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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  Acceleration - 2010 Lexus GX 460
  By Russ - July 25 - 10:00 am

  I have had the same issued since the date of purchase. From a stop when you accelerate the vehicle has a stall or hesitation for 2 or 3 seconds. This does not occur every time thus creates a problem for Lexus. I have complained to Lexus and gone through the hearing process which is a waste of time. The representatives from Lexus and the hearing panel drove the vehicle across the street from the hotel and around the Costco parking lot and said the vehicle did not demonstrate a problem. The vehicle has a problem!

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  My Blue Lex - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By MyBluLex - July 23 - 7:20 am

  I waited a long time to buy the car of my dreams, and this car has proven to be beyond my dreams. I get comments all the time about the car. Driving with the top down and my long blonde hair blowing in the wind really gets some stares. Love it.. love it.. love it.

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  Lexus RX 400h Excellence - 2008 Lexus RX 400H
  By TJG - July 23 - 6:36 am

  While the RX 400h comes standard with Goodyear RSA tires, it is best to negotiate for Michelin Energy MXV4 S8, b/c of ride improvement, superior wear, better gas mileage by 5% or more. Michelin Energy on the RX make a big positive difference in ride quality and quietness. Dont bother with the Mark Levinson stereo; but do opt for the built-in GPS with Bluetooth and rear view camera. Acceleration at all speeds is impressive; w/a light foot, gas mileage can be 29 mpg+ in city and on a good day 27 mpg+ on the highway w/cruise control active. Expect 25 mpg+ avg. Very nice set of wheels.

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  Affordable Luxury - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By Cmazanec - July 21 - 4:33 pm

  I bought this car in late Fall from a private party. After much debate about what kind of SUV to buy I can now say I made a great choice! I was comparing it to the 4Runner and other comparable SUVs. I was a litte hesitant about buying a Lexus because of the cost factor and I thought that it may be too much to maintain. Since I bought it all I have done is a front brake job which I knew it needed when I bought it. Of course at first I brought it to a Lexus dealer but after seeing their review and estimates I brought it to my local shop and they did the same work for a lot less. I saved about $150 on the brake job with them. I have been extremely satisfied with it so far!

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  a "sure thing" / "safe bet" - 2003 Lexus GS 300
  By jersey owner - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I found that the car tends to get really boring really quickly. The steering feel is isolated from the road, and acceleration is VERY poor at low speeds. After about 30mph though, the car has some decent pickup. There is alot of lightweight material in the dash, the moonroof cover is loose and rattles at high speeds. There is alot more wind noise on the highway than i would have expected. For a blah 6 cylander engine, fuel economy on this car is pretty disappointing. Especially for a Toyota product. Lastly, with the standard issue tires, this car is utterly useless in the rain. Im going to replace them soon.

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  NICE CAR BUT - 2001 Lexus GS 300
  By RHPCPA - July 21 - 2:00 am

  REALLY LIKED THE CAR AFTER DRIVING LINCOLNS FOR SEVERAL YEARS. BUT I HAVE HAD IT IN THE SH0P FOR FOUR PROBLEMS. NONE SERIOUS(I.E. RADIO WENT OUT, DIMMING SWITCH WENT OUT, BATTERY DIED. REAR VIEW MIRROR BROKE. DEALERSHIP FIXED ALL BUT DISAPPOINTED THAT I HAD TO TAKE IT IN SEVERAL TIMES.

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  Fabulous!!! - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By Victorian - July 21 - 2:00 am

  This car has only been a pleasure to drive and the compliments I constantly get prove that the exterior design is eye-catching. I would highly recommend this vehicle to all.

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  Lexus 430 SC - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By John Burns - July 21 - 2:00 am

  After 7 convertables owned this by far the best. Great retractable top. Great interior with the exception of the back seat.

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  sc430 great second car - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By T4321 - July 21 - 2:00 am

  great second carto drive in the city but on a trip the trunk is small and it is only a two seater

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  This is a Great Car - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By Carol McMillan - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car when it first came out. Felt like a rock star riding around in it for the first three months. Everyone wanted to see it. They loved seeing how the hard top retracted in 39 seconds. I have no complaints. I still have the run flat tires. Its a slightly bumpy ride but no more than my old Porsche & it gives me more trunk space. Its a sports car thats completely reliable -- a miracle in our time. Its fast enough. Love the sound system and the navigation system. If I get a new car it will probably be a newer version of the SC430