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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  Outstanding Vehicle - 2008 Lexus LX 570
  By paul zeck - September 26 - 7:30 am

  Most recent vehicle was 04 LX 470. While this was as dependable and quality of a ride you could ever want, it was lacking in several important ways - most of which were totally worked out with the new LX 570. The 3 greatest improvements go to my pet peeves. 1) More power. The 470 was grossly underpowered and that is a thing of the past. New Tundra power plant & transmission work perfectly. Mindful of the seamless power of SL500 Merc. 2) 4 Zone heating & a/c controls. Old system seemed to have a mind of its own. New design again seems to have "nailed" the problem 3) At 61", 240 the 470 never was completely comfortable. Again new interior design is right on.

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  Definition of Luxury Sedan - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By brtmd - September 25 - 2:00 am

  Was looking for a luxury vehicle for family of 4 and did not want another SUV. Shopped vs. S-class and 7 series. Its all about priorities and the LS430 met mine best: Quality/Reliability, Luxury, Performance, Styling--in that order. The fact that it was $15k to $20k less than the others was an added bonus. I look forward to driving it every day.

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  Great - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By michael - September 25 - 2:00 am

  This guy is worth the money!

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  Love It - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By HTown - September 25 - 2:00 am

  I recently purchased a RX300 with 50K + miles, but to this day not problems. The comfort is exceptional and it handles really well, with the exception of U-turns the raduis is not that good. All in all I have enjoyed and people are very impressed with its luxurious feel and look.

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  Quality at an affordable price - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By Masked Bandit - September 25 - 2:00 am

  I enjoy this car and am glad I was able to get it. I used to have the 94 ES 300 and I never had any problems with it, so got this car because of my previous experience with it.

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  Forget about other Crossovers - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Chags - September 24 - 7:13 pm

  This has been an excellent driving experience.

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  My First Lexus - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Percell - September 23 - 1:40 pm

  Ok... Im in the army and have heard and listened to the hype, now I own one. This is a great SUV with many of my soldiers standing in line for a drive around the block. Lexus service is outstanding. They really make you feel like you are part of the family.

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  Perfection - 2005 Lexus IS 300
  By Awesome Vehicle - September 22 - 3:36 am

  Great car! Purchased two weeks ago, and loving every moment behind the wheel. Test drove the BMW 325i and Acura TL. I was unimpressed with the acceleration of the 325i, and didnt like the feel of leatherette. I did like the TL but, didnt care too much for the front-wheel drive. Driving enthusiasts will love the IS300, as it seems to be the most well rounded vehicle in its class. Good acceleration, smoooooth Inline 6, classy, yet trendy interior, handling and braking comprable to the 325i, and unbelieveable customer service at Lexus dealerships. For the money, BMW didnt offer much more than the name, and Acura didnt do enough with the TL to win driving enthusiasts over...

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  Staggering - 2008 Lexus IS F
  By Dennis - September 21 - 1:16 pm

  I have a Mercedes C32 AMG and CLK500 but the ISF is so good I can see myself selling off the Mercedes. The ride is a bit firm for rougher chip roads (which we have a lot of here in New Zealand) but the electronics are faultless, the bellow of the car great and it does all that I hoped it would do - I am a Lexus convert!

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  Excelent! - 2002 Lexus LS 430
  By Lex man - September 21 - 8:50 am

  That michel is crazy! I purchased a 2001 LS430, ultra-luxury package, fully loaded. The ride is great, and the Mark Levinson sound system is so great! Its the best i have ever hear! Bose and Nakamitchi are no way as good. GPS is great. Love the rear command center for massagers, climate, etc. Fantanstic!