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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  Love my ES 350 - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Olu - October 24 - 7:50 pm

  Was more interested in buying the Benz E350 but with a starting price tag of 52K i decided to check out the ES 350 after a friend had let me drive one. It was instant love and the rest is history. My car is not a little over 1 year old and I still love it like the day I drove of the lot. More than enough power to pass on the beltway and comfort like no other car for those long trips. Got the upgraded model with the Panorama roof and Mark Levinson system, well getting me out of this car is hard, believe that .

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  Dont buy nav system - 2007 Lexus RX 400H
  By careful - October 24 - 6:00 am

  This is a great car, but dont bother buying the nav system. The system is virtually disabled when the car is moving. You cannot input anything into the system unless you pull over and stop the vehicle. This bug makes the system almost useless. Buy a portable Garmin unit instead, it will save you money and frustration!

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  For What It Is, It Is Perfect - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Synthetic - October 23 - 1:53 pm

  Just bought with 44,500 miles. It replaces our LS 400 which we drove for 15 years until it was sideswiped. This is a beautifully balanced car in all regards: comfortable, reliable, economical, and loaded with lux features. Unlike some other raters, this transmission is very smooth.. no issues at all (and I was looking for them). We are delighted, and look forward to another 15 year run in this Lexus. The ES is not as cushy as our LS, but it is close, and about 25% more economical on fuel.

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  2007 Lexus GX 470 - 2007 Lexus GX 470
  By BC - October 23 - 1:30 pm

  This handles and drives so much nicer than my Toyota Sequoia. The gas mileage averages about 18 combined city/hwy. This is a great luxury SUV that drives very smoothly down the road. It also performs very well in the snow and mud offroad.

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  The best SUV in its class!! - 2008 Lexus RX 350
  By Uzbek - October 21 - 11:50 am

  Absolutely love it! Test drove BMW X5 and MB ML class, but Lexus is much better. It gives that exceptional feeling of being the man who spends money wisely, but gets the best out of it. Inside this car, you feel yourself pampered and mainly safe due to its safety features. Moreover, gas mileage, exterior design, true price to own is the best. I can go on forever here folks, but this is the best SUV for your money!

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  GS300 - 2004 Lexus GS 300
  By Ronie Ling - October 21 - 10:00 am

  Smooth drive. It feels good when you drive this car. One of the best model and I like the style both exterior and interior

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  satified sewell customer for life - 2000 Lexus RX 300
  By nlstraughter - October 21 - 10:00 am

  This is a smooth riding vehicle with lots of comfort and style, ride in luxury , very dependable, holds its value.

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  Awsome - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By J & M - October 21 - 10:00 am

  Overall, very pleased with the RX330. This is a great get up and go vehicle. It is versatile in styling and performance. The service and support is outstanding. The rear seat is on the small side for leg room. You get what you pay for. Although, the service is outstanding the maintenance is costly.

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  A nice choice... - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Lonrry - October 21 - 10:00 am

  A great SUV but not the more sport, is a luxury one. Everthing is electronic, have a great look. Doesnt look like a Soccers mom SUV. Hmmmmm... Makes you feel safety...

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  Perfection - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By Happy - October 21 - 3:30 am

  The perfect car. Drives like a dream. No problems with it..