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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  Great Car - 2001 Lexus GS 300
  By Bill Ayotte - August 2 - 2:00 am

  I have enjoyed this car a lot and would recommend it to anyone. We now own the Lexus SUV as well.

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  Lexus IS 300 sport design - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By laurith - August 2 - 2:00 am

  If I lived in my IS 300 would people think I was wierd? Seriously I LOVE my car. It has exceeded my expectations all around!!!! I live in Wisconsin and all the rearwheel drive horror stories I was told about this car are simply untrue. Are elderly people giving the review or what? Thanks to the snow and sport track options w/ the I-shift transmission I never even slid. This car is unbelievable! Ive never looked for more reasons to drive a car!

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  BEST CAR IN USA - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By KEN FRANK - August 2 - 2:00 am

  BUILT LIKE A ROLEX..........FINEST FIT AND FINISH

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  eds review - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By edf - August 2 - 2:00 am

  ls430 is--a great car-great dealer service only problem plain extrior design would highly recomend car

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  Weird Shifting Trans - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By JGawry - August 2 - 2:00 am

  This car is smooth riding and comfortable, but the transmission is funky. If you accelerate quickly or slowly, it is fine. But, if you are in- between, or change your mind and let off the accelerator, the shifting gets confused and the transmission even slips occasionally. I would hope for a recall of some sort to fix this, once Lexus gets enough complaints.

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  Exactly Fits The Bill - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By Darrenstl - July 31 - 10:00 am

  The car is a blast to drive, I love the 5 speed and the power to get around just about anything I want to. The styling is edgy enough to keep the Buick buyers away, and sedated enough to be take seriously. The back seat is perfect for carting around friends in luxury while I enjoy the trip.

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  LS 430 - 2002 Lexus LS 430
  By LexWis - July 31 - 10:00 am

  I have owned several S-Class Mercedes models. The LS 430 is their equal in every way--except for the substantial price savings. This is the finest luxury sedan sold in the U.S. Outstanding acceleration and great comfort are two of its greatest attributes. I am 64" tall and have plenty of leg and head room. I drove this car over 100 miles in one day and was not overly tired. If this car has a shortcoming, I havent found it yet.

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  Love this vehicle - 2007 Lexus RX 350
  By Kathy - July 30 - 4:40 pm

  I wanted to buy a Lexus SUV for 3 years. I loved the look and had never heard anything negative about them. Finally I was able to purchase one and it has not been a disappointment I recently drove mine on a 1000 mile vacation and loved every minute I drove it. It was quiet, responsive, and fuel efficient. Besides all of that it is beautiful to look at.

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  Lexus RX 330 - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Jennifer Arunyon - July 28 - 12:36 pm

  Very excellent car. Drove Mercedes for years now Im hooked on Lexus. Their service is way superior to Mercedes. I am very happy with my car and plan on buying more Lexus in the future.

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  The Best Sedan - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Leo - July 26 - 5:46 am

  For more than a month I researched and test drove 5 different competition sedans before deciding on the ES 350. Ive had the car almost 3 months now, the car is very smooth to drive and theres a lot of room. Very comfortable and fun to drive. With all the standard equipments and options, its priced much less than its European counterparts. And of course its a Toyota which only means its going to live longer.