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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  Lexius sc 430 zero to sixty in 5.9 sec. - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By Leslie F. Hulnick - September 4 - 10:00 am

  Having owned several exotics inclusice of Porshe Jag and mercedes the Lexus Sc430 has been an incredible experience. The elctronic hard top and the fit makes for two seperate and distinct vehicles. The custom sound systim compensates for top up or down driving. The V-8 and structure makes for a solid driving experiance. Zero to sixty in 5.9 seconds is exilerating!

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  2001 Lexus RX 300 - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By Art - August 31 - 3:40 pm

  It is the most reliable car that Ive ever owned. It has handsome styling (which is why Lexus has not changed it much over the past 10 years) and gets great gas mileage. I get 20 in town and 25 on the highway. Its reliability is unsurpassed. It handles well and has all the space one would need for hobbies, kids, etc. We purchased it new and still enjoy driving it. We will buy another new one soon - but we are keeping the 2001. We will probably hand it down to our grandchildren.

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  Love it! - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By Dora - August 29 - 10:33 am

  This car is by far the best Ive owned. It rides smoothly, making it a pleasure to ride. While the gas mileage is not great, its good for an SUV.

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  Great Car - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By T J Monaghan - August 29 - 2:00 am

  Has the advantage of an SUV, all wheel drive, sitting up higher which improves visability,etc. without compromising ride and luxury. Slightly higher center of gravity does not effect stability.

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  2002 SC 430 - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By jon - August 28 - 12:56 am

  Great car, fun to drive, lots of looks. Car has 132,000 miles now. All maintenance preformed by dealer. Drives like a new one. Ave mpg 22 city 26 hwy. Great nav system, stereo.

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  LUV MY LEX - 2006 Lexus RX 330
  By LEXGRL - August 27 - 2:16 am

  From the time I test drove the RX330 I instantly knew this was the vehicle I wanted. So luxurious. Seats are comfortable. Smooth ride, feels safe and is best looking SUV in its class.

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  Sold my IS 300 after Seven good years - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By Aja1 - August 23 - 2:53 pm

  I just traded in my 03 IS after seven years and 161,000 miles (purchased new). During my ownership, I never replaced a light bulb, only replaced the brakes once and the tires twice. The car was a joy to drive and I would have kept it for another 100,000 if I didnt need a bigger car for a growing family. I wish I liked the new IS series as much, but I thought the styling dropped off and the inline-6 was special.

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  Lexus 350ES GREAT BUY - 2014 Lexus ES 350
  By Olivia Crouch - August 22 - 6:24 am

  Lexus 350Es is big, comfortable, quiet car. Have owned 3 of them & will probably buy a 4th

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  Recent Purchase - 1997 Lexus LS 400
  By Cross Creek Dave - August 22 - 2:00 am

  I have found no flaws with this car. I would say that Predictable describes the LS 400 best. It rides good, good mileage on a trip. No squeaks and rattles! It can be serviced at Wal- mart for $35 using synthetic oil.

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  Toms Lexus story - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By Sydney - August 22 - 2:00 am

  I traded in a 98 BMW328i for a cherry red Lexus IS300 Sportcross and have not looked back. It is fun to drive, styling is great... its a "looker"! I keep getting compliments on the car. It is the only one in the area, folks dont know Lexus makes this model. Only one negative comment (someone put a card on the windshield saying "next time you buy a Lexus, dont get a hatchback!). The only negative I have is the gas mileage, never over 21 MPG! At least with the Beemer I was getting 33 on the highway and 23-28 city/highway mix!