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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  Six month owner - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By Diana - February 17 - 2:10 am

  Its been six months since I bought my RX 300. We had a horrendous winter and I drove with hardly a worry once I saw how this magificent vehicle handled in the snow and ice. Traction and stability are exceptional. My only complaint is the heater didnt keep my feet warm on my hour drive to work - but, to be fair, it was in the below zero range. A very luxurious car! Gas mileage is very consistent at 20.5 mpg for both highway and city. I just wish I could get it up to 23mpg. Something about the design of the lower part of the door frame is causing the rubber trim to be ripped. Hopefully this will be covered under the warranty.

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  My favorite vehicle, the GX470 - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By Angela - February 16 - 11:36 am

  My Lexus GX470 is by far my favorite vehicle. Ive had other luxury vehicles in the past but hands down the GX470 outperforms all of them. Its an SUV that can take on the rugged terrain, yet drives like a luxury sedan. The interior is quiet and comfortable. If you have children there is plenty of leg room not to mention 3rd row seating. Its extremely easy to get my infant in and out of the vehicle. No more back problems! More than enough room to throw all of your luggage or shopping bags! I love it!!! Angie from AZ

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  None better - 2004 Lexus LX 470
  By Greg Gebhardt - February 15 - 10:00 am

  This is my 3rd LX470. One of the nicest vehicals I have ever driven. With decent tires you cant ever get stuck. Best 4 wheeel drive in its class. Quiet and comfortable. The Lx470 will do large number of miles in a day with no stress to the driver.

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  ROUGH RIDE - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By LARRY HAND - February 15 - 10:00 am

  CAR RIDES VERY ROUGH IN AS LITTLE AS 12000 MILES WITH THE RUN FLAT TIRES. ALSO PRODUCES A DARTING AND JOLTING FELLING FROM VERY SMALL ROAD BUMPS. BEST TO DRIVE A USED ONE WITH ABOUT 10000 MILES ON THE TIRES BEFOR YOU PURCHASE, YOU MAY DECIDE AGINST IT. ALSO THE RUN FLATS ARE ABOUT $500 EACH AND NEED TO BE RELACED AT ABOUT EVERY 20000 MILES IF YOU CAN TAKE THE RIDE THAT LONG.

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  wonderful - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By GSussan - February 15 - 10:00 am

  Compared to the Mercedes ML I used to drive, this is a dream!

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  Loving it.... - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By ng - February 15 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car a few weeks ago and am completely satisfied with it. It was beyond my expectation! I cant see myself buying a different SUV. No regrets!

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  Good, but not great. - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By My First Lexus - February 15 - 4:30 am

  This is a very smooth, quiet car. The performance is good for a car that is just billed as a luxury sedan. The fuel economy is great: 17/29 actual mpg. After 9,000 miles, I have no complaints about the quality of the car. My wife had a flat tire in the rain 900 miles from home. She called the 1- 800 roadside service. A local dealership called within 10 minutes and was there in 20 minutes. The driver called twice in route to assure her he was on the way. We received a follow-up phone call and a customer satisfaction survey.

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  Satisfied driver - 2005 Lexus LX 470
  By pierre - February 14 - 12:13 pm

  Highway driving is not fun, all this truck needs is gasoline and you forget about rain or snow. It drives like a train on tracks. If getting there is your main concern, this will get you there. For city drivers, well this is not the easiest to park and not the cheapest to feed. In off road, well who the hell will drive a vehicle with this price tag off-road. It will amaze you to find that this is much more than you ever believed your vehicle could do.

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  10 All Around - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By jtphilips - February 13 - 6:40 pm

  Fantastic automobile. Looks great and drives great! Is there any other reason to buy a car? They all get you from point A to point B, but some do it in style! With a Toyota engine under the hood, reliability is surely there as well.

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  2006 LS 430. - 2006 Lexus LS 430
  By Leonard A. Meyer - February 13 - 4:20 pm

  This is my fourth LS 430. They have all been the best cars I have ever owned. Prior tot he Lexus I drove Mercedes for twelve years and the difference is amazing. There has never been a better auomobile than the LS 430 in my opinion. I bought the 2006 because I had seen pictures of the 2007 and didnt like the styling as much.