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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  Wonderful - 2004 Lexus LX 470
  By Davis1 - October 10 - 2:00 am

  This is simply hands down the nicest large suv on the planet. I also looked at the Escalade and the difference in night and day. The interior of the Cadillac is made from the cheapest plastic imaginable. The quality in the LX is top-notch. If you want the best, and believe me Ive tried them ALL, the LX470 is as good as it gets.

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  My Experience with the New LS430 - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By RajaReMax - October 10 - 2:00 am

  I just bought a new Black 2004 LS430 on 10/31/03. For the 1st few mornings after, I must admit to peeking in the garage to see if it was really there. This car is superb in every way. The car has a EuroSport suspension w/18wheels. A rearview camera is an entertaining feature as well as the Navigation & MarkLevinson sound system. A SmartKey enables a keyless system to enter & drive the car. With SmartKey, interior & sideview mirrors light up automatically when you simply walk up to the car. Also a big kick is the headturning factor...With style, luxury, power, quality & plenty of toys, this is understandably the highest rated luxury car.

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  A fine car - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Casseleyot - October 10 - 2:00 am

  For me, size of car is near perfect- roomy cabin without the bulk of luxury car land yachts. The ride is what I wanted - quiet, smooth, with a solid feel. Although not an excitement machine, power is ample and is delivered velvety smooth. Fit and finish are exemplary, and cabin styling is excellent.

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  Excellent - 1998 Lexus ES 300
  By Elainbrwn2 - October 9 - 10:00 am

  I test drove a Lexus and i said my next car would be a Lexus and i would say about three months later i was droving my own Lexus. If i trade it in it will before another Lexus maybe a 2001.

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  Assistaint General Manager - 2001 Lexus IS 300
  By amspears54 - October 9 - 10:00 am

  10

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  RX 300 awd - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By tom w - October 9 - 10:00 am

  This is our third suv and all I can say is wow, did extensive inquiries and shopping. The Accura was a close second, the Mercedes-Benz did not even come close in the ride, looks and comfort of the Lexus. A deffinate plus was the relationship with the dealership, they could not have been better. Very knowledgeable, concerned and helpfull.

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  Great Machine, Needs Touches - 2001 Lexus LX 470
  By car buff - October 8 - 2:00 am

  Great machine but lacks some touches you would expect at this price...info computer, steering wheel controls, eye glass holder, readable clock and outside temp.

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  2000 RX 300 - 2000 Lexus RX 300
  By stevern - October 8 - 2:00 am

  The RX 300 has been without any problems. Build quality and reliability are excellent.

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  Great ride - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By Julio Perez - October 8 - 2:00 am

  Once you take it home from the dealer, you know what a great ride this is. Quite, almost silent engine, handles very well. However, gas mileage will dissapoint. After 14K miles, not a single minor objection

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  driving experience with lexus ES300 - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By bradley - October 8 - 2:00 am

  Experience noise reduction . cant feel the engine is in idle. Very helpful Navigation system.