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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  Love my car!! - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By Josie Dee - August 17 - 10:00 am

  I love my GX470. I think it is the best car I have ever owned. The layout is excellent and my kids love the DVD system. Great turning radius.

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  My SUV - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Legalwizard - August 17 - 10:00 am

  Best I have driven

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  A Great Experience - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By bobemac - August 13 - 2:00 am

  I just got rid of my Acura MDX Touring. Paid over MSRP for it in 2001. The GXs interior is far superior to the MDX. The GX includes full sized lighted running boards, a full sized spare Bridgestone Dueller tires. Wood and leather steering wheel is std. The Dealer was very fair, and gave a nice discount. Purchased a std model with a rear spoiler, two seat for $3.5 K more than an MDX. This is a great SUV, but dont try to follow me off-road in your MDX, you wouldnt make it.

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  is 300 - 2001 Lexus IS 300
  By centex229 - August 13 - 2:00 am

  really a trend setter, model for many vehicles avaiable now. Could use more power. Dealer service, follow up is AAA+

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  Nice Car - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Andre E. - August 12 - 5:50 pm

  I love this car, nice handling, beautiful interior, love the stereo adjustments on the steering wheel, wood grain beautiful, leather seats are nice I have the perforated seats allows cold/hot air to flow better.

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  2007 ES 350 - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By cre8ions - August 10 - 3:46 am

  When I was in the dealership looking at the I S250 the ES 350 arrived. MY GOD what a car! This car is the best entry level luxury vehicle ever sold. I was really going to buy the TL, but I ask any person who is not visually challenged which vehicle looks best? ES350! And the ride is perfect!!!

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  Best car ever - 2006 Lexus RX 330
  By Bayburt - August 8 - 4:03 pm

  This was my dream car. It is beyond my dream. Allways fun to drive. Trips are more exciting.

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  LS 460 Comments - 2007 Lexus LS 460
  By Leza2279 - August 7 - 2:23 pm

  I have been very happy with the LS 460 with the exception of one fault - and that is wind noise. Considering that this vehicle is the Lexus flagship, it is surprising that it has a fault such as wind noise. Supposedly Lexus is working on a fix.

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  Excellent car - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By ATV - August 7 - 10:00 am

  Drove the Discovery, RX330, X5, QX4, MDX. none had the comfort and styling as the GX. So smooth. Nav system is intuitive. Xenon lights not available because car height would cause blindness to oncoming cars

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  Well designed car - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By mountainman - August 7 - 10:00 am

  I test drove several other vehicles (Acuras, Infiniti, etc...) The Lexus is by far the best. Handles like a dream, well made and the instrumentation is intelligently designed. It has a beautifully smooth ride, but feels "tight" when you want to drive aggressively. By far the best car for a young adult with more mature needs (family etc...) but having that sports car drive. Kudos.