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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  Forget about other Crossovers - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Chags - September 24 - 7:13 pm

  This has been an excellent driving experience.

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  My First Lexus - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Percell - September 23 - 1:40 pm

  Ok... Im in the army and have heard and listened to the hype, now I own one. This is a great SUV with many of my soldiers standing in line for a drive around the block. Lexus service is outstanding. They really make you feel like you are part of the family.

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  Not all it should be - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Steve - September 23 - 10:26 am

  We purchased this vehicle primarily for my wife to drive. However, when we are going somewhere together I generally drive. At 63", I find the leg room in the drivers cabin to be sorely lacking. Within a week of ownership it developed a rattle inside the dash that required disassembly, including removing the windshield. Now, at 14000 miles the OEM Yokahamas are so noisy I will not drive/ride in the car until we replace the tires. Lexus claims some tires become "defective" at low mileage; however, the tires are not warranted for noise.

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  Not a great car. - 2005 Lexus SC 430
  By Tom Nault - September 22 - 6:53 am

  Ive owned one for a year and Ive nothing but annoying problems. Most are loud rattles and squeaks that the dealer cant seem to fix even though they hear them. The passenger seat shudders with every bump if unloaded. The car has been a complete nightmare and I dont recommend it to anyone unless you dont mind constant loud squeaks and other unwelcome noises. The car had more minor problems than most Ive owned. As an example, the left headlight washer didnt retract, grease kept smearing along the passenger side window, and the carpet had to be replaces just because of missing ring for the rug anchor. Im very disappointed in Lexus for their failure to find a solution.

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  Perfection - 2005 Lexus IS 300
  By Awesome Vehicle - September 22 - 3:36 am

  Great car! Purchased two weeks ago, and loving every moment behind the wheel. Test drove the BMW 325i and Acura TL. I was unimpressed with the acceleration of the 325i, and didnt like the feel of leatherette. I did like the TL but, didnt care too much for the front-wheel drive. Driving enthusiasts will love the IS300, as it seems to be the most well rounded vehicle in its class. Good acceleration, smoooooth Inline 6, classy, yet trendy interior, handling and braking comprable to the 325i, and unbelieveable customer service at Lexus dealerships. For the money, BMW didnt offer much more than the name, and Acura didnt do enough with the TL to win driving enthusiasts over...

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  Staggering - 2008 Lexus IS F
  By Dennis - September 21 - 1:16 pm

  I have a Mercedes C32 AMG and CLK500 but the ISF is so good I can see myself selling off the Mercedes. The ride is a bit firm for rougher chip roads (which we have a lot of here in New Zealand) but the electronics are faultless, the bellow of the car great and it does all that I hoped it would do - I am a Lexus convert!

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  Bad Transmission - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Peter - September 21 - 10:36 am

  I am very disappointed with the transmission on this car. It seems that it takes a good second to shift and sometimes it has a hard time finding the right gear.I am very surprised that Lexus would put such a poor quality transmission in one of there cars.I am returning the car to the dealer.

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  Excelent! - 2002 Lexus LS 430
  By Lex man - September 21 - 8:50 am

  That michel is crazy! I purchased a 2001 LS430, ultra-luxury package, fully loaded. The ride is great, and the Mark Levinson sound system is so great! Its the best i have ever hear! Bose and Nakamitchi are no way as good. GPS is great. Love the rear command center for massagers, climate, etc. Fantanstic!

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  Excellence & Suggestions - 2006 Lexus LS 430
  By Lexus LS 430 - September 20 - 9:26 pm

  The 2006 Lexus LS 430 has absolutely superb performance in a wide variety of driving situations. Recently, we drove to the top of Mt. Washington, NH. Going up the performance was excellent and even better coming down with the manual gear changes to meet the percent down-grade. Our trip of 2,400 miles averaged 28.2 MPG which is better than the manufacturer lists. This included the mountain driving in New England. Handling and sharp curves were sure and comfortable even in this non-sportÂ’s car. The automatic climate control required only occasional single degree temperature adjustments from 80 degrees to 39 degrees at the top of Mt. Washington.

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  Perfection - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By Smooth Ride - September 20 - 11:36 am

  If you need a dependable good looking vehicle. Then the Lexus ES300 is perfect for you. This car is faster than what most people say. This car just is all around smooth luxorious ride. If you want a race car then I would stay away from it. Navigation is a must.