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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  2009 LS 460 AWD!!! Best decision! - 2009 Lexus LS 460
  By jasver - November 20 - 1:42 pm

  You work hard all of your life, you deserve this car. If you are considering it, you will never regret the decision. The car handles very well, and gives you the choice on the type of suspension you prefer. It is very responsive. You will feel safe and wrapped up in this vehicle. If you are looking for screaming performance, then you may want to look elsewhere, this ride is for those who just want a comfortable "couch on wheels" feel.

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  CAR DID ITS JOB PROTECTING HUMAN LIFE... - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Rossen - November 19 - 12:26 am

  During my ownership I have not had a single issue with the car despite purchase with 206,000 previous miles... Ive driven 40-50k miles on it each year for the past 3 years. It has never been in the shop for anything other than oil changes every 3,000 miles, timing belts, brakes, fluids, etc. Engine pulls very strongly and the transmission is smooth. If you take care of these cars, they will take excellent care of you. Car is quiet and well composed. Sitting inside the car one cannot hear the engine unless you floor it, then a confident growl will emit from the hood under hard acceleration. What leaves my head spinning is the structural solidity and safety of this car. Thursday evening I was (HIT AND RUN) struck by a semi who switched lanes and failed to see me. The force of the impact slammed me off the highway and authorities estimate my car rolled a dozen times. My sunroof was open and my phone and wallet flew out during the rollover. The side curtain airbags deployed as expected and created a safety blanket that shielded me from glass and road debris. the EMTs arrived and found me with not a single scratch. They were absolutely shocked that I walked away unharmed. Of course the car was a total loss and my insurance company called me the next day and offered me just south of 7,000 towards another vehicle. I was crying as it was towed not only because my car fought so valiantly to protect me, but because of the bond Ive formed with - a machine

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  Great SUV - 2011 Lexus RX 350
  By GLENN BATILANDO - November 18 - 2:33 am

  Highly reliable and does not require much unscheduled maintenance. Great value for money.

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  Fun on Wheels - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By Ramon G - November 17 - 8:53 am

  I have only had this car a week, but oh what fun! The run flats I think do give this car a ride a bit more impulsive over bumps, but the highway ride is still very quiet and smooth. I bought mine "used" 2K miles but it was essentially new. The tags were on the upholstery. This car does make people do Linda Blairs. The colors and styling are a knock out. Mine is amethyst with the ecru interior and birdseye maple. People just love it.

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  Happy ES300 Owner - 1998 Lexus ES 300
  By Pabster - November 14 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this 1998 ES300 as a certified pre-owned vehicle. My style of driving is easy going and the smoother the ride, the better. Aside from that, I want to feel relaxed, at ease, and confident that my car will be very reliable though out the years. Thus, Im not interested in an "aggressive" car to deal with Greater D.C. Traffic. The acceleration is responsive, the transmission silky smooth, and the road noise minimal. I describe this car to my colleagues as a "Gentlemans" vehicle. If you are an aggressive driver looking for sport, then consider the IS.

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  Only sports enthusiasts apply - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By Jeffreaulex - November 14 - 10:00 am

  I have had the IS for little over a year. I love this bad boy to no end! Its awesome! Everyone is left behind at red lights...anywhere. This car is very powerful for its size. Comfort/size...you wear this car like a glove. Its tight, nimble, powerful, a great car! Styling isnt for everyone, but you MUST give it a test drive. It is truly an enjoyable car. GREAT sound system too!

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  Unbeatable! in every aspect! - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By thebigrigger - November 14 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my Lexus is300 in july of 2002, a little over a year ago and i all ready have over twentysix thousand miles on it. The car has been nothing but a joy own, with no problems to this date. There is only one thing that i would like to see take place, and that is for TRD to come out with a supercharger for it. that not to say the car is underpowered in anyway but we all like to have the upper hand!

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  HEY, ITS A LEX - 1999 Lexus ES 300
  By KANE - November 14 - 10:00 am

  This is car is a beautiful car. I upgraded from a 1994 Pathfinder XE so all the amenities that this car has are a bonus to have. My Lex is a Coach Edition so it has the nice perforated leather which is great for summer. The car runs as if new and the seats are still intact. The car runs smooth. You cant even tell the car is on. All the safety features are great, like the Traction Control and the engine immobiliser system. I always get stares when I drive by. And although this was the #1 selling car for Lexus I dont see it that often on the streets where I live, which may or may not be a good thing. But hey, its a Lex with Toyota reliability.

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  The Best SUV ever!!! - 2000 Lexus RX 300
  By vinster29 - November 14 - 10:00 am

  The Lexus RX300 is the best SUV on the market hands down. I have gotten more compliments about my RX300 than any other car that I own!!! This car is definitely worth the investment!!

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  headlights on Lexus Rx330 - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Joe T. - November 14 - 8:50 am

  If you live in the Long Island area and NYC area your RX330 will last about a month before your headlights are stolen. Poor design on Lexuss part, it takes 30 seconds to steal the lights with a crow bar (plus the body gets damaged) Otherwise the Rx330 is a fantastic vehicle. Its very comfortable and a pleasure to drive. Quiet and smooth ride. gas mileage is so great though, but its a great vehicle.