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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  Long time owner - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By nyjeff - September 6 - 12:17 am

  Bought the car new in 03, 1st car Ive ever put on 100K + miles. The car has been great - limited repairs (brakes); fun to drive, sporty; very practical, folded down split rear and front seat to carry home 8 lumber. Mostly commuting, but also long trips. Ride a bit harsh on seamed or rough roads.

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  LIKE BUDDUH - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By jdgmusic - September 5 - 8:23 am

  I purchased my 07 ES 350 after totaling my Cadillac STS. This is a near-perfect balance of comfort, QUIET ride, economy, performance, amenities, and quality!!

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  Just a beautiful automobile. - 2007 Lexus RX 350
  By MrChiSox - September 5 - 5:28 am

  About 15 years ago I worked for a contracting company that was building the new service department at a local Lexus dealership in my area and I fell in love with the RX 330. I cant afford to buy a brand new car so I spent a year searching for a used RX 350 that had fully maintenance history documented and found mine with service done every 5,000 at the same dealership. Ive owned mine now for just under one year and find that its superb in every aspect; interior is luxurious and features enough electronic gadgetry to satisfy, its really comfortable to drive, gas mileage is decent and it has plenty of get up and go for a guy of my age who is not interested in trying to set land speed records. Its attractive styling is what made me fall in love with it and mine came with a brand new set of Michelin tires on it which give it a very smooth, comfortable, quiet ride. Ive heard from many RX owners over the years that I can expect reliability in abundance well into the 200,000+ mile range if its well taken care of and I do my best to pamper mine. This is my dream automobile and I am very much pleased with my purchase.

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  Very Good Overall - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By ttb - September 4 - 1:13 am

  This is my first SUV and Lexus. The ride is comfortable with good visibility both front and back. Gas mileage has been spot on. With over 1300 miles 65-70% highway getting 21.2 mpg overall. Very comfortable seats (Im 63"). Layout of controls are good and easy to use for me. Received a UBS and power plug extension from dealer which eliminates problems I read about access. Not as high performance as BMW X5 (X5 handles better) but that is not what I was looking for out this vehicle. RX has plenty of power. RX zero problems and quality seems very good so far. Cant say the same for the X5. This vehicle is designed for a pleasant ride.

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  2008 Lexus RX350 - Love it... - 2008 Lexus RX 350
  By djevanstn - September 3 - 12:31 pm

  Its been great. Has nearly all options. No problems so far. It just "feels right." Everything just seems to "work" right and seems well placed.

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  Bankers Hotrod - 2005 Lexus SC 430
  By DarthOboe - September 3 - 10:00 am

  Purchased in July of 2001 - much nicer attention to detail and esp. luxury than the very stiff and austere SL I owned. Truly 2 cars in one - with top up quieter than the Caddy STS I owned and a fun top down convertable. True and solid famed Lexus quality at a great price for this type car. Im keeping mine!

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  Love my 2010 RX350, waited 4 years - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By LexusRX-Owner - September 3 - 1:06 am

  After all the research and visits to all the other dealerships I ended up buying my third Lexus. I waited about 3 years for Lexus to put some life into the RX model and it was worth the wait. Very happy with my SUV from all aspects. I would recommend this to everyone that is in the market for a new car.

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  Best Luxury SUV - 2006 Lexus GX 470
  By RT - September 3 - 1:03 am

  I have been researching for a perfect SUV with 3rd row capacity. GX 470 is by far the best of all. It drives so smooth like a luxury sedan. I am not an off road person. The only option I did not get is sport package. The vehicle is stylish outside and luxurous inside. The engine is not the most powerful but more than enough. Good towing capacity. It beats all comparables hands down.

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  My 2005 LS 430 - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By Charles H. Hasper - September 1 - 10:20 am

  This is a comfortable luxury sedan that performs and handles like a sports car. I have had the other premium sedans, keep testing and know that I wouldnt be satisfied with another make. And its safe. Was hit head-on and survived well. NOTHING ever goes wrong with this car!

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  Leuxs SC 430 - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By dpb - August 31 - 2:00 am

  Outstanding vehicle. Used to have a C5, and I cant believe how many more people have commented on what a great looking car the SC430 is (did not get near the same number of compliments with the C5).