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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  One of the best cars I own - 2005 Lexus IS 300
  By leonstark - February 13 - 11:19 am

  By far one of the best cars I have owned in the past 10 years! when i bought the car I didnt think it was better than the 330Ci but i gotta say its just like it but better than it in some ways! i love my bimmer but i gotta say although this car was released a year ahead of e46 bimmers it did a good job competing against them. =D

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  Great Car - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By BMT - February 13 - 10:26 am

  Great car. I previously owned an 04 RX330 and although it was a very good car, 400h is even better. Great performance combined with excellent fuel economy.

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  Very Satisfied in SoCal - 2002 Lexus GS 300
  By Mark Flannery - February 13 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car via the Internet from Lexus of Westminster, CA for their cost. The transaction was fast, businesslike and pain-free. After looking at the competition (Acura, Infiniti, BMW et al) I decided on the Lexus for its combination of style, reliability, performance, comfort and price. Although theres a few things Id change, Im quite satisfied with this car and expect to be even more so as time goes by. There have been no problems whatever during the first 8,000 miles.

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  Great Vehicle - 2003 Lexus RX 300
  By Nike587 - February 13 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car. It drives really well. It is the perfect vehicle for anyone on the go.

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  Amazing Car - 2012 Lexus ES 350
  By mplueger - February 13 - 4:34 am

  This is my 3rd Es 350, 2005,2009, now 2012,the exterior has never looked better, bought 2012 because did not like interior of 2013 coming out in August.The ride is quite and very comfortable, standard sound system is fabulous . car now uses regular unleaded, previous Es 350s required premium, car is quick,quite and reliable,get many compliments on the way my car looks, bought dark gray. Sticker 39.109- worth every penny.Got a great deal from Bredemann Lexus in Glenview Illinois [non-permissible content removed].

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  1st Lexus and Loved it... will buy again - 1996 Lexus LS 400
  By Jason - February 11 - 6:03 pm

  I bought a 96 LS400 white/tan at 156k miles and I did have to put about $4000 into it for new a/c, timing belt, water pump, front end, all fluids & filters, complete tune up. No paper work was purchased with the car, so I took a gamble. After the expenses, I put a set of LS430 wheels on it and WOW much better looking. Its been the best car ever. We drove it more than my wifes 04 ES330, but sadly it was totaled out and we are now looking for a 98-00 LS400. Love these cars!

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  A 40K+ Car Shouldnt Rattle - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Stan - February 11 - 9:23 am

  I started out loving this car. Excellent highway passing capability, spectacular emergency handling (saved my life on one occasion) and superior comfort. BUT little things mean a lot. After about 8000 miles a rattle developed under the dash. Soon it sounded as if the entire dash was shifting after a moderate bump. Still not resolved to my satisfaction. Ive since learned that this is a problem endemic to early production units. Lexus should do better.

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  Nothing Like a Lexus - 2012 Lexus ES 350
  By Kathy Daley - February 11 - 7:02 am

  I could not afford a new Lexus. But still so happy with the 2012 I just purchased as a pre-owned vehicle.

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  Happy with my choice - Lexus ES 350 - 2008 Lexus ES 350
  By Iris - February 10 - 9:06 am

  I love my 2008 Lexus ES 350, so quiet, comfortable, smooth, and saving a lot on gas - highly recommend this one for a luxury car.

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  A Disappointing Update - 2008 Lexus LS 460
  By Rick S - updated - February 9 - 12:00 pm

  Now that I have had this car for 2 1/2 years, I thought I would add an updated review. This is our 4th Lexus and I am disappointed in the overall quality of the car. Aside from the recall, I have had a number of mostly minor quality- related issues since my last review, including an issue with paint chips on the front of the car and a blown out speaker in my expensive Levinson stereo. If I had to do it over again knowing what I know now, I would not purchase this car. I expected uncompromising quality in a car I could drive for 10 years like my last 2 (less expense) Lexus vehicles. Now I worry about expensive repairs down the road. I am thinking seriously about getting rid of the car.