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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  Lexus RX300 - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By LenJAllen - October 28 - 5:20 am

  I have owned several SUVs during the past 10 years. This is the most comfortable, the most stylish, and the most fun to drive. I debated between a Ford Explorer and the Lexus two years ago and ended up with the Explorer. If I had known what I was missing, I would have purchased the Lexus then. I have driven the Merecedes M series SUV and the BMW X5. The Lexus has the besr ride by far. I really love the way it handles and the way it absorbs bumps in the road. I couldnt be more pleased.

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  Love my GX 470 - 2006 Lexus GX 470
  By Scoot - October 27 - 5:36 pm

  After looking at many different SUVs - I am extremely happy with my Lexus GX 470. The car has a very smooth and comfortable ride. The build quality is fantastic - this is my first lexus and I can see why they score so well in the customer satisfaction rankings. I would recommend this car for anyone looking for a midsized SUV.

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  smooth ride - 2004 Lexus LX 470
  By sadam quhshi - October 27 - 10:00 am

  THE EXPERIENCE OF A LEXUS 470 2004 IS ABOUT LUXURY NOT POWER ,THERES NO BETTER RIDE THEN THE LEXUS 470

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  Upgrade to performance - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By RJ Rafael - October 27 - 10:00 am

  I just bought a 2004 Lexus IS300 5 speed manual. let me tell you that this car is like a rollercoaster every time i get in. My last car was a 95 acura integra that was hooked up!...it had everything...it was my pride and joy.The IS300 has the Luxury and the sport capability that i once owned. i made a great choice in purchasing this IS300.The IS300 has way more to offer. I LOVE THIS CAR!!!I can still keep the speed and Sporty-ness and still be looked at as the young adult. I dont even want to fix up this IS300....its already Fixed up...if your looking for a Sports car please dont pass on the IS300.

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  Perfection missing - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Not yet perfection - October 27 - 10:00 am

  Driveline clunks, jerks and generally makes driving unpleasant in stop and go conditions below 30 mph. And now the clunking noise occurs at higher speeds when decelerating. Dealer claims a software change will remedy. Will find out during 10,000 mile service. Heating/cooling system is needlessly complex and insists on switching to blowing uncomfortably cold air from dash outlets all too often. Otherwise the vehicle is pleasant to travel in and drive. Exceeds 25 mpg during highway travel.

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  EXCELLENT - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By mYSELF - October 27 - 10:00 am

  BEST VEHICLE I EVER BOUGHT........HANDLES GREAT IN ALL WEATHER CONDITIONS!!!!!

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  Couldnt be happier - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By tamu91 - October 26 - 4:50 am

  My wife couldnt decide between Lexus ES 330 and Toyota Avalon. Im glad we purchased the Lexus. Avalon has more power and slightly larger cabin but thats where the comparison stops. Lexus is so much more. Quiet ride, the finish and the way Lexus owners are treated at the dealership. Im sold on Lexus and I can honestly say Ill never buy another Toyota.

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  LS 430 - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By A Fry - October 25 - 1:00 pm

  The LS 430 is pleasure to drive. I recently completed a 10 hour trip in the LS and I was ready to turn around and make the return trip. I was not tired or uncomfortable at anytime during the trip. The radar cruise control is easy to use takes all of the stress out of the drive. The seating is very comforable and roomy. All of the systems, such as the navigation, satilite radio/audio and the ventilation system are easy to use. The air suspension and braking system is flawless.

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  SC430 - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By LOU - October 25 - 10:00 am

  Car drives very smoothly . Run flat tires do take away from the Lexus ride . Car is a head turner wherever you go. 15,000 miles and not one item had to go back to dealer for repair or adjustment.

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  SC430 - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By Lou - October 25 - 10:00 am

  Car drives very smoothly . Run flat tires do take away from the Lexus ride . Car is a head turner wherever you go. 15,000 miles and not one item had to go back to dealer for repair or adjustment.