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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  RX300 input - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By BigEasyRX - September 15 - 2:00 am

  Best Luxury SUV for the money.

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  Bad experience - 2003 Lexus RX 300
  By RX300Owner - September 15 - 2:00 am

  I think Ive got a lemon this time. Terrible rattle comes from the left side of the vehicle. Excessive wind noise at 60mph. According to a service "professional" from Putnam Lexus the wind noise is a standard for this type of vehicle, and I could get rid of it by folding the driver side mirror. This car was in service several times but all the problems are still there + Ive got several new ones like scratch on the bumper and ink on leather. My advice: Test this vehicle on all types of road before purchasing, and BEWARE of the service department at Putnam Lexus in Redwood City, CA

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  Excellent Used Car - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By Lexus Jay - September 14 - 6:16 am

  I have owned the vehicle for about a month, and have been impressed with how smooth it handles, how peppy the engine is, and how comfortable the interior is. Many luxury / convenience features make this an excellent choice for a used vehicle.

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  Unbelievable Lemon Lexus - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By No to Lexus - September 10 - 11:53 am

  I purchased the Lexus for mechanical reliability; unfortunately in the first week the gas tank had to be reattached because it was not bolted properly. Shortly after that the power steering pump had to be replaced; the radio stopped playing, the amplifier had to be replaced; the ignition system chimed after I removed the key, had to be replaced; then the radiator was recalled and had to be replaced. The transmission seemed confused at times when accelerating.I asked for a replacement car after the first incident in the first week;Lexus customer service said it was all covered under warranty and offered an extended warranty 6 mo later. I would not pay the extra money for a Lexus again.

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  Stuck in Fresno with a GX - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By Stuck With a GX - September 9 - 10:00 am

  Our fully loaded GX was delivered and we Loved it. However we learned of a few flaws that were not traditionally Lexus.( See Improvements) NOISE & VIBRATION at 50+ mph and Fan Clutch noise. I suspect the next year model to address these issues. Problem is NOBODY WILL WANT MY USED GX then. Quite Unhappy

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  GX 470 in a class of its own - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By Mrs Sinha - September 9 - 10:00 am

  The lexus GX 470 drives like a dream. It has all the features that you would want with an SUV at the same time feels like a car. Excellent Mark Levinson system. We love the SUV, it fits our family needs. Its a very fun vehicle and we enjoy it very much.

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  Engine noise too loud - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Signman - September 9 - 10:00 am

  When accelerating the engine noise is loud and rough. It doesnt have the smoothness of a Lexus sedan. I wonder if Toyota forgot to put extra sound barriers around the engine. Paid a whole lot of money for a car that sound really cheap.

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  Love it - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By sofiegrace - September 9 - 5:53 am

  I love this car. this is my 3rd Lexus suv and it gives you luxury, style, comfort, reliability and great dealer/product service. I would and have recommended this car to everyone. Lexus cannot be compared to any other car!

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  Love it - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By sofiegrace - September 9 - 5:53 am

  I love this car. This is my 3rd Lexus SUV and it gives you luxury, style, comfort, reliability and great dealer/product service. I would and have recommended this car to everyone. Lexus cannot be compared to any other car!

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  ES300 CPO Review - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By Don - September 9 - 5:03 am

  I bought a Certified Pre Owned with 33k Miles fully loaded - I am disappointed at the control options - Most of it seemed to be copied from Camry. Most annoying feature is the Cruise Control. Most of the controls can be fixed on the steering. Smooth ride but engine cribs on inclined roads.