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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  Cant find anything wrong! - 1996 Lexus ES 300
  By horstm3 - August 31 - 10:00 am

  I have about 90000 miles and the only thing this car has needed is one battery and a set of tires, besides oil and filter changes. No brakes even!

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  Would not have anything else. - 1998 Lexus ES 300
  By ggwes - August 31 - 10:00 am

  We are looking to sell the 1998 and get a 2001. Not only is it an excellent car, but dollar for dollar it is the best high line value out there.

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  Great except brakes - 2002 Lexus LS 430
  By sweetspot - August 31 - 10:00 am

  I have now had the car one year. I have had no complaints until now. Actually, I love the car. But, when I brought the car in for the $15k check, they told me that the car would need brakes soon. Either the Lexus has the worst brakes ever, or the dealer was trying to rip me off. Either way Im not happy. I thought I left the sleazy dealerships behind when I bought a Lexus. In any case, I am now going to have to have the brakes checked by someone else because I dont trust the dealer any more. One other thing, the lastest NAV disk is out. The big upgrade is that it now includes Canada, which actually is a plus for me.

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  My GX 470 - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By KennyMitch - August 29 - 5:10 am

  We love this vehicle! I traded in a BMW 525i and a Jeep Liberty both with low miles. We can honestly say this is the best driving experience we have ever had. I can assure you that we have had some wonderful automobiles but, nothing beats our 2004 Lexus GX 470. We have style, grace and superior handling all rolled into one vehicle. Long trips are a breeze compared to any other vehicle and I really loved my BMW 525i until I gave it up for a Lexus GX 470. Its a Superb blend of quality and handling. We love it!

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  Quality, Value and Reliability - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By haja1994 - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Smooth driving and beautiful design. Ideal for young professionals with taste who do not want to spend too much.

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  Lexus LS 430 - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By Attorney - August 28 - 10:00 am

  This is an excellent car overall

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  ES 330 2004 - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By sid lloyd - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Had an ES300 for about 8 years and loved it so much that we bought an ES330 and gave the other car to our daughter. Never have had a problem with our Lexus.

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  Love my Lexus! - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By Janet S - August 28 - 12:23 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned. Nothing but regular maintenance since purchase 8 years ago. The only negative about this car is the poor turning radius but everything else from styling and comfort to driving experience and reliability is awesome. Love it!

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  bang for your buck - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Lexusbuyer - August 27 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned the new RX330 for about a month now and all i can say is awesome. Its everything I expected and then some. Its comfortable, roomy, and fun to drive. I get a kick out of some the reviews ive read about towing capacity and off roading ability....why would you buy a lexus to go offroading or towing? save your money and go buy a Ford. If you want the room of a small truck and the luxury of a car then this RX330 is the best option. I checked out the X5 and MDX and found that you got much more for your money with the 330. Great little SUV, I would recommend it to everyone.

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  Small SUV size, handles like a sedan. - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Kitchenman - August 27 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I have our Lexus RX 330 since December, we are very pleased with it and the way it handles in all road conditons and situations.We tooki it on our honeymoon and it waqs packed with clothes, gifts, (2 cases of Champagne)and we drove from L.A., to Las Vegas, The Grand Canyon, Sedona, and back to L.A. it performed as good as I did on the Honeymoon! Wife rated me and the RX 330 a ten plus!