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 all around Sports Sedan - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By ACLC - April 26 - 12:16 am

  I wanted a car that was fun to drive and was different than any other car on the road. The IS was the answer to both of my needs. Its smooth shifting 3.0L 6cyl engine is responsive and the E-shift comes in handy for highway passing. DONT drive this car if you are someone who likes to blend in with the crowd...this car is a POSITIVE attention getter!!!

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  Fantastic SUV - 2008 Lexus RX 350
  By PGH Nittany Lion - April 25 - 6:03 am

  I just bought the RX 350 three weeks ago and I absolutely love it. I live in Pittsburgh and was able to test it out in the last snow/ice storm we had, and the car performed admirably. I couldnt be happier with it. Lots of cabin room, seating 4 or 5 is comfortable. Very good with pick-up, given that the V6 puts out 270 hp, and the RXs competitors are all V8s (easier on the wallet with gas too).

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  Its a technological marvel - 2006 Lexus GX 470
  By DC - April 25 - 12:53 am

  The top reason to buy an SUV is for traction control. Well, the technology in this car is phenomenal. Full, split axle 4-wheel drive for mud and snow slopes that some trucks could not even handle. Computer assisted 4-wheel drive for on road use in snow and ice, along with a brilliant ABS system, though unnerving at times, and you can be sure of a safe fast stop in any weather. I also got a special suspension option (one of the few options offered on a Lexus) and I am amazed at how it handles bumps. Riding in this car is an absolute pleasure. Its computer technology is amazing as is its build. Cost is high, but I can say, its worth every penny.

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  Best super sedan for the money - 2008 Lexus IS F
  By micaISF - April 23 - 11:40 pm

  Pros: stupid fast. Excellent handling, very predictive and sure footed. Excellent build quality. Comfortable cabin for a sports car. Lexus quiet on smooth pavement. Extremely fast gear changes with manual mode. Powerful brakes. Very well equipped with little nonsense options. Excellent fuel economy for v8. Cons: steering a bit too firm at low speed. Car is a bit heavy and not as tossable as a small sports car. Mark Levinson is mediocre in quality. Ergonomics is not as intuitive as Acura/ Honda. Automatic transmission is a bit sluggish unless switched to manual mode. Loud cabin on rough surface or when under wide open throttle.

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  2001 ES300 - 2001 Lexus ES 300
  By will - April 23 - 11:00 am

  Suspension a bit stiff = adjustable desirable? Could use larger-diameter wheels. Paint fragile, easily chipped. Darker window-tinting desirable. More-easily-accessible cabin air filter.

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  Great Fun - 2006 Lexus SC 430
  By Sergey Podrez - April 21 - 5:43 pm

  This automobile is by far the best I had in my 24 yr driving experience. Very well balanced ride, of course quality wise I cant compare it to any of the above mentioned cars. Attention to every detail in a interior is uncompromising. Very powerful, torque engine and most importantly NO WIND @ 90 mph on freeways! Just love it!

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  Impressive - 2007 Lexus GS 450h
  By Mario - April 21 - 11:33 am

  Great handling, smooth quick acceleration. Nice finishes. Small trunk. Decent back seat leg room.

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  I love my RX 300! - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By skelco11 - April 21 - 10:00 am

  This is my third Lexus but first RX. Drives just like a car. Its easy to handle, and it has everything Ive come to love in the Lexus brand: smooth ride, luxurious interior, easy-to-read display.

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  Happy First Time Lexus Buyer - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By rusty - April 21 - 12:00 am

  After driving a company purchased Taurus and its predecessors for 35 years, I finally had the opportunity to buy my own car. The honeymoon is still going but it looks like a long happy marriage.

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  I love my gx 470 - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By ebabb - April 19 - 5:10 pm

  Absolutely love it. It handles great and is the perfect size. The interior is beautiful and I have used the navigation so much more than I thought I would. awesome vehicle.