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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  its wonderful to drive an sc430 daily - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By kay - April 26 - 2:00 am

  This car is wonderful to drive and gives you much comfort if you are a busy, hardworking person. It is especially lovely to drive with the top down. Nothing has gone wrong at all.

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  my excellent car - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By rich strouse - April 26 - 2:00 am

  best purchase I ever made

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  My Lexus - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Betty - April 26 - 1:16 am

  My Lexus RX330 is the epitome of luxury and I love driving, riding or just looking at it. It is everything I would want in an automobile except the gas mileage of 19 - 20 miles to the gallon could be higher. I feel safer in this car due to the construction and the way it handles in snow proves the Lexus engineers knew what they were doing. I wont buy another vehicle except a Lexus.

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  Lexus RX400h - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Ardene - April 25 - 8:00 pm

  This vehicle is not only green and gas efficient but it is also fun to drive. I am short and this car easily adjusts to my driving comfort. There are no shortage of luxury features. Steering is relaxed and easy, nav system is excellent, and comfort is outstanding. I find the visibility to be good, with fewer blind spots than my last SUV. Lexus appears to done everything right with the vehicle.

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  Close to perfect - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By ELSAS DAD - April 25 - 10:00 am

  Thanks to all who posted their reviews previously. This is a fantastic car that will not disappoint as long as you understand it is not a pure sports car, but instead a GT touring car. I got the saddle interior, which not only looks good but actually smells like leather (unlike most japanese cars).

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  GREAT VEHICLE - 2000 Lexus RX 300
  By JEANNE - April 25 - 10:00 am

  Overall Wonderfull vehicle. Smoothest ride of any SUV. Decent gas mileage avg around 26mpg on Mobil Regular. Good sound system.Great styling.

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  New ES 350 - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Matt (Maryland) - April 23 - 4:43 pm

  This is my first Lexus and now Im hooked. Yes, the extras were pricey, but man they are worth it. The ultra luxury package and Mark Levinson package make a great car that much better. The ride is smooth and quiet and a beautiful interior; Id rather be in my car than in my house. The Royal Ruby Metallic paint stands out in a sea of silver, white and black. This car is a keeper.

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  Brake replacement needed every 40,000 - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By lexygirl - April 23 - 3:43 pm

  I absolutely adore the LS 430. I owned an Explorer pre LS and I will never go back. Maintenance on my LS 430 is less than I paid on my Ford! It drives like a dream in town & the hwy. The gas mileage is pretty good for the wt of the vehicle and everyone is always comfortable. I feel very safe and secure & do not worry about being stranded. I put a set of brakes on front and rear at 34,000 and now at 76,500 they are telling me I need front and rear brakes again. Leaves me wondering-shouldnt brakes last longer. I am not a 2 ft driver nor do I slam the brakes at stops.The other issue I have is the trunk will not stay open on its own. Other than these two issues I am SOLD on this brand.

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  Lexus IS 300 --Impressed! - 2001 Lexus IS 300
  By jajeep - April 21 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car in 2001 brand new and it has been an awesome car. It is fast and sporty while still having the luxury. It is a car that gets looks all over town and people remarking how nice it looks. The fuel economy is good for it being a sports car, but it does drink more than I expected. The engine is great, one that Toyota has been using for the past 20 years in other models like the Supra. I would highly recommend this car, it is a car that has class and will still run great in ten years due to the high quality Lexus has put into it.

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  Best of Show - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By fpwmerc - April 21 - 2:00 am

  I have had just about every car in my 40 odd years of driving here and abroad. This car is easily one of the best, if not the best I have owned (That includes 4 MBZs, 3 Porsches, 2 BMW and a host of others) A car that does it all with comfort and a ride like "rolling on ball-bearings". It is quick, fun to drive and all that stuff.....but in the end......it is a convertable. No longer do I drive my weekly 300 mile trip to LA with wind noise of my previous rag top at the same decibal level as a landing small jet. This car is a treat!