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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  Best overall quality in luxury SUV - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By rx330black - January 15 - 10:00 am

  Best vehicle Ive owned. Quality throughout the interior and exterior. This vehicle has many of the little things that, although seem small, but make a big difference in the overall ownership experience.

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  Quality Machine - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Mr. Buckpasser - January 15 - 10:00 am

  Well built vehicle that lives up to its promises of providing quality with performance.

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  Happy Lexus shopper - 2016 Lexus RX 350
  By mar largo - January 14 - 3:51 pm

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  Purchased with 85,000 miles. - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By Used 85,000 miles sc - January 12 - 5:50 pm

  Purchased this car because I was looking for reliability in a pseudo sports car. I am 50+ and I wanted to gracefully move through midlife crisis in a sporty car. I have owned three Porsches for over 25 years, and then a Mercedes. Since 02 Ive owned an Acura TLS. Reliability was one of the major considerations to purchase this car. Its too soon to tell, but for now this Lexus still runs like new.

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  EXCELLENCE RUNS IN THE FAMILY - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By franchise - January 12 - 3:46 pm

  Lots of car for the money. Step up is a big one in money for a better car. Step down, you get Camary, or Mazima. Not bad. Yet, certainly different thant the appointments of this small Lexus. Much more car for about $4 to $5K more.

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  Why buy any other car? - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By Hat Trick - January 11 - 2:00 am

  This is our second LS, and is more powerful, quiet, thrifty, and nimble than the 1995 model.

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  An automobile worth considering - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By CA-Allen - January 11 - 2:00 am

  After owning a few of its European competitors, switching to the LS430 is the best choice yet I have made. Excellent reliability, extrememly quiet motor and surpringly good overall fuel economy even with a V8 engine (average 23 mpg). A trouble-free car makes the overall ownership a breeze. Its luxury supportive seating makes everyday long commute rather comfortable.

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  whatacar - 2003 Lexus RX 300
  By stevel - January 11 - 2:00 am

  Very comfortable to be in and to drive. The engine however needs a little more pep--but this car matches a lot of suvs costing $10,000 more

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  Love my car - 2014 Lexus RX 350
  By barbararaa1 - January 10 - 3:09 pm

  I leased my 2014 Lexus RX 350 last October, so its been almost one year. Has all bells and whistles. I really love my car. Very quite ride, comfortable seats. Back seat passengers are pleased with all the leg room. Car feels very safe. The worst part of my Lexus experience was dealing with Lexus of Sacramento. But I have found other Lexus dealers much more professional for which I am very thankful.

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  IS-Furious - 2008 Lexus IS F
  By BC - January 8 - 8:56 am

  The most powerful vehicle ever produced by Toyota/Lexus and it has hit its targets dead on. It is 2nd to the Mercedes C63 on a straight away. It is 2nd to the BMW M3 on a full track. It beats the Audi RS4 on both straight away and full track. It has the best rating on gas consumption (as well as no gas guzzler tax). More importantly, it is the most reliable and has the highest build quality out of all its competitors. The 2008 Lexus IS-F is the overall best performer in its class. I myself own a Starfire Pearl IS-F down in Houston, TX. I am a 100% satisfied customer. :)