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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  excellance - 2000 Lexus LS 400
  By cjdl - July 27 - 10:00 am

  I just love the ride of this Platinum LS 400. I have had 7 Lexus and this one rides the best - even better than the 2002LS400 Ultra.

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  Wow - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By Greg Hoyle - July 27 - 10:00 am

  I traded in my 2001 LS430, and just love the new version. Lots of nice touched, great ride and I love the Smart Key!

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  Lexus - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Per - July 27 - 10:00 am

  Such an amazing SUV!

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  Love this Vehicle - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By Chrissy - July 27 - 3:00 am

  This vehicle is the best car I have ever owned. Its fun to drive, has a lot of passenger room and storage. The gas mileage is much better then most SUVs. Its sporty looking and very versatile.

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  Beautiful Little SUV Hybrid - 2015 Lexus NX 300h
  By jrgdds - July 27 - 12:25 am

  IMO, The way that the NX300h handles and accelerates is way better than some of the professional reviewers have claimed especially wen driving in sports mode. The NX300h is well appointed for comfort as one would expect from Lexus, and the cars technology is probably more than most people will ever require, but its there if you need it. The interior has a well thought out ergonomic design.

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  So Far, Excellent - 2009 Lexus ES 350
  By Mickey - July 26 - 2:56 am

  Just bought the 09 with Levinson, Nav, and ultra luxury package in the Matador Red. The thing is gorgeous and fun to drive! I traded in an Impala, so this is a whole different ballgame. Got a great deal since the 10s are coming in. Highly recommend getting the Levinson.

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  My Blue Lex - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By MyBluLex - July 23 - 7:20 am

  I waited a long time to buy the car of my dreams, and this car has proven to be beyond my dreams. I get comments all the time about the car. Driving with the top down and my long blonde hair blowing in the wind really gets some stares. Love it.. love it.. love it.

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  Lexus RX 400h Excellence - 2008 Lexus RX 400H
  By TJG - July 23 - 6:36 am

  While the RX 400h comes standard with Goodyear RSA tires, it is best to negotiate for Michelin Energy MXV4 S8, b/c of ride improvement, superior wear, better gas mileage by 5% or more. Michelin Energy on the RX make a big positive difference in ride quality and quietness. Dont bother with the Mark Levinson stereo; but do opt for the built-in GPS with Bluetooth and rear view camera. Acceleration at all speeds is impressive; w/a light foot, gas mileage can be 29 mpg+ in city and on a good day 27 mpg+ on the highway w/cruise control active. Expect 25 mpg+ avg. Very nice set of wheels.

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  Affordable Luxury - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By Cmazanec - July 21 - 4:33 pm

  I bought this car in late Fall from a private party. After much debate about what kind of SUV to buy I can now say I made a great choice! I was comparing it to the 4Runner and other comparable SUVs. I was a litte hesitant about buying a Lexus because of the cost factor and I thought that it may be too much to maintain. Since I bought it all I have done is a front brake job which I knew it needed when I bought it. Of course at first I brought it to a Lexus dealer but after seeing their review and estimates I brought it to my local shop and they did the same work for a lot less. I saved about $150 on the brake job with them. I have been extremely satisfied with it so far!

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  NICE CAR BUT - 2001 Lexus GS 300
  By RHPCPA - July 21 - 2:00 am

  REALLY LIKED THE CAR AFTER DRIVING LINCOLNS FOR SEVERAL YEARS. BUT I HAVE HAD IT IN THE SH0P FOR FOUR PROBLEMS. NONE SERIOUS(I.E. RADIO WENT OUT, DIMMING SWITCH WENT OUT, BATTERY DIED. REAR VIEW MIRROR BROKE. DEALERSHIP FIXED ALL BUT DISAPPOINTED THAT I HAD TO TAKE IT IN SEVERAL TIMES.