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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  My ES330 2005 - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By M. A. - October 7 - 7:16 am

  Ive had the 2005 ES330 for about one week and after driving a Cadillac DeVilles for 20 years Im a little unhappy with the differance in the ride. I know, I should have known! I miss some of the gauges that were on the Cadillac. My ES330 is fully loaded and Im happy with the majority of what Ive purchased. I hope I can become acustomed to the ride of this smaller car soon. If you buy a ES330 dont do it without the navigation system. It really makes the interior look a lot better not to mention how it works.

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  Best SUV on the road - 2003 Lexus LX 470
  By mike - October 4 - 7:23 pm

  Ride is superior, never had a mechanical problem. Quiet... this is my second 470lx and I probably will buy a third.

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  Not yet ready for Primetime - 2015 Lexus RC 350
  By Lee Monk - October 4 - 2:54 am

  This was a replacement for our 2013 Lexus GS 350. We’ve had the car for about three months at this point and there are some pluses and minuses to highlight. First off to the "so called experts" who knock the looks of this car, this car is visually stunning. Ive had at least 100 people stop me to ask what kind of Lexus is it, and they comment on how gorgeous it is. I have the Ultrasonic Blue with playa interior. The interior fit and finish are exceptional. The F Sport seats have the right amount of side bolstering for fast cornering. Here are my gripes with this car. The engine is underwhelming. This is the same engine from the GS but it seems to be tuned much less sporty.

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  GREAT CAR BUT.......... - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By LSD - October 4 - 2:00 am

  Love the handling and the brakes are spectacular. Car is very quiet, smooth and energetic.

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  Love It! - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By sTRIDER - October 4 - 2:00 am

  I have always wanted a retractable hardtop vehicle with a great stereo system that was fun to drive. I have achieved my dream come true.

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  New Lexus SUV - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By urbancowgrl - October 4 - 2:00 am

  Just got this SUV and I love it!! The size is right, it is reasonably priced with other vehicles on the market. A must test drive. These cars dont stay on the lot long too!

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  Best of 3 - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By Charlene - October 3 - 3:30 pm

  I previously had a Navigator and a 2003 Range Rover. After major expensive problems with the RR, I wanted a SUV that was reliable and with the same luxury as the RR. I decided on the GX470 because I am previously a Lexus owner. So I know the quality and the performance of the Lexus. Its not as big as the full size SUV but it is not as small either. It was perfect for what I was looking for.

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  Wish I found Lexus sooner !!! - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By Paul K. - October 3 - 7:33 am

  As cars go Ive always been a Caddy, Chrysler guy- After I drove an 02 ES, I bought one. Everything about it is super. This car does not drive, it "hovers" above the rode. Its nimble, luxurious, solid, packed with amenities and has 95,000 miles!!! Before turning the car over to me, the dealership performed the 90K service package, replaced the timing belt, water pump, and threw on 4 new Michelins (even though they didnt need it). Im totally won over to Lexus and it will take quite a vehicle to change auto choices again. Its so QUIET!!!

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  Love it! - 2005 Lexus IS 300
  By Sassie - October 3 - 1:46 am

  I love this car. It gets up and goes when you need it to. It is the best car that I have had. I have not had any problems with it. No squeaks with this one. I have bought new cars in the past and heard one like 3 months later with the doors. This one has none.

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  Best Car Ive Ever Owned! - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By jabberwock - October 2 - 10:00 am

  For those of you who say this car drives like a Honda you cannot drive. My last car was an Accord and although it was a good car, it was nothing like my new Lexus. Incredible handling and comfort, and I LOVE having a car that was made in limited numbers that I dont see 75 of every day.