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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  2007 ES 350 - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By cre8ions - August 10 - 3:46 am

  When I was in the dealership looking at the I S250 the ES 350 arrived. MY GOD what a car! This car is the best entry level luxury vehicle ever sold. I was really going to buy the TL, but I ask any person who is not visually challenged which vehicle looks best? ES350! And the ride is perfect!!!

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  Best car ever - 2006 Lexus RX 330
  By Bayburt - August 8 - 4:03 pm

  This was my dream car. It is beyond my dream. Allways fun to drive. Trips are more exciting.

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  LS 460 Comments - 2007 Lexus LS 460
  By Leza2279 - August 7 - 2:23 pm

  I have been very happy with the LS 460 with the exception of one fault - and that is wind noise. Considering that this vehicle is the Lexus flagship, it is surprising that it has a fault such as wind noise. Supposedly Lexus is working on a fix.

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  Excellent car - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By ATV - August 7 - 10:00 am

  Drove the Discovery, RX330, X5, QX4, MDX. none had the comfort and styling as the GX. So smooth. Nav system is intuitive. Xenon lights not available because car height would cause blindness to oncoming cars

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  Well designed car - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By mountainman - August 7 - 10:00 am

  I test drove several other vehicles (Acuras, Infiniti, etc...) The Lexus is by far the best. Handles like a dream, well made and the instrumentation is intelligently designed. It has a beautifully smooth ride, but feels "tight" when you want to drive aggressively. By far the best car for a young adult with more mature needs (family etc...) but having that sports car drive. Kudos.

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  IS 300 is a solid car - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By Waggy - August 7 - 10:00 am

  I have owned the IS 300 for only a week and have never before owned a Lexus. Already my family has agreed we will never be without another Lexus in our garage. The IS 300 is a SOLID car. It has magnificant handling. If you check out the slalom times this thing is as quick as stock vette. The interior is incredibly beautiful and I feel like Lexus is very focused on the driver.

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  Well designed car - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By Mountainman - August 7 - 10:00 am

  I test drove several other vehicles (Acuras, Infiniti, etc...) The Lexus is by far the best. Handles like a dream, well made and the instrumentation is intelligently designed. It has a beautifully smooth ride, but feels "tight" when you want to drive aggressively. By far the best car for a young adult with more mature needs (family etc...) but having that sports car drive. Kudos.

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  Best quality car! - 1997 Lexus ES 300
  By Jack Hamid - August 7 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned this car for 5.5 yrs. Nothing to complain about. Never done any repairing. Parts are actually cheaper than most of the German/Japanese cars.

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  i like it, but - 2001 Lexus IS 300
  By yashka - August 7 - 10:00 am

  Thiss my third lexus (GS,SC,IS). Allways had very good expirience with cars and service dept. up to this point. One problem that no one seems to be talking about and help me with. Its the 17" tires by Good Year that came with IS. 24K miles and 10(ten) tires*$280 a pop later Im p..sed off as one can be!!!! BUUUUBLLLLLLES and blow outs twice (all hwy driving).Lexus refused to deal with it from day 4. Taking a big hit on $$$ and trading in. Lexus refused to deal with it from day 4.

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  One Awesome Car - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By trespinosranch - August 7 - 10:00 am

  I call it a car, because it handles/performs better than my 99 Acura TL. I got the Breakwater Blue color, NAV, DVD, heated seats, Premium Plus Pkg, tow pkg, & 18" wheels. Ive always wanted a Lexus based on everything Ive read. And now I know why these cars are rated so high. The build quality is fantastic.