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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  Love my Ct200h - 2011 Lexus CT 200H
  By chuck2012 - September 12 - 2:40 am

  In the compact, high mileage,near luxury market the CT200h is by itself. I have had mine since mid March. I bought it right after the Tsunami hit as i figured the supply chain would be disrupted for awhile. I could not be happier with the vehicle. I am averaging 49mpg in mixed suburban driving. It sips gas. After 400 miles I put in 8 gallons of regular gas. I love the style of the car. I call it a hybrid with an attitude. It is not a rocket, although the Sport mode (driver selectable by a dial on the console) gives better uphill acceleration. Remember it is a hybrid based on the Prius platform. If you want to decrease your gas consumption and want to do it style, get the Ct200h.

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  my car - 1996 Lexus ES 300
  By chuck pelham - September 10 - 5:36 pm

  It`s just a fun car to drive, gas miles is great because I work 50 miles from home (1 way). Its fast, comfortable,& stereo sounds good. However the disc changer in the trunk works but it will not play. It shows error on the radio display.

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  Elaishun - 2004 Lexus GS 300
  By Atheer - September 8 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is comfortable, secure, quiet and reliable.

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  good value - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By orpheus561 - September 8 - 10:00 am

  nice family sedan. beautifully designed car. though a bit heavy bodied for the engine.

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  Simply the best I driven - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Outlaw12 - September 8 - 10:00 am

  Just finished my first 1000 miles and this car is simply flawless. Exterior has great looks and designs and interior is absolutely gorgeous. Fine leather,great controls,navigation is outstanding and the Mark Levison sound system is unbelievable.

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  This thing rocks! - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By ken - September 7 - 11:06 pm

  This thing is awesome! Ive been driving it for just over a month and the handling and empowering feel you get driving this thing is second to none!I Highly recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for a fantastic driving experience!

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  Great Car! - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Preston - September 4 - 7:50 am

  We compared the Toyota Avalon, Camry and the ES330 and we decided on the 330 due to interior component quality and design. We live in the desert with summer temperatures as high as 115 and we noted that the Toyotas didnt have an adequate air conditioner. It was cold but it was as if the blower was on 1/2. There is an obvious difference between the price of the Camry and the Lexus, but we feel the Lexus is twice the car for about 9K more as equipped. We are ecstatic about the ES330 and we are amazed at the quality each time we drive it. As compared with the Avalon, the Lexus feels like more quality and less nonsense without the doors over the stereo and Nav.

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  Okie dissapointment! - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By DDD - September 3 - 1:26 pm

  My wife and I went from a wonderful 07 to this cumbersome 10. The ride is rougher, window noise, a loss of 4 to 5 MPG, and it drives like a truck. The turning radius is greater, the steering is slow to respond, the acceleration is OK but the vehicle seems so big Im afraid to goose-it. We screwed-up! My wife and I both wish we would have kept the 07. The 07 was nimble, quick and fun to drive. The 10 is none of the above. One positive is I have a little more leg room in the drivers seat. The information panels are hard to see and select. Auto wipers did not come with the 10. The bluetooth is difficult to hook-up three layers down in the console. My advice dont trade.

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  Best RX Yet - 2006 Lexus RX 330
  By hmthrco - September 2 - 7:50 pm

  A real pleasure. Everything works. Even the Nav System which is difficult to master is better than the last I had. Performance is very good and handling is outstanding.

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  Done Right - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By mikefas - September 2 - 2:00 am

  Loving almost everything about this car. Fit and finish is superb. Loads of features make the driving experience terrific. My only gripe is lack of power. G35 coupe had a lot more uder the hood.