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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  Pure Luxury - 2003 Lexus RX 300
  By wolfpack - October 13 - 2:00 am

  We shopped for SUVs for over a year and the RX 300 is the best overall SUV for the money, bar none. It is the best looking and the most comfortable. We definitely love this SUV.

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  Just sheer fun - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By Ir - October 13 - 2:00 am

  The great spring summer and fall weather made this car just shee fun. Put down the top find, an open road, put in your favorite CD and GO.

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  Love this truck. - 2006 Lexus GX 470
  By Sami - October 12 - 1:10 pm

  We just traded in our 05 Escalade for the 06 GX 470. We love it. The truck is truly beautiful inside and out. Rides like a dream. We were very nervous about going smaller in truck size but this truck offers us everything that we need in a nice neat package. We orded this truck fully loaded and are thrilled with everything. As for the 3rd row seat they are tight but the truck is smaller so that is to be expected. They are there just in case.

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  2009 RX Is Better Than Ever! - 2009 Lexus RX 350
  By ethridgedsb - October 10 - 4:13 pm

  Great vehicle! This is the 3rd Lexus RX that I have owned and I have to say that they have gotten better with each one. I just traded my 99 RX 300 with over 135,000 miles in for an 09 RX 350 Pebble Beach Edition (Truffle Mica color) and this new RX is rock solid. My 04 RX 330 has a small rattle/creaking sound that occasionally appears but there are absolutely no rattles/creaks in this 09. As for the larger more powerful 3.5 liter engine... I love it. If you are considering a luxury SUV I definitely recommend the Lexus RX 350.

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  milage reliability - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By pbuehler - October 9 - 2:42 am

  the first 120000 were smooth trouble free getting 18mpg town/25mpg road. went to bridgestone tires and rides like a limo. leather seats are thin but comfortable. at 125000 2 fuel injectors worn out $700. at 135000 smog canister failure light $700. now, front passenger seat air bag system warning lights. cost ? as it is going to someone else.

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  Fill er up please - 1999 Lexus LX 470
  By 1 truck mind - October 8 - 10:00 am

  I am the lucky owner of a Cashmere colored 99 LX 470. This vehicle has it all, great looks, reliability, and the best retention of value. Mine also sports a WAAG front and rear brush guard, with 6 inch Piaas on the front. It gives it a nice mix of rugged, yet very elegant. This vehicle is a must for any one that wants the best of both worlds.

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  Pleasure to Drive - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By Steve R. - October 8 - 10:00 am

  A beautiful car to look at, fun to drive. Slower accelertion than my wifes 2001 Avalon, but as the engine breaks in, the performance improves. Dash board is the best Ive seen. An extremely comfortable car for long drives. Dealer is efficient and attentive in providing service. An all- round satisfying experience. Tough luck, Volvo owners.

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  RX330 BEST MID SIZE SUV - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By LEXUS LOVER - October 8 - 10:00 am

  The all-new RX330 is the best mid-size suv on the market. Lexus has made a suv drive very smooth and handle like a car. The suv has a very quiet engine and offers plenty of room. The RX330 has one of the best fuel economies for an SUV, better than ML350, X5, and others. The RX330 is the best of both worlds!

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  Dreams - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By CindyRose - October 7 - 5:06 pm

  Better than any vehicle I have ever owned at any price. A dream come true!

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  Love it - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By Incredible - October 7 - 9:10 am

  The only problem we had is a bad cable in the sun roof - replaced for almost nothing after the warranty period was up. Bought this vehicle new and now has 125,000 miles. Serviced the vehicle at required intervals at Newport Lexus which has excellent service. No repairs made to this vehicle other than brakes. We also own a 2001 GS 430 which now has 220,000 miles - has never leaked oil and the only repairs have been a radiator replacement and engine mounts - both replaced at 200k miles. I drive the GS and push it real hard, but it does not care.