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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  GS 300 - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Jerry - December 7 - 4:00 am

  I initially bought this car over the Infiniti M35 because of a higher resale value down the road. However, since owning it for 6 months I now appreciate it more than I ever thought I would. Besides, until Infiniti, or anyone else puts out a color to beat Matador Red, Ill just keep putting miles on this one!

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  Dont buy this car. - 1998 Lexus LS 400
  By turbochris15u - December 6 - 6:57 pm

  Do not buy this car if youre not prepared to be awed into wondering why you considered buying anything else. I purchased my 98 model from a local dealership owned by a friend for just under 6k with 262k miles on it from the original owner. The same day of the purchase I changed the oil and front brake pads and rotors as a precaution then proceeded to drive the car 2000+ miles down the west coast. I maintained no less than 28.6mpg average at 80+mph in supreme comfort. The car has lots of power and the 5 speed auto keeps the car in its sweet spot when maximum performance is required. I love every aspect of this car.

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  Fun Luxury Convertible - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By jhawley - December 6 - 10:33 am

  I love the design, comfort and hardtop/convertibility ease. Plenty of power while not a race car.

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  Cats meow - 2013 Lexus LX 570
  By Lexus Fanatic - December 5 - 6:05 pm

  Luxury at a great price and that price is the best class of resale I have ever experienced. This is our 2ND lx570 and we had 3 rx400s and a luccasee boot leather interior tundra before. All great performers and little to no service issues.

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  Used Lexus - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By pdiddy - December 4 - 6:43 pm

  Got the Lexus used with 67k. Love the Nav system, leather, power seats. Car has plenty of power and handles perfectly, while the car is still smooth and quiet. Would have gotten a BMW but went with the Lexus quality. For 21.5K OTD, much better than a base model new accord and camry.

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  Driving a perfect "10" everyday - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By Champerty - December 4 - 11:33 am

  My 2003 Lexus 430 LS is equipped with the Ultra Luxury package and I bought it new. I cannot imagine a more dependable beautiful lifestyle. Everyday on the road you know that you are always the best ride without pretending. Is there any ride more quiet/ I dont think so. This car is simply the best all around, elegant, classy, smoothest and most reliable vehicle I have ever driven in my life. And that is alot to say since I have owned and /or been the primary driver of over 30 cars purchased without limit. They were all excellent vehicles, but the 03 Lexus 420 LS w/ Ultra Luxury package is like driving in heaven every day.

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  Buy this vehicle - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By Donald Tomlinson - December 4 - 8:56 am

  This is the best SUV I have ever driven. Rides smooth, handles great. I would buy another one.

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  Great car - lousy navigation system - 2008 Lexus LS 460
  By Ken in Missouri - December 4 - 2:20 am

  Luxurious car. Great ride, quiet as a tomb and comfortable. Fit and finish is great, just dont roll down the rear windows at highway speeds. The noise and interior vibrations will beat you to death. The sound system and power door locking system is fantastic. The navigation system cannot be added to or changed while you are moving - very poor "feature". My wife has an Acura with a much better nav system.

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  Quiet. Smooth. Bells and Whistles. - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Nish - December 3 - 1:26 pm

  Most features in any car in this price range, extremely happy - quiet and smooth and extremely fast. User ergonomics are simple and efficient. Seats are extremely comfortable.

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  Baby on board - 2013 Lexus ES 300h
  By einstone - December 2 - 12:28 pm

  Excellent car, i upgraded from BMW. My wife has to ride with our baby in the back, and the leg space is really incredible i trade with her some times too and love it but roof could be a bit higher for long torso man that i am. we also had an 08 Xterra SUV and ES has way more leg space in the back! MPG 32 city (we live in a up and down area) combined is 35.5 and on a freeway close to 40 that is with all 5 seats occupied and trunk full of Costco goods, 15 gal fuel (91 premium).