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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  Love it - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By sofiegrace - September 9 - 5:53 am

  I love this car. this is my 3rd Lexus suv and it gives you luxury, style, comfort, reliability and great dealer/product service. I would and have recommended this car to everyone. Lexus cannot be compared to any other car!

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  Love it - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By sofiegrace - September 9 - 5:53 am

  I love this car. This is my 3rd Lexus SUV and it gives you luxury, style, comfort, reliability and great dealer/product service. I would and have recommended this car to everyone. Lexus cannot be compared to any other car!

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  WOW!!! - 1998 Lexus ES 300
  By Owner - September 7 - 11:56 pm

  This is another AMAZING CAR!!!

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  Lexus #2 - 2017 Lexus RX 350
  By Sheree Johnson - September 7 - 8:25 am

  This is my second RX. I liked my first one so much that I always knew I would get another one when the time came. The best car I have ever owned. I have only had the new one a month but Im am very pleased with everything about it. I honestly cant think of one negative thing to say. It is way more car than I expected for the price.

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  48 MPG ! - 2012 Lexus CT 200H
  By striker6 - September 7 - 4:05 am

  The main reason I purchased it was my total disgust with supporting corporate gasholes at over $4gl. Yes,I am actually averaging 48 mpg! If you arent ...change your driving habits. It wont win any 1/4 mile drag races, but where in this overly congested country can you go more than a 1/4 mile most of the time without stopping for a red light. I traded a high performance sport coupe that I was only using 25% of its power less than 50% of the time...wheres the logic in that ??!! This car rides just as well, and I really dont miss taking off ramps at 90mph ! Its extremely comfortable, very stylish (gotten many compliments), and of course, Lexus quality. Best bang for my $ in many years !!!

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  Great value in a near luxury sedan - 2010 Lexus ES 350
  By rhjackson - September 6 - 12:36 am

  This is my third Lexus. My preference would have been a GS350 but I decided on the ES350 because of the cost. I am not disappointed with my decision. Although some of the interior appointments are inferior to the GS (like the door panels) the overall interior is very good. The car is very quiet and the ride and handling are excellent for my usage. Compared to my ten year old GS, the electronics are a bit overwhelming at first but after about a week, I feel comfortable with the controls. There is an overall feeling of refinement which dominates the driving experience. I feel the ES is the best value in the Lexus line. I had the optional body side moldings installed.

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  Well well well - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By MSH - September 6 - 12:23 am

  I had to make this post because the last review was over two years ago. I burn through cars being a sales rep. I try to purchase them at least 2 years old so that I dont take the depreciation hit so hard. Looking for reliability after two BMWs, I bumped into this car on a MB lot. I felt foolish for not knowing that a car could be that much better. If you are thinking about purchasing this car do it! I am 66" and enjoy getting out of bed in the morning knowing I have a hour of alone time with my 430. Sometimes you become lulled into such a comfortable trance. I have found myself in my driveway on the phone with my laptop out. Never mind the office. Ultra package is great.

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  Lexus ES 330 is a Winner - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Alan Shapiro - September 5 - 12:46 pm

  We purchased this car used. It gets an average 29 MPG (street and highway combined), has plenty of power, interior leg room, great looks and its easy to do oil changes. The trunk mouth is smaller than I would like but so far it hasnt been a problem. Also, the trunk can only be opened from the interior or via a button on the key. There is no key lock on the exterior. On cold days the seat heater is a plus. Theres a multi CD player and a cassette player. This car handles extremely well at any speed and has not been in for any major repair. The drive is very smooth and quiet and feels very sturdy. The biggest surprise has been the gas mileage. I am very impressed with this car.

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  Can go wrong with Lexus - 2016 Lexus RX 350
  By Emanuel Lyons - September 5 - 12:05 am

  Its a great upgrade from the previous version. The whole family loves it.

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  Great Car! - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By bradmiral - September 4 - 10:00 am

  Over one year and we cant find a single problem with the car. Change oil and rotate tires and thats all. A 600 mile day trip and we are not even tired. Great ride.