulent - October 13 - 10:00 am

  Little or nothing has gone wrong with this car. I am not used to such reliability in a used car. I find parts to be available and reasonable.The fuel mileage on the highway is great (25 MPG). I smile with joy every time I think the prior owner paid of 50,000 dollars for my car, I paid under 20,000 I have heard of, and actually met owners with 150 to 200,000 miles on thier LS 400S, I find this amazing. The engine is so smooth and quiet you cannot feel or hear that it is running. The Nakamichi radio is so clear, and plays so nice I sometimes sit in the car in my driveway for extra time after arriving home just listen to music.

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  Whoa! Thats a CAR! - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Lexxxx - October 13 - 8:33 am

  This is one beautiful car. Second Lexus and could not be happier with design, and got a great deal. 300 has plenty of HP! Smooth ride and Lexus quality. BUY IT--if you can. Looked at BMW, MB, Infiniti--for me the Lexus had exactly what I was looking for in a car.

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  500 mi Review - 2007 Lexus RX 400H
  By BeachBOB - October 11 - 9:50 pm

  Well, so far this has been the most exciting car weve purchased. We added the premium package with the camera, nav, wood, leather, moon roof, then also added color matched running boards and chrome wheels. Driving is a whole new experience (especially boppin around downtown on electric only). Unbeknownst to me, my neighbor bought the same model, on the same day, and we didnt even discuss beforehand. Best purchase Ive made in a long time.

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  Ill Take Two - 2007 Lexus RX 350
  By Toddcaz - October 10 - 1:03 am

  What a pleasure to drive in this beautiful car. Good gas mileage with such a powerful engine. What a great value for so much luxury. Loved it so much we bought his and hers.

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  Lexus Finess at its best! - 2010 Lexus GX 460
  By Steve - October 9 - 11:33 pm

  I test drove them all (Mercedes,BMW,Land Rover,etc) before purchasing my GX 460 hands down it is the best luxury SUV available today overall all things considered. The competition has its pluses but the GX 460 is the total package. With regard to the exterior styling it is not a Bling Mobile; the GX is the perfect vehicle for the “Stealthy Wealthy” all the good stuff is on the inside where it really counts Lexus knows who their customers are! Incredible ride (very close to LS 460 smoothness), stunning interior, extremely capable (more so then most will ever need) and out of this world easy to use technology. I love its relatively low key statue/styling; the standard sound system is amazing.

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  Reliable fun car at 8/10 of drive - 2005 Lexus SC 430
  By Dr Gus - October 9 - 1:30 pm

  Just bought this care last week. Great car. Previous Lexus owner. The best features of this car by far is its reliability and build quality. If you are looking for a pure sports car look to another auto maker such as Porsche. I am also a current Cayenne and Boxster owner. Lexus by far is light years ahead in build quality and value but at 8/10 of the fun for those who really care. If you are looking for a semi sporting luxury convertible hardtop that is a great value and most importantly very reliable and practicle look no further than the SC 430.

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  great car - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By mikeinlosangeles - October 9 - 10:00 am

  this car has supurb pick up and feels better than any BMW