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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  fun - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By rickww - August 31 - 2:00 am

  Nothing for the dealer to fix at the 1k checkup because everything was right. Rides nice and has plenty of power unless you are a policeman who gets paid for how many tickets he writes. Interior is a significant accomplishment for twice the price. Quality surrounds.

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  That is my style - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By Jerry Teng - August 31 - 2:00 am

  it is a excellent car with great interior luxury and comfort, stylish, and many nice features which is optional to many German cars. I like the wood package most, it is so cozy. it is silver smooth and it is my style.

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  I love this car - 2006 Lexus RX 330
  By Mrs. J in SC - August 29 - 1:26 pm

  I had recently purchased the RX330 and I am in love with this vehicle. This SUV has everything that I want. My husband has driven my car and he is really impressed as well. This is my first Lexus and I know this will not be my last.

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  Outstanding value - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By mox1 - August 29 - 7:26 am

  I upgraded from RX 300 to the LS 430. To say that I am delighted with this car is an understatement. I cant wait to go to work every morning so that I can enjoy my hour long drive to work. With the rock solid reliability, the tremendous value for the money, the German rivals offer no competition. At 60K it is a bargain for all the features packed.

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  Very Happy ES 300 owner - 2001 Lexus ES 300
  By Chris - August 26 - 6:43 am

  I purchased mine used with 36K miles and, like another ES 300 reviewer on this site, had to replace the idle control sensor as well! (defect?) Other than that the car has been a dream. I like it better than the newer Lexus models which have too many extra do-dads like a navigation system, etc. (Im a man and I know directions!)

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  Meets expectations - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By nice car - August 25 - 3:06 pm

  Compared all mid sized luxury and kept coming back to ES 350. Considered A6 also. Power and economy are surprisingly great. Really glad I got the nav.

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  Totally impessive - 2003 Lexus GS 300
  By ScB - August 25 - 10:00 am

  I waited quite a while to finally purchase a luxury sports sedan. This time allowed for me to compare head to head several compting models from BMW, Audi, and Infiniti. They all were nice but only the Lexus GS300 was exceptional. I purchased the sports edition and have not looked backed. Beautiful to look at and to drive. Drives with power and authority and has the most solid feel in its class. It is difficult to describe the experience without being behind he wheel, but my guess is this is the best of both performance and luxury out there. I without hesitation recommend this car.

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  Reliable - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Eclipse - August 25 - 10:00 am

  I was driving down i-95 and suddenly the car shook, slightly but you could tell that something was different and my friend asked me what had happened, I replied, we just had a blow out. My friend being the owner of a ford expedition said, that was the best blowout i have ever been in. (meaning the safest) When she got home she decided to turn in her ford for a lexus!!

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  Nnothing Compares to the LS430 - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By JWW - August 23 - 8:50 am

  This is a truly superb vehicle in design, performance and reliability. It is our 3rd Lexus and it is hard to get my wife to let me use it. The seats are fantastic. This is an outstanding highway cruiser with outstanding fuel economy and comfort. We will buy another Lexus when we replace this one.

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  Happy in my GX - 2006 Lexus GX 470
  By marc - August 22 - 4:20 pm

  Traded in my RX 330 after 1 month for the GX! What a difference! Really great comfortable truck. I love the rear camera and nav. Totally great!