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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  Handling OK needs slight improvement - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By David Perrault - September 23 - 10:00 am

  Drove car at 120+mph for a time while going through Montana and although it hugged the road in a straight line beautifully the front end seemed to loosen in the corners. Needs to be tightened up a bit to give the driver a better sense of grip to the road.

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  RX330 BEST IN CLASS - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By KLC - September 23 - 10:00 am

  BETTER THAN THE 300, BEST OVERALL SUV ON THE ROAD AT ANY PRICE.

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  I love it twice... - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By nvbanker - September 23 - 1:40 am

  My second LS 430, this one trumps the 02 I had easily. The seats are much improved, and near perfect now. Handling is better, though not a Bimmer, its good. Dependability is perfect. Love the Bluetooth phone, which works flawlessly with my Treo every time. The A/C is the best Ive ever known, and the cooled seats are welcome in the desert. Cant get more luxury value for the money, IMO.

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  Great used car deal - 2001 Lexus ES 300
  By WaterskiUS - September 22 - 6:36 pm

  I bought the car with 40,000 miles and live in San Diego. I immediately had to get an idle control sensor, the windshield re-sealed, and driver side door electronics redone through the warranty. Beyond that, I have had no problems. Its luxury to the T.

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  Not a Camry or Prius - 2010 Lexus HS 250H
  By valente - September 22 - 3:50 pm

  Ive owned mine now for about 3 weeks. I came from a 2010 Prius which was too low to the ground for my back problems. Ironically, the dimensions are almost identical but for some reason, the HS seats are higher and the car is easier to get in and out of. I also owned a Camry Hybrid for about 4 months. Hated it. The gas mileage was terrible, the quality was awful and the door sill was low and I frequently bumped my head getting in and out. (Im 510") I dont have any of those problems with the HS. As for luxury and quality and ride - TOP NOTCH! Made in Japan. Camry, Made in Kentucky....(I think) My biggest complaint is lack of storage space up front and the engine whine when braking.

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  Certified Buyer - 2002 Lexus LS 430
  By Eric L. - September 21 - 7:03 am

  I bought this car as certified and received an extra 3 years or up to 100k miles on it so that makes me comfortable. I am 64" and weigh 240 lbs and I found this car to be quite comfortable and spacious for my size. The head room is plentiful as well the leg room in the front. I got out of the vehicle and sat in the rear passenger seat directly behind the driver and my legs did not touch the seat. The acceleration for a luxury sedan is great. On the open road I would accelerate to the low three digits and the car kept up with my demands. Also I found the drive to be very smooth, quiet, relaxing, fun and enjoyable.

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  LOVE THIS CAR - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By LATTE - September 20 - 11:43 pm

  This car is unbelievable. They really did a great job. It has so many tech things to operate. Very quick in the 6 speed manual mode. The interior lights need to be brighter. So far so good. We have only had the car for three weeks.

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  Lexus Update - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By Bluto - September 20 - 5:13 am

  In the six years Ive owned the RX 300, I can say the extra cost over a Toyota was worth it. I had my first maintenance problem, a loose hose on the smog system due to bad roads kicking up debris. The RX has survived a run through a rock slide with only a blown tire. The other vehicles around me were totaled per the state police. The vehicle is easy to drive and predictable to keep you out of trouble. I would definitely recommend this year model providing maintenance was done per schedule. I will probably buy another Lexus except I moved to a town with only a Toyota dealer so I wiil probably go with Toyota. Thanks to all previous posters who convienced me to but a Lexus. Hope this helps.

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  Simply WOW - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By Jim B - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Took a while for me to decide on the Mercedes or the Lexus. Am I glad I purchased the Lexus. I am amazed by the build quality, everything works with quiet percision. Great Acceleration, can drive in 50degree weather with the windows up in comfort, great sound system, and wonderful dealer support.

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  Amazing - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By Dr.J - September 19 - 12:50 am

  Ive always love to drive at night with the sunroof open. This car blows a sunroof away. Amazing power. Dead silent cabin with top down at high speed. Completely exhilarating. I look forward to the commute to work.