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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  good value - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By orpheus561 - September 8 - 10:00 am

  nice family sedan. beautifully designed car. though a bit heavy bodied for the engine.

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  Simply the best I driven - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Outlaw12 - September 8 - 10:00 am

  Just finished my first 1000 miles and this car is simply flawless. Exterior has great looks and designs and interior is absolutely gorgeous. Fine leather,great controls,navigation is outstanding and the Mark Levison sound system is unbelievable.

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  This thing rocks! - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By ken - September 7 - 11:06 pm

  This thing is awesome! Ive been driving it for just over a month and the handling and empowering feel you get driving this thing is second to none!I Highly recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for a fantastic driving experience!

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  Great Car! - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Preston - September 4 - 7:50 am

  We compared the Toyota Avalon, Camry and the ES330 and we decided on the 330 due to interior component quality and design. We live in the desert with summer temperatures as high as 115 and we noted that the Toyotas didnt have an adequate air conditioner. It was cold but it was as if the blower was on 1/2. There is an obvious difference between the price of the Camry and the Lexus, but we feel the Lexus is twice the car for about 9K more as equipped. We are ecstatic about the ES330 and we are amazed at the quality each time we drive it. As compared with the Avalon, the Lexus feels like more quality and less nonsense without the doors over the stereo and Nav.

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  Best RX Yet - 2006 Lexus RX 330
  By hmthrco - September 2 - 7:50 pm

  A real pleasure. Everything works. Even the Nav System which is difficult to master is better than the last I had. Performance is very good and handling is outstanding.

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  Done Right - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By mikefas - September 2 - 2:00 am

  Loving almost everything about this car. Fit and finish is superb. Loads of features make the driving experience terrific. My only gripe is lack of power. G35 coupe had a lot more uder the hood.

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  Sweet Ride - 2000 Lexus ES 300
  By adunwood - September 2 - 2:00 am

  This is my second ES300 so need I say more. The first one lasted 12 years and it was very dependable and sweet to drive.

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  great car/truck/both - 2000 Lexus RX 300
  By tbone15 - September 2 - 2:00 am

  best mid size suv out there for the price.

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  First Impressions - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By johnnieeve - August 31 - 5:00 pm

  We traded an ES-350 for the RX. Mostly positive results. Smoother, quieter ride with limited wind and road noise. Hitting some potholes will generate a quick rattle or two, but thats it. Comfortable seats, Recessed Nav screen at eye level and mouse controller a good plus, helps for safe driving. Interior storage much improved, including a cubby area under the center console. Mixed driving gets just shy of 22 MPG using 89 Octane. Plugins a bit awkward in lower console, but that location helps keep the cords hidden and out of sight when not in use. Neither our ES or Limited Avalon before that had side moldings, so no biggie for us. We are enjoying the car.

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  GS 300 Just as good the second time - 2001 Lexus GS 300
  By ggwes - August 31 - 10:00 am

  This is teh second GS 300 Lexus we have owned, and it is just as wonderful as the first one. (The first one was a 1998)