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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  More bang for your buck than BMW m3 - 2008 Lexus IS F
  By IS-F for life = ) - September 18 - 8:46 pm

  This is the best car I have ever owned and driven. This car came standard with all options including navigation etc. Extremely reliable, and with cruise control on when driving on the open road, I averaged 29.8 mpg while going 70mph which is impressive for a v-8 sports car even if you dont like the brand. I paid 54,000 for my car which came with everything, and compared to the legendary BMW m-3 which cost over 71,000 and only came with heated leather seats and nothing else standard! Lexus is more bang for your buck! Never owned a Lexus before, but this is great!

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  Best Car of My Life - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By Dick Verinder - September 18 - 12:30 pm

  This is the 18th car of my life. Previous car was Toyota Camry - sold after 9 years and 292,000 miles. This Lexus is better and I expect to keep it a full ten years. Reported mileage by Edmunds is too low. Without Ethanol mix I typically get 34 MPG highway at 65 MPH and 26 MPG city. This car is almost six years old and looks and rides like its brand new. Lexus service is unbelievably efficient - you get spoiled real fast.

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  I Love My Car! - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By Jenola Williams - September 17 - 4:06 am

  I love the way my Lexus rides. I always enjoy taking a drive even if its just down the street. I would strongly recommend it to anyone who can afford it.

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  I love my wifes car - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By wayne reid - September 15 - 10:00 am

  It has to be the best built car that I have ever driven. Its a blast to drive.

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  Great Car - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By MarsB - September 15 - 10:00 am

  Awesome car to drive! Very close to my SL500 but 1/2 the price.

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  sweeet - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By jonblazzin - September 15 - 10:00 am

  I never considered buying the rx330 let alone a lexus. But the dealership was right by the acura where i went to purchase the mdx. After i test drove the lex, all the features and the smooth ride convinced me to purchase this over the mdx. so far so good.

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  Its all that and more! - 2006 Lexus GX 470
  By HM173 - September 15 - 4:56 am

  This is a car that gives you more for your money than any other car Ive owned. The Nav and DVD are a nice, but the safety features are a must (side impact air bags, curtain and dash as well). When comparing this car with others make list of options, fuel economy and price and this car wins hands down.

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  Luxury at a bargain price! - 2001 Lexus GS 300
  By DrMFT - September 14 - 6:40 pm

  Just purchased this 2001 GS 300 with 108k miles. Got it for a great price but am settling in for the higher maintenance costs. Just ordered a new key fob to the tune of $290. Ouch! Every 15k mile service is BIG bucks! Other than this, I am blessed to have such a great car!

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  Best in Class - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By 122469 - September 14 - 2:00 am

  For the money, the vehicle is definetely a great purchase. Compared to its competitors there is no question the 430s ride is equally, if not more impressive than the 745 or S class. Save a few thousand dollars w/o sparing luxury.

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  This is the car! - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By ThomasnSavGA - September 13 - 8:06 am

  Ive had my ES for a month now. The mpg on the first tank of gas was around 25. My current readings are over 28. Wow! It looks incredible in Amber Pearl. Its very comfortable for short commutes as well as longer trips. No troubles at all, and dont expect any. Ill only drive Lexus from here on out.