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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  Love my RX! - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By BJL - February 3 - 10:16 pm

  I bought my 2010 RX350 on Halloween. I love this vehicle. I downsized from a Landcruiser and I dont miss the big truck for a second. The Lexus is so fun to drive, handles, great, has all the bells and whistles including, push button start, Nav, Bluetooth, UBS cable hookups, wood steering wheel. The cargo space is bigger than it looks. I have 2 car seats in the back and loaded up the hatchback yesterday with no problem. I was pleasantly surprised at how much I could fit in the hatchback. The Lexus handles like a dream and is super user friendly. You will get used to the mouse very quickly and will love this vehicle!

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  My first Lexus set the standard for me - 2003 Lexus GS 300
  By haultj - February 3 - 1:39 pm

  I bought this car for my wife new in late 2002. We loaded it with every option including the Mark Levison audio and the Navigation. We also looked at the Audi A6 and the Lincoln LS-E. The GS300 was hands down the winner. There was no comparison. The fit and finish of this car is amazing. The styling of the exterior was what really made the decision for us. The interior is so amazingly comfortable and everything just fits well and works well. The Lexus navigation was so much better than the Audi and Lincoln. We both love this car and bought a second Lexus when I was ready to replace my SUV.

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  terrific - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By joe dennehy - February 2 - 5:06 pm

  we use the car mostly on weekends..its lot of fun and has great wow factor..mant many times weve been waved to, honked at, and given smiles and shoutouts. i would urge not getting the runflat tires..hard riding and had to wait weeks for a replacement

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  Nicest car Ive ever owned - 2017 Lexus ES 350
  By Steve S. - February 2 - 7:02 am

  I decided to go up one level on the options which includes the telescopic steering wheel, front and rear parking sensors woodgrain trim and a couple of other things. This car rides buttery smooth and the power is there when you need it. I like the high-end buying experience as they kill you with kindness and the dealership is absolutely immaculate with complementary food and drink. Free car washes for life and 3 years of oil changes. They loaned me a GS while my windows were being tinted. The GS has a firmer seat and a much firmer ride, kind of like the Infiniti Q50 I test drove. I made the right decision with the ES 350.

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  Great car period. - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By Umair - February 1 - 2:00 am

  Got this car only a few days ago, amazing handling and refinement for a supposedly luxury sedan. Very fun to drive, fun to row thru the gears. Still in break-in so i havnt been able to see what this car can really do. But i must say the pull from <3k rpms is adequate, especially if you want to save gas. Interior design may not be all that impressive, but the build quality is something that no photo can describe. You have to go to the dealer and sit inside this car it is amazing!

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  Daves Luxury SUV - 2011 Lexus RX 350
  By DaveG - January 30 - 6:55 am

  This car rides better than Mercedes, BMW, and Audi SUVs. It has low noise level, and 350 hp engine gives great pick up when entering highways. Best SUV I have ever driven.

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  Street Racing - 2005 Lexus IS 300
  By Witman - January 30 - 5:53 am

  This car is nice around the curves and bends in the industrial areas. It has a nice acceleration and good top speed. The E-shift provides good handling and power too. Very good design also.

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  Best of the Breed - 2002 Lexus LX 470
  By Road Runner - January 29 - 2:00 am

  Nice, macho appearence. Quite and elegant ride. good electronics and interior

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  Service - 2001 Lexus IS 300
  By jrtrock - January 29 - 2:00 am

  The car is fun to drive and no major problems. The service at the dealership is excellent but very expensive. I just spent $300 for service at 12000 miles. My daughter has a Cavalier with over 60,000 miles that we havent spent $300 on with oil changes! The Chevy is a better car dollar for dollar! Also had to spend $$ for snow tires on the Lexus. The Chevy goes through anything.

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  the best dam sedan - 2002 Lexus LS 430
  By chicko - January 29 - 2:00 am

  dont buy a benz or a bmw