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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  got what I paid for - 2016 Lexus RX 350
  By Steve Rowley - July 25 - 8:30 pm

  A really great SUV in its class

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  Lexus RX 330 - Perfect Fit - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Lisa R. Kaplan - July 25 - 5:53 pm

  I love this car. It looks small on the outside but dont judge a book by its cover, the inetrior cabin is very spacious and roomy and luxurious luxurious luxurious. Its a great performer and feels like a sedan on an SUV frame. Drives like a luxury automobile but your sitting raised up like an SUV. The crossover fashion that is in style now fits this auto.

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  Transmission Shifting - 2007 Lexus RX 350
  By Herb - July 24 - 3:20 am

  When youre going around the corner or taking off from a slow speed the car jerks into a lower gear and roars away. It doesnt shift smoothly into the next lower gear and smoothly drive away. It drives me crazy. The dealer "re-flashed" the computer and it didnt help much at all. If its a problem then Lexus better fix it soon. Ive already decided not to buy another even though I love the car otherwise. I may take a very much closer look at the new Toyota Tundra Im about to buy also.

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  Excellent Reliable Car - 1998 Lexus ES 300
  By johndds - July 24 - 1:46 am

  Original owner. ES 300 is extremely reliable: no engine/transmission problem. still get 19+ MPG. Timeless body design. Excellent value. However, does not drive like a BMW.

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  mendabend eval - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By berrien - July 23 - 9:53 am

  plenty of power..comfortable city and on the road ..great mileage..great overall package for the price

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  Best SUV - 2010 Lexus GX 460
  By cemi03 - July 22 - 11:06 pm

  I usually dont write reviews, but this time I need to write one. I have had several suvs like Acura (had problems) mdx, Mercedes, and Audi (had problems), this Lexus gx is by far the best; very quiet, comfortable, smooth to drive etc. And sorry consumer report magazine, you wont stop people from buying the best quality cars "Lexus"

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  go this puppy on valentines day - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By dietmarLasVegas - July 22 - 10:00 am

  well having never driven a car before this is a wonderfuel car and a great ride

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  Excellent - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By Andrea Gullotti - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I am totally happy with this car. I will no doubt buy another when the time comes to trading in.

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  2005 ES 330 review - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By craigrae - July 22 - 10:00 am

  Excellent ride and sufficient power

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  Lovin It - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Beachin - July 22 - 10:00 am

  Drove it to Oklahoma this summer, and its comfort was unsurpassed by previous SUV trips. Kept my back and legs at ease the whole time.