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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  Absolutely awesome redesign of this car. - 2016 Lexus RX 450h
  By Randy Ziemienski - March 30 - 6:29 am

  If you are looking for an high end hybrid SUV that has all the latest technology, power, comfort, luxury and eye catching style, then look no further! The new 2016 450h hybrid is not only the sportiest looking SUV on the market, but it is also provides a fantastic driving experience. I recently traded in my 2011 450h for the 2016 revised model and am just smiling ear to ear. Everyone I show it to is in awe. I was lucky enough to get in early on this vehicle and can tell you first hand that it is worth every penny. From the new and extended high tech navigation system to all the upgraded safety features, Lexus has hit the bullseye. Ergonomically, it is the most comfortable ride ever and at my age (59) this is critical to driver comfort and safety. Again, Lexus hits the mark on so many areas that I cant imagine driving anything else. By the way, I am just a consumer and these comments are real and true!

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  Love it! - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By luvnlife - March 29 - 5:33 pm

  Im very comfortable in my ES 350. Smooth, quiet ride. Nav system is great. Sound system is pretty good but could be better. Love my back up camera. Only complaint is that I cant seem to get climate controls to a perfect temp for me, but LOVED the air conditioned seats this summer -- keeps you from sticking to leather, ladies. This is my second ES and Id recommend it for someone who wants luxury but cant afford or doesnt want to spend the extra for a better Mercedes or BMW. My husband has complained about the voice recognition but its just operator error. Overall, I love it. Got a great color, too, Amber Pearl and people compliment it all the time.

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  Luxury - 2014 Lexus RX 450h
  By Garry - March 29 - 4:41 am

  Very nice suv with style. Price was high but you’re driving a Lexus.

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  Next Generation Lexus. - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By dirtymartini - March 27 - 10:00 am

  It has amazing handling and feels much more nimble than other cars in its class. The factory stereo is the best Ive heard and crushes any of the German cars. The aluminum drilled pedals, the chronometer display and the suade side panels get more attention then any wood trim. Also the exterior catches the eye of everyone around. It has a very long wheelbase with respect to its length which makes it look even faster than it is. It isnt nearly as common as a BMW or Audi. Lastly, Lexus makes the most reliable cars in the world. This is no exception. Fuel efficiency - This is a sports car. If you want an economy car buy a Civic.

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  A good SUV - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By surface - March 27 - 10:00 am

  I have driven this vehicle for a year and half. Generally Im satisfied with its performance.

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  Love my Lexus - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Jason B. kane - March 27 - 9:00 am

  I just finished a trip to and from Canada of about 1600 miles. Most of the driving was on good roads in hilly and mountainous country. On regular gas I averaged almost 35 mpg at an average speed of 67 mph. The cars mileage calculator said 34.7 mpg. My calculator said 37.9 mpg. The ES 350 is not a formula one car but it is supremely comfortable, handles well for a sedan and has sufficient power to do what needs to be done.

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  Best buy for the money - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By ira c - March 27 - 1:16 am

  Got 33 mpg on highway driving, 18 mpg in city. Very comfortable. GPS is helpful but difficult to first use. Park assist is an excellent option. Quiet and responsive. So far, after 4 months, not one complaint. Car is "bullet proof". blue tooth instructions are not useful. Had to have dealer program the phone.

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  The 2nd Lexus .... - 1999 Lexus LS 400
  By steve397 - March 26 - 6:56 am

  This is my second Lexus. First was a 2001 ES 300 and I still think it is an excellent vehicle. But the 400 is truly the embodiment of comfort. At 63, fun driving is being able to drive for 6 hours to the mountains and arrive relaxed and able to enjoy the football game; Or drive to the formal New Years Eve gala in comfort and style. The gas mileage is excellent, 29.5 on the highway trips (I use the ES300 around town). The back seat is so relaxing, our guests usually fall asleep on the trip. The CD/stereo is very fine. Terrific car.

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  Lexus IS300 - 2001 Lexus IS 300
  By Dianna - March 23 - 9:20 am

  I love the way it drives. It handles great and can accelerate quickly. The E-Shift makes it really fun to drive on the highway.

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  We love our 2005 Lexus GX 470 - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By Richard Lim - March 21 - 7:00 pm

  Weve owned the Lexus GX 470 for a month now and find the vehicle to be an excellent SUV which drives smoothly like our Lexus sedan. There is ample interior space to confortably accomadate 5 adults, the 3rd row seat is only useful for small children. We took out the 3rd row seats so we could have more trunk space. Standard equipment includes unique features such as moisture activated windshield wipers, sensors monitoring tire air pressure on all 4 tires plus the spare, and ability to adjust the rear height of the vehicle. Both interior and exterior finish are typical high quality Lexus workmanship. The vehicles safety features includes curtain airbags protecting passengers from side impact