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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  Excellent Japanese Quality... - 2010 Lexus LS 460
  By freddys555 - June 23 - 10:22 am

  Lexus/Toyota continues to impress my family and myself. This is the primary car my wife drives. I drive a Mercedes S550 (brand-new) and I cannot express the disappointment I have had after spending over $110K. I have brought my Mercedes back to the dealer over 6 times since I took ownership. Lexus? Zero problems, zero trips to the dealer except for scheduled maintenance. My other family member has a BMW 5-series. Unacceptable reliability.

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  Lovin my new lexus - 2012 Lexus RX 350
  By luvnmylexus - June 21 - 11:22 pm

  I have own a 1st (2003), 2nd (2008) and now a 3rd generation (2012) Rx350....I have to tell you, the ride just keeps getting better and better! I just love my 2012. It is such a smooth and comfortable ride. Like floating on a cloud! No..it is not the "ultimate driving machine"..but that is not what I wanted. Hugging corners at high speeds is not my thing. I test drove a BMW...not impressed. The interior seemed "cheesy" to me. I am not looking for a "fun" drive. I am looking to be "pampered" and "spoiled" and this RX350 is exactly what the doctor ordered! It is very quiet and has just enough "giddy-up" to get the job done. PERFECT! Cant wait to c whats in store for my next Lexus!

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  awesome - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By Karengray - June 20 - 10:00 am

  Of all the cars and SUVs I have ever had in the 32 years I have been driving, this car is the ultimate. I have had no trouble whatsover with it. It is fast off the line and rides wonderful! I love the exterior design and the original rear end design, looks so sporty! To think the BMW suv is 15,000.00 more that this!

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  Nothing compares in this class - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By Moi - June 20 - 10:00 am

  Comparing the MDX, ML500, BMW, the GX470 is without a doubt the most luxurious of the SUVs. An outstanding value considering what you get. Lexus packages limited options because it already has most options you would expect. Although the ML500 has better acceleration, the reliability is questionable. The Lexus quality is what won me over.

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  Buy this Lexus! - 1997 Lexus ES 300
  By MRH - June 20 - 10:00 am

  Best vehicle ever owned! Drives wonderfully; beautiful attention to detail & high resale value--- cant go wrong with it! Recommend it over any other car in its price range!

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  One great car - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By corneadoc - June 20 - 10:00 am

  Very comfortable car. The Mark Levinson sound system is incredible. I used to use Mapquest for trips but now rely on the Nav system in the car. A little sluggish to respond, at times. Very high quality.

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  Wow - 2000 Lexus LX 470
  By william45 - June 18 - 5:40 pm

  After owning a Tahoe, Expedition and Denali I finally bought a 2000 Lexus LX470 with 90,000 miles. It was the only one I could find in my price range. I have only had it a month but it is easily the nicest vehicle I have ever owned. It has more buttons than a NASA spacecraft, but I think I finally have most of them figured out. It is not as quick as my Denali was, but as far as build quality, ride, comfort, and looks, its hard to beat. Im hoping that it can go another 90,000 if I take care of it.

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  I LOVE THIS CAR - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By Happy in SF - June 15 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car on the market in my book. I was initially looking for a small sedan (BMW 530i or Lexus GS model). Instead, ended up going home with this model 2 weeks later. I love it. Its perfect as long as there are only 2 riders. I have my top down whenever possible--this is made easy by the fact that it only takes a button to drop the top.

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  MAGNIFICANT - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By TAXLAWYER - June 15 - 10:00 am

  THIS IS MY 2ND SC....SIMPLY THE BEST!!!!

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  IS300 - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By dfitzsim - June 14 - 1:16 am

  Description: 2002 Lexus IS300 4d 5spd. Silver/Tan cloth. This is a great car. I test drove this and the BMW 330i on an autocross and was amazed when I walked away saying I liked the Lexus better. Highly recommended.