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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  Rough - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Chuck Cadwell - September 30 - 10:00 am

  The cars ride and comfort is great! The transmission is some what to be desired. Rough shifting and hesitation on exceleration. Repair shops just says that the way it is. There is nothing they can do.

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  review from spring garden - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By tecumseh - September 30 - 10:00 am

  The big disappointment has been the transmission. When you are driving at 60 or 70 kilometers an hour and let off the gas to slow down, the transmission puts on some type of brakes on and off and makes for a very jerky ride when you are slowing down I usually slip the transmission into neutral and back into drive, and this gets rid of the problem. This is the main reason why I would not consider buying another RX330 Its been back to the dealer 3 times The dash has an irritable sqeak, The dealer knows about it , but as of yet do not have a fix. I have shoved some rubber hose down between the dash and the windshield.

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  My 3rd Lexus - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Ben in FL - September 28 - 11:03 pm

  Ive owned a 95 SC400, 01 GS300 and just recently picked up a 2005 ES with 42k miles. I did notice a small hiccup in the transmission when accelerating slowly from 35 to 40mph, but when you accelerate faster you dont notice it. Im not sure if its even worth going to the dealer to fix... other than that SMALL thing I really like the car and am looking forward to my next 4 hour drive. This is the smoothest car Ive ever driven, and for the price (19K) I feel like Ive gotten a very nice car without a very high price. When I drive this thing I feel successful!!

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  Best suv ever. - 2000 Lexus RX 300
  By Stuart - September 28 - 12:36 pm

  I love the car! It has plenty of power all around. The interior comfort is great for long trips. I love the way it drives like a sedan, but still feels like an suv. I also like the peace of mind its many safety features give you. The interior is surprisingly roomy and luxurious. It is the first car Ive ever had that keeps reseling itself. The more I drive it the more I love it. I have had it for over eight years. I have never had a problem except for routine service. I am sold on Lexus quality. I still receive compliments on it all the time. Even after eight years it still doesnt look outdated at all. I also enjoy the lexus premium sound system and the six disc cd changer. It sounds great.

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  Great RX - 2000 Lexus RX 300
  By GreatRX - September 28 - 6:40 am

  I purchased my 2000 RX in 2003 used with 40K miles, have driven it another 100K without issue. I have not been able to find something that I like as much to replace it. Gas mileage averages 19 normal with up to 23 on the highway. Best car I have ever had!

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  Moved from sedan to RX 300 - 2003 Lexus RX 300
  By Tennisnut - September 28 - 1:20 am

  This vehicle is a pleasure to drive. The AWD is flawless, the car has plenty of power (for me), the ride is very smooth and quiet. I preferred this cars ride to the ES 300 sedan which I found floated to much. This car is an all around treat to drive. Good viewing all around from drivers seat.

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  a hot rod with back doors! - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By mike jones - September 27 - 10:00 am

  very reliable and fun to drive

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  Phenomenal Used Car - Exceeds Expectations - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By cardrivinman - September 26 - 9:27 pm

  Just bought the 2006 Lexus GS300 used. This 9 year old car feels new, is ultra comfortable and quiet, and has technology that is still cutting edge. This car hugs the road, smooths out bumps, and feels smooth as silk. Despite being a 2006 model it has power everything, touch start, backup camera, and Bluetooth! Yes, even though this car predates iPhones and Androids and it still has Bluetooth and pairs w/ my iPhone. It has all the technology that a brand new 2015 car would have, except for blindspot warning...which isnt necessary because visibility is excellent in the GS300. This 9 year old Lexus is better than some respectable 2015 cars I tested. The GS300 exceeds my expectations.

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  Quality, Quality, Quality - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Brian - September 26 - 12:40 pm

  Definitely a quality made vehicle with all the bells and whistles for under $47K. A good long term investment that should give me years of reliability while enjoying the comfort and features of a beautiful luxury sedan, the ES 350.

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  Ten cars later, the best ever - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By Michelle,Texas - September 25 - 5:00 pm

  I have had 10 cars, and I said the very next one I get would be a Lexus. After much independent study and comparisons. I finally got it. This car is absolutely awesome. Find an authorized mechanic shop that works on high end luxury cars and keep it maintained (as with any car). I see years of comfort and happiness, my daughter expects to get this car, when I upgrade. I never want to drive another car.