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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  Everything I hoped it would be - 2016 Lexus RX 350
  By Drex - April 19 - 4:47 pm

  We waited for this car for over a year when we needed to get an SUV. It is hands down much better than the 2015 model with its looks, ride, and interior quality. I was coming from a 2003 BMW 325i with the sports package so I wanted to get something that wasnt pillowy and had composure when making quick turns. The RX is very nimble and is particularly responsive with the Sports+ mode, as many have alluded to in reviews that the F-sport trim provides the taught steering and suspension that gives it more of a car-like feel. Gas mileage would have been better with the 450h but once you get up to cruising speed on the freeway you can lift and coast somewhat to achieve some pretty decent mpgs. We are still pretty ginger on the accelerator so I cant say how much power it has, but it is definitely there if I need it. That being said, the eco-mode definitely has a conservative tune and if you want to punch it to beat cars when coming on from an onramp, the Sports/Sports+ mode will get it done. The f-sport seat bolsters are kind of raised too much to my liking and I worry that the leather will get worn out from excessively getting in and out, but once in the seat, I fit perfectly and it is very comfortable.

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  Excellent Value for the Money - 2017 Lexus ES 350
  By Alex - April 19 - 8:33 am

  I work for a Auto Dealership so I know a lot about cars, I have a Infinity 2014 Q50 which is a great car but was limited on space in the rear seat and trunk, but very fast. I also own a 2001 Lexus RX 300 with 176000 miles on it still going strong, which to this day rides smoother than my Infinity, so I decided to get the 2017 ES 350, I previous had a 97 ES 300, WOW what a difference in ride compared to my Q50, nice and quiet and smooth running, very comfortable and I like all the high tech stuff, minds is fully loaded and so since I work for the auto industry I got a very good lease on this one. I drive BMWs and Mercedes, Acura, and Audi all the time and nothing compares to the value and comfort of my ES, Its one of the best cars Ive ever had and Ive had just about every car made, American and foreign, and hands down this is the one, so if you looking for comfort and value and a lot for your money, check out the new ES, oh by the way I got the Atomic Silver with the two tone interior, Tinted windows, beautiful, beautiful car!!!!

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  01 RX300 - Super SUV - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By jbruce - April 18 - 5:20 am

  We bought a Vapor Blue, 01 RX 300 with Premium Package, HID Headlights, Roof Rack and auto dimming mirrors. Have only had it a few weeks, but it is one of smoothest and quietest riding vehicles weve had. Shifts very smooth, and the black leather interior is classy and comfortable. The gas mileage is not near as good as our older Honda Accord, but it has a larger engine and weighs more. This is a great car and was worth the $19,000 we paid. Both Toyota and Lexus hold their value about as good as any brand, so dont expect to find one "cheap". We looked at several RXs, but this one with 70,000 seemed to be about the best deal we could find. We cant wait for winter and some snow!

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  My Lexus review - 2003 Lexus RX 300
  By e. chin - April 16 - 10:00 am

  The car is a very good riding car. We have taken it on several trips and it cruises at highway speeds very comfortably. All our friends that ride in the back seats says it is a very comfortable riding car. The car also serves well when I have to carry larger objects that a regular sedan cannot handle. Dealer service has been excellent (South Bay Lexus)

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  A WOW-SOME CAR ! - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Rohini - April 16 - 10:00 am

  I was looking for a car that offered primarily enough luxury for a quality drive, elegance (lexus) and a great ride quality after driving a corolla for years. I tested the European luxury cars and other Japanese luxury cars but my heart, mind and money all agreed only on the ES 330. I cant ask for more since I have all what I ever wanted in a sedan. Thank You Lexus.

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  Solid B+ Performer - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By Dallas owners 8/2009 - April 14 - 10:00 am

  Owners for over a year now. Great highway cruiser (frequent 2-5 hr trips); very quiet and comfortable. Front seats are superb! Very nice instrument display, especially when driving at night. Storage b/t seats is very nice idea and quite convenient. Very nice balance b/t handling and ride - I laugh every time I see discussion about "handling" and SUVs - if you want sports car handling - buy a sports car! The RX is a very good choice for those wanting comfort with a healthy dose of versatility.

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  Great Ride ! - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By Chief 1 - April 12 - 4:33 am

  Excellent workmanship. Best engine/transmission function I have experienced. It is so smooth and quiet I had to learn to watch the tac. to see if it is running. The sixth gear allows it to run at 80mph at just 2100 rpm. When asked, the 4000 lbs. will do 0 to sixty in under 6 sec. Almost all comforts have been provided such as air 10 air bags, 10 way heated/cooled seats, dim/tilt down mirrors. We bought it as a road car and while it isnt a "sport feel" drive, it provides a strong performance and safe feel with adaquate road comfort. If it continues to satisfy I will buy this brand car again.

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  2008 Lexus LX 570 - 2008 Lexus LX 570
  By PSB - April 11 - 5:40 am

  The new Lexus LX 570 seems to have every luxury feature you can want and more. The built-in HDD sound system is very nice. Although, I wish you could access the album list will driving. The new blue tooth and navigation system is much improved from my 2006 GS 430. I could not be happier with the purchase.

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  Mercedes to Lexus Leap - 2010 Lexus RX 450h
  By C Smith - April 11 - 2:53 am

  Purchased my 450H about 3 weeks ago. Drove ML320 for 200K and fully expected to get another one, but after test driving the 450H I was sold on the ergonomics, fit and finish, and the gas mileage (twice that of my ML). Navigation system, design and ease of use, comfortable, quiet. I loved my Mercedes and it was a great car; but the mileage, design and comfort of the Lexus won me over. Would not change a thing, except maybe the price. But, compared to similarly equipped cars of this quality, was not too painful. BTW, dont seem to lose a thing in the acceleration. Handling and cornering a little soft, but you still get a sense of the road. Lot of great little features I havent even tried yet.

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  2005 RX330 Thundercloud Specail Edition - 2006 Lexus RX 330
  By Fernando Flores - April 10 - 2:23 pm

  After much research I went with the Lexus Thundercload Special Ed. Thus far, I have been VERY pleased with the performance, style and quality of the vehicle. I was a little disappointed with a few minor interior items that came standard in less expensive cars, such as: A place to put trash. I had to buy a small trash bag and carry that with me; Insufficent driver storage places. All you get is a large center console; Two buttons to operate the moonroof (tilt/open) instead of one. But I easily overlook these when compared with all the features and style this puppy comes with like the NAV system, rear camera and Bluetooth. VERY satisfied.