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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  IS 300 is a solid car - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By Waggy - August 7 - 10:00 am

  I have owned the IS 300 for only a week and have never before owned a Lexus. Already my family has agreed we will never be without another Lexus in our garage. The IS 300 is a SOLID car. It has magnificant handling. If you check out the slalom times this thing is as quick as stock vette. The interior is incredibly beautiful and I feel like Lexus is very focused on the driver.

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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.

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  Best quality car! - 1997 Lexus ES 300
  By Jack Hamid - August 7 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned this car for 5.5 yrs. Nothing to complain about. Never done any repairing. Parts are actually cheaper than most of the German/Japanese cars.

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  One Awesome Car - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By trespinosranch - August 7 - 10:00 am

  I call it a car, because it handles/performs better than my 99 Acura TL. I got the Breakwater Blue color, NAV, DVD, heated seats, Premium Plus Pkg, tow pkg, & 18" wheels. Ive always wanted a Lexus based on everything Ive read. And now I know why these cars are rated so high. The build quality is fantastic.

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  My RX - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Dotette - August 7 - 10:00 am

  Wow! I had the RX300 and loved it but the 330 is incredible. The improvements go on and on. More powerful, better handling, a better cruiser, more comfortable on long trips, improved navigation; theres a rear camera, seats with good support for that bad back, more room, more storage, more features and more attractive.

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  Extremely Satisfied - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Raj - August 7 - 8:33 am

  I purchased a CPO 2007 Lexus with all the bells & whistles except ML audio system. It has been a delight to drive around. In fact, I look forward to getting behind the wheels. The absolute comfort this car provides to all of its occupants is just beautiful.

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  Could not ask for a better car!!! - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By mtayvins - August 6 - 8:55 am

  Purchased this car used in 2014. Only had one prior owner who leased then purchased from 2005 to 2014. Traded up from an 2001 LS300 to this 2005 LS430. Loved the Lexus brand, just wanted a bigger car that was a little more luxury than the LS300 (which was more equivalent to a BMW 3-Series). This car is amazing to drive. My wife loves the luxury inside, the shear lack of road noise, and just how comfortable the entire experience is. Have driven it nearly 10,000 miles in just 6-months, including two extended road trips from Seattle to Wyoming....the car did amazing on the open road. Even though the car is nearly 10-years old, you would never know it. Smooth and quiet every mile.

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  .best car Ive had to date - 2005 Lexus SC 430
  By zzzzzzz - August 5 - 4:53 pm

  Ive tried about 29 cars and trucks in the last 40 years... the 66 427 vette and the 2000 MB kompressor SLK were the very worst, the 2002 Lexus SC430 and the 2004 Lexus LX470 have been the way-out-ahead-BEST vehicles...no matter what the cost. The worst dealers by far were the Acura (dishonest,& poor service) and MB (arrogant and deceptive and not up to par quality with others of the same cost levels) too many come-backs, baloney, and re-dos! AWFUL!

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  The BEST Lexus EVER! - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By JERRY - August 3 - 8:23 pm

  I really researched everything out there before I bought this time. Its so quiet I can hardly tell its running. The gas mileage Im getting is even better than expected.

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  Love This Car.. Hate the Tires!!! - 2008 Lexus RX 350
  By ronny c - August 3 - 4:30 pm

  This car is a dream to own. Everything about it exudes class and refinement except the tires. They are very noisy. I dont experience any wind noise but a lot of tire noise at highway speed. Around town it is a gem. Very good acceleration for an SUV. When the time comes a difeerent set of tires will be put in their place