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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  outstanding - 2000 Lexus RX 300
  By sergsg - April 21 - 2:00 am

  excellent vehicle I have noto time for review> I just want to rate this vevicle as an excellent

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  What a ride! - 2010 Lexus ES 350
  By John - April 17 - 5:00 pm

  I drove the Hyundai Genesis (alleged Lexus killer) was disappointed with ride not even close to the Lexus. Tried the Nissan Maxima which this car replaced, nice car but that single speed tranny was very strange. Also tried the Infiniti G37, a good performer and quiet ride but it cant touch the Lexus ES350. Get the nav with the back up camera, the rear deck lid sits high and the camera will really help when backing up. When youre test driving it just take note and compare it against any other car youre considering. Then the choice will be easy. Youll pick the Lexus ES350. Great car!

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  RATING OF LEXUS SUV FX 330 - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Barb - April 17 - 10:06 am

  Before trying out my Lexus SUV, I tried all makes of SUV vehicles from all auto dealerships, and fell in love with the LEXUS SUV. I had to have it and it is pleasure to drive, quiet to drive, basically "0" road noise, some with the moon roof open, but not bad...steers wonderfully well. The radio sounds like surround sound, I especially like the CD changer...it has every bell and whistle, the only thing, every other person in Texas has one...and it doesnt really seem special with every one having one.

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  Lexus LS 400 1998 - 1998 Lexus LS 400
  By jim_fun - April 16 - 10:00 am

  Great car... no problems

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  Mercedes is loosing ground fast - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By Concho - April 16 - 10:00 am

  Can not find anything that is not well beyond my expectations. This vehicle is a drivers dream. This vehicle replaces a SL500.

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  GS300 Sport - 2002 Lexus GS 300
  By fs - April 14 - 10:00 am

  The GS300 is a pure delight to drive,the car is fun to drive,excellent ride with Sports design package. The interior is well laid out and very comfortable. If there is one area of improvement it would be to increase horsepower,that could be done by dropping in a twin turbo like the Toyota Supra or increasing the size of the engine. The car is very reliable with no problems to date.

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  A Drivers Car - 1998 Lexus ES 300
  By TM - April 14 - 10:00 am

  This is an outstanding car to drive! Great handling, good fuel economy, and excellent interior. The only problem I have is being charged $30 to have turn signal changed!! ( I tried to figure it out myself but just couldnt.) Anyway, highly recommended, mine has 100000 miles on it and is still running strong.

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  Replaced 2006 LS 430 with 2009 RX - 2009 Lexus RX 350
  By Lucca27 - April 13 - 3:53 am

  I loved my LS 430, however it was terrible to drive on the hilly and winding roads of North West CT in the winter because of its rear wheel drive. The 430 has a superb ride - the RX ride is not quite as good but better than I expected. All in all I am very happy with the RX and believe it to be a better value for my money than the LS 430.

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  great car - 1995 Lexus LS 400
  By happ400 - April 10 - 9:48 pm

  bought car from aunt 3 months ago(stole for 1000$)loaded with i think all options,have had several Volvos in the past .their is no way to compair,with a 188 thousands miles,runs and drives like a dream,have nothing bad to say,,,,Brad

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  excellent vehicle - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By pitufo - April 10 - 10:00 am

  At 75 miles per hour or less, this vehicle give good mileage for the size and engine. The bulbs under the headlights doesnt last long. I have to replace the bulb every six months. As for the comfort of this vehicle, it is really a dream come true. I recommend this vehicle especially for long distance driving.