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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  2004 Lexus ES 330 - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Lexus e-s 330 - July 29 - 2:40 pm

  I am a female who works the night shift and everyday I have to take the interstate, The LexusES-330 has been wonderful to me. I previously leased the same car for 4 years, never once in the four years that I leased it, did it break nor left me on the road. I thank god for the makers of Lexus, this car is reliable, comfortable, and everyone at work is always praising the car. Lexus keep up the excellent work.

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  Lexus no more - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Lexus No More - July 28 - 2:50 am

  I purchased a 2005 ES330/new... had it in for service 4 times. The transmission always felt like it was missing when slowing down and then accelerating. Once you got going it is a very smooth ride. Apparently the design is flawed. There is a computer chip that needs to refresh, which is fine if you never yield or slow down to go around a corner. The dealership offered a new ES3 50..with extra cost... but I just purchased a 2007 530i BMW.

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  Dependable, But Front Panel Rattle Issue - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Geenz - July 27 - 12:03 pm

  While my Lexus 2006 GS 300 AWD is very reliable, I do have an issue with it. The radio console and front dashboard panel on occasion will have rattling issues. Extremely annoying when the rattle starts. I cant understand why Lexus would put in a radio console that has multiple plastic part assembly in the radio panel, and poor padding in the front dashboard panel. Very poor radio/console design. They missed this in there quality control. Ive brought my car in to the dealer twice, theyve resolved most rattles in the front dashboard panel area, but not the radio console front panel. For a higher end luxury car, this is unacceptable.

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  excellance - 2000 Lexus LS 400
  By cjdl - July 27 - 10:00 am

  I just love the ride of this Platinum LS 400. I have had 7 Lexus and this one rides the best - even better than the 2002LS400 Ultra.

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  Wow - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By Greg Hoyle - July 27 - 10:00 am

  I traded in my 2001 LS430, and just love the new version. Lots of nice touched, great ride and I love the Smart Key!

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  Lexus - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Per - July 27 - 10:00 am

  Such an amazing SUV!

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  Love this Vehicle - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By Chrissy - July 27 - 3:00 am

  This vehicle is the best car I have ever owned. Its fun to drive, has a lot of passenger room and storage. The gas mileage is much better then most SUVs. Its sporty looking and very versatile.

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  Beautiful Little SUV Hybrid - 2015 Lexus NX 300h
  By jrgdds - July 27 - 12:25 am

  IMO, The way that the NX300h handles and accelerates is way better than some of the professional reviewers have claimed especially wen driving in sports mode. The NX300h is well appointed for comfort as one would expect from Lexus, and the cars technology is probably more than most people will ever require, but its there if you need it. The interior has a well thought out ergonomic design.

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  Nice car overall - 2010 Lexus HS 250H
  By gblakeley - July 26 - 9:53 am

  Went to buy a Prius, wife said no way would not drive an egg. Weve had the car for about 9 months, bought used (demo) with 18k miles. Have about 28k miles. Very nice car, but the into gas miles are not close to want Lexus states. On flat surface drive it might get 30 to 31 miles. With slight hills in area around 25 mpg. On the freeway at 60-62 mph will get over 40 mpg!! But bought the car mainly for in town driving. Wife does not like to drive because she cant see front end because of the way the hood is shaped :]. I have no problem. Seats a a little narrow for those of us over 230 lbs.

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  So Far, Excellent - 2009 Lexus ES 350
  By Mickey - July 26 - 2:56 am

  Just bought the 09 with Levinson, Nav, and ultra luxury package in the Matador Red. The thing is gorgeous and fun to drive! I traded in an Impala, so this is a whole different ballgame. Got a great deal since the 10s are coming in. Highly recommend getting the Levinson.