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 Makes the Best SUVs. Period. - 2016 Lexus RX 350
  By T Kim - October 4 - 9:58 am

  If you want the best SUV, then you want to buy a Lexus. This is my third Lexus SUV. I opted for the 450H F Sport model and could not be happier. Pros: ample power, yet great MPG. Gorgeous styling. Very comfortable interior. Unmatched reliability. Cons: nav system so-so; not cheap. It is funny to read those negative reviews about the Lexus RX. My guess is some of them are written by BMW/MB/Audi dealers. Lexus pioneered the luxury SUV and has been the sales leader in luxury SUVs from the beginning. It is obvious their European competitors are doing everything they can to knock down Lexus. The styling of the new Lexus RX is amazing. If you take the BMW/MB/Audi SUVs, remove their nameplates and their styling for many models are exactly the same. No originality! None! If you live in any metro area, 300HP is ample power. You do not need 500HP to drive around town! Bottom line is that if you want a great SUV that has a smooth ride and is reliable, go with Lexus. Lexus RX has been the best selling SUV for many good reasons. Lexus buyers are educated enough to know why Lexus is better than the rest.

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  An awesome car - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By Second LS - October 3 - 5:16 pm

  I have had a 96 LS, 2000 RX, and a 2003 GS. This is by far my favorite Lexus. I am 62 and about 300 lbs and this car has an abundant amt of room. Navigation is awesome. My son wont stop playing with it! My only issue is paint chips on the front. This is a great car!

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  Kinda disappointed - 2008 Lexus ES 350
  By carmoo - October 3 - 4:23 pm

  I have driven an Acura TL for the last five years. Let me unequivocally say that the TL is a superior vehicle except in one area. The lexus has a plush and very comfortable ride. The panel on the Lexus is completely dull. The low roof line really compromises us guys over 6 feet tall. The lexus lacks many features that are standard on the TL, like satellite radio. Upgrades on the lexus like land navigation are very expensive to add. This is not a sports sedan, lots of body roll in the curves. Decent power and excellent fuel efficiency for a v 6. BE AWARE: the paint job on this model really sucks! Two paint chips the day after I drove it off the lot and there are more! Loud engine!

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  IS 300 Outstanding - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By lugbolt - October 3 - 2:46 pm

  This has been a great car, with a fun driving experience. I test drove everything higher and lower in price, but I found nothing more exciting. Lexus quality is evident in ride and performance.

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  Lexus Makes Great Cars - 1997 Lexus ES 300
  By John R - September 30 - 8:06 am

  Ive had my 1997 ES300 for 10 years traveling 188,000 dependable miles. Best car Ive ever owned. If fact, I purchased a brand new 2007 GS350 AWD, with everything, because of my 1997 ES300 experience.

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  Stylish well built car, not suitable for families! - 2012 Lexus CT 200H
  By Richard Waldron - September 29 - 10:43 pm

  Had this car almost 3 years now, just reached the 30k mark. It is a great little car with good gas savings. We seem to average about 40-45 mpg with a mix of city and highway driving. I really only have 2 complaints.. 1. It is very low. So low I can not drive it up my drive without scrapping the bottom. So I have to park it on the street. 2. It is great for 1-2 people, but the back is too small for adults. With a baby on the way we will have to trade it in. Definitely no room for a stroller in the trunk! Trunk can not even fit a regular size suitcase. Tip: go to Toyota not Lexus for any servicing. A major Lexus service costs around $750. Toyota charge $200 for exactly the same service

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  Sports 4 door Sedan - 2005 Lexus IS 300
  By Onyx IS300 - September 28 - 10:00 am

  Excellent Driving, the car feels like a well balanced sports car, Braking system rivals BMW. Beautiful interior fabrics and high build quality, keeping with the Lexus name.

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  I love It - 2005 Lexus SC 430
  By tygthytht - September 28 - 10:00 am

  I love this car it is so perfect for me .This is the best car.It is everything I ever wanted not to big not to small it is great! And it runs great! I just got one a week ago!

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  sweet ride! - 2001 Lexus ES 300
  By nwowner - September 28 - 10:00 am

  I just bought a used 2001 ES300 with 35K (23000 miles) and I love it. I have owned 4 Hondas/Acura in a row and never understood why people bought Toyotas. After driving this car I have a new appreciation for the quality of the build and the resulting ride. Acuras do not compare in quietness and quality of materials. This car is sooo quiet and relaxing. I look forward to long trips in this car. Although it is not a corner hugging rocket in the City it is still fun to drive. The stereo is awesome, I love the seats, front and rear. I think I will be looking at Lexus in the future instead of Honda/Acura

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  Close to Perfect - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By EGB - September 28 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my 2005 ES330 for 2 weeks. I drive about 60 miles a day, mixed highway and city. The car is incredible: smooth as silk, QUIET cabin, no rattles, quality inside and out. You can see and feel the difference between Lexus and other Japanese brands like Acura and Infiniti, especially the interior materials and workmanship. Lexus is clearly better. Before choosing the Lexus, however, I was worried about the transmission "hesitation" problem mentioned in other forums. I test drove several 2005 ES330s. None had the transmission problem, including the one I ended up buying. My advice: test drive the car thoroughly and judge for yourself.