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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  AWESOME VEHICLE - SMOOTH RIDE - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Karen M - July 30 - 2:30 pm

  This is my first Lexus. This car drives like a dream; quiet, smooth and extremely responsive. One of the easiest car purchases Ive ever made. I love everything about this vehicle.

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  Move over MB 500S - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By dr. ted - July 29 - 10:00 am

  Traded in a 2000 M/B 500S. This car is far superior in construction, engineering, performance and is also "fun to drive." I cant imagine that I did not make the switch before! Finally, every trip to the dealership is met with courtesy and a caring that was never there with the Mercedes dealers. Lexus is happy that you came in; Mercedes always had the attitude that "you should be glad we are here to help you!"

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  Just Awesome - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By firsttimeLEXUS - July 29 - 10:00 am

  Just love everything in it.This is my first lexus product to own and am 100 % satisfied w/ everything, it delivers the whole package that I needed in an SUV. Just made right-not overdone.

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  Cudahy1 - 2016 Lexus RX 350
  By Michael Eade - July 26 - 10:31 pm

  Super smooth ride. Luxury at its best.

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  Love my Lexus! - 2000 Lexus GS 300
  By missy - July 23 - 4:03 pm

  I purchased my car used in June of 2009 with about 123k miles. The previous owner already changed the timing belt and water pump. The dealer gave me an old change and new front brakes. I had to replace the contacts on the starter (about $85 including labor), flushed the transmission, new spark plugs & replaced some engine seals. I didnt do all this work at once though. I expected to do a little maintenance since it was a used car.

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  love this car - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By cjl32 - July 23 - 10:00 am

  This car is a major headturner. Lexus has the best service in the world. I test drove the G35, CL, TL, 325i and the IS300 was by far the best deal and best car. This car is so quiet that sometimes I forget its on!

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  Great car! - 2002 Lexus LS 430
  By lymanls2 - July 22 - 10:43 am

  The car does everything a luxury sedan should do, and does it well. It is dependable, good looking, smooth riding, powerful, spacious inside without being bulky outside, and has a big trunk for lots of cargo. I could not be happier with a car.

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  Unbelieveable Power - 2007 Lexus GS 450h
  By Chuck - July 21 - 4:30 pm

  Best car Ive ever owned. My wife and I fight over who drives it. Very hard to stay under 100 mph. Always looking for someone to race.

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  Lexus SC 430 - 2005 Lexus SC 430
  By Lexus lover - July 21 - 2:43 am

  Best coupe convertible ever. More roomy than XLR or AMG 55 and better appointment and craftmanship than both of those. The cockpit is relaxed and functional. None of the convertibles tested would allow one to go down the highway with the top down and be able to talk without shouting and to listen to the stereo except the Lexus SC 430. We love ours and I am 62" and sit comfortably in the passenger seat. The passenger seat reclines to allow short naps on long trips. Not doable on the XLR or the MB AMG.

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  Second Lexus - 2007 Lexus LS 460
  By Don - July 20 - 4:13 am

  Still have my 2001 LS 430, just had to have the LS 460, great power, good gas mileage. I dont understand people complaining about the seats, I love them. My 430 has the electronic speed control, its a pain on the interstate, so didnt get it on the 460.