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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  Rock Solid - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By mariucch - August 3 - 9:50 am

  About 7500 miles on it and not a glitch to report. The V8 does very well in this truck and the Nav is a must have. Very comfortable and completely 100% reliable.

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  Almost as Good as an AWD LS 460 - 2007 Lexus GX 470
  By Top Dog - August 2 - 9:30 pm

  We purchased this car when my Sequoia died and I was left with an LS with RWD. I compromised with the GX thinking to replace it when the LS came out with AWD. Now, Im not so sure. The GX is almost as good. Im 62" and at 285 lbs, having done more than my share of weight lifting, I need comfort for my frame and plenty of space. The GX does it. It goes anywhere if you keep it shod with good tires, and never ever breaks down. I travel a lot and need absolute reliability and this vehicle delivers. It draws positive attention without being obnoxious. Fuel economy, at an average of 18.9 is actually outstanding for a vehicle of this size. Would I buy another--Yes.

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  Not Up to Lexus Standards - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By TJ - August 2 - 1:36 am

  Continued problems with intermediate braking and steering. The dealership and factory have said pulsating braking and difficult steering are acceptable due to nature of electric regenerative engine. Driving performance of car not up to Lexus standards. Would not recommend purchasing expensive hybrid that does not deliver performance or mileage as advertised.

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  2007 Lexus RX350 - 2007 Lexus RX 350
  By henry121999 - August 1 - 2:09 pm

  I recently picked up a 2007 RX350 I purchased from Carmax. The SUV has 68k mikes and looked to be in good shape. Since you only have 30 days with Carmax to request repairs (I opted out of their exctended warranty), I took it to my local auto mechanic for a "once over". The mechanic found that the rack and pinion as well as the rear struts were leaking. I drove about an hour an a half back to Carmax in PA for what I thought would be a battle over the repairs. Much to my surprise, the confirmed the leaks and said they would order the parts and replace them. No problem. Hopefully that all works out.

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  Fun Driving Machine - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Ron Schoenfeld - July 31 - 10:13 pm

  Great Looking fun SUV. Especially like the Double Moon Roof. Only negative is the car does not run as smooth as past Luxury Lexus Vehicles that weve had. All in all we love the car and have had little or no problems. This is our 5th Lexus and theyre still making the most reliable cars that weve ever owned. Would like to see them add a 3rd seat to the RX330.

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  Never had a problem - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By Z - July 31 - 12:20 pm

  This car is the most fun I ever had. I only changed the oil and air filter in 3 years. Other than that it is the most reliable car I ever had.

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  I love this car!! - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Coonbr - July 30 - 8:00 pm

  I just purchased a 2006 GS 300 CPO with 16K miles and I love it! The car is awesome! People actually stare at the car when you drive! I traded in my 2002 ES 300 and Im sure glad I did. The GS comes with so many nice features - smooth ride, halogen lights, heat/cool seats, 3 person memory driver and passenger seats, bluetooth phone. A month later I am still noticing cool features I didnt notice before. The car offers you a sporty feel with total luxury & durability.

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  Lexus LS 460 - 2007 Lexus LS 460
  By Dave - July 30 - 9:26 am

  Just got rid of my 745i for this car because maintenance costs for Lexus are much cheaper than BMW after warranty expires. BMW handles better, but bells and whistles are much more user friendly and updated in the Lexus (eg. touch screen, entry for nav system). Much more value in this car for the mone. Rides smooth, very quiet cabin.

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  Excellent - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By SC430 Convertible - July 30 - 5:40 am

  Have enjoyed it, but certain small things are starting to go wrong ... brake light stays on when brake is not on, tire light stays on even though I have had them filled ... small things like that keep happening that are a bit annoying.

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  the legend lives on ! - 1999 Lexus LS 400
  By rockinbaz - July 28 - 10:36 pm

  hi this is the 6th lexus ls400 i have owned and they really are the best kept secret , its so so quiet , its the "sound of silence " the one i have now is a late 1999 model with cream/beige soft leather, its got more toys than toys r us...i did have a 430 but i like the 400 better its done 152 k i paid £2000 for it its just fantastic i would like to have one of the last 100 built in 2000 , and before i pop my clogs i will have one, i am 69 and i live in bolto ... oh and the dealers are simply the best a lexus owner can get !