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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  Its harder to find a better car at any price - 2011 Lexus LS 460
  By jekfranklin - December 18 - 6:26 am

  This is my 11th Lexus vehicle and they never disappoint. The quality of the vehicle and the personal service provided by the dealership are always tops. I have never driven a domestic car or dealt with a domestic dealership that even comes close. The other foreign brands that compete with Lexus are much more expensive and all have their drawbacks.

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  love my Lexus - 2007 Lexus RX 350
  By RL - December 17 - 9:16 pm

  I have always driven the traditional big station wagon/SUV, after my boys left home it was time to downsize and go for comfort. My husband had a 13 year old Lexus es300 w/300,000 mi when it was finally time to let it go so it was obvious to me that Lexus was the answer and it has not disappointed. I have 45K mi on my 2007RXAWD and couldnt be happier. It has enough cargo space, good MPG, and creature comfort features I love. I am waiting to see what new features are to come out on the new RX, as I think gas consumption is an issue that may warrant serious engine changes, and then I hope to get another.

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  185,000 Miles with ZERO Problems - 2000 Lexus RX 300
  By ethanh18 - December 17 - 7:50 pm

  My lexus has over 185,000 miles on it and is still running great! We have had no major repairs besides maintenance, I would highly recommend this car

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  LS 430 is pure comfort - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By L & E - December 17 - 6:10 pm

  This is our 4th Lexus LS since 1990. The 2005 Lexus LS 430 has exceeded our expectations. Many unique upgrade features make it a pleasure to drive. It is quiet, smooth and comfortable. The body is tight and has a nice finish. High test fuel economy is not great so far. Original equipment high performance all season Dunlop tires give a quiet ride and good handling, but according to the manufacturer, are predicted to last not more than 20,000 mi.

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  Had enough with noise in the cabin :( - 2013 Lexus RX 350
  By fs77 - December 17 - 12:52 am

  First, let me be clear that I have nothing against the Lexus brand, they make great cars and my family love their cars. That past experience has holded me back till now to write anything negative about Lexus but here is what has happened. I replaced my two year old 3 series bmw with a 2013 Lexus RX350. Loved the vehicle, still do BUT I started hearing this very hard to notice (for anyone not sitting on the driver seat) noise, it was coming from the left drive side seat belt column. On long trips and even shorter ones, a tiny bump or little wind will make the noise to be more constant and annoying. Long story short, I have taken the vehicle to Lexus service three times as of June 1st..

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  First time hybrid owner - 2013 Lexus ES 300h
  By johnnyrainbow - December 16 - 8:50 pm

  Up until now, hybrids looked like, well.....hybrids. Little bug like vehicles that got great mileage but thats where it stopped. This thing, this 300h, has the looks, reliability, fuel efficiency, comfort and luxury weve been waiting for. Being only $2,500.00 more than its gas only brother, the ES350, Lexus did us a great favor. The extra dollars spent up front really gets made up in the great fuel economy in just a few years, versus 10-12 years with a lot of hybrids.

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  Love it, Love it, Love it - 2005 Lexus SC 430
  By Liz in Louisiana - December 16 - 5:30 pm

  I was driving on the interstate one day when a SC430 passed me up. I didnt know what kind of car it was but was immediately drawn to the shape - I sped up to get closer and took a really long look. My love affair with my current vehicle was all over from that point on! Within 3 months, I was a proud owner of a crystal gold with saddle leather SC430 and I have never regretted it. Not a day goes by that I dont get at least one compliment on my car, thumbs up signs from people in their cars next to me at red lights or people speeding up to get next to me on the interstate. I find the backseat perfect for my purse and my umbrella and the trunk holds plenty of groceries. Dont wait...

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  Need to be improved - 2003 Lexus LX 470
  By emp - December 14 - 10:00 am

  This is nice car to drive but over priced car. Many functions will not be used during the life of this car which are waiting money to me. It will be nice if Lexus can reduce the price.

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  Lexus Sport Cross - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By kokomokid - December 14 - 10:00 am

  What I wanted in a car when I bought the IS 300 Sport Cross was a car that would drive like a sports car, but transport R/C model planes easily. It fills the bill, except that a manual tranmission is not available in the Sport Cross.

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  IS300 - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By JeremysIS - December 14 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned my IS for a week now and I love it. It handles great still has a good ride considering the low profile rubber on the 17" wheels. Has decent aceleration and never feels bogged down. The seats are comfortable. I wish I had an office chair like it. this is a fun to drive car. Oh yeah and you get Lexus service and reliability of a toyota. Everything about this car screams fun and luxury.