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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  So good we bought TWO! - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By MrsLighting - July 4 - 10:00 am

  All I can say is that we loved the GX SO much that we bought 2! We traded in an LS & an RX & we think we got the best of both vehicles in the GX. I have 2 carseats in my GX @ all times as well as a dble jog stroller & Im still able to fit in more plants & groceries than you can imagine! The DVD player is a godsend; it keeps my girls happy & the headphones are great!My husband is a salesrep & puts about 40K + miles a yr on his vehicles & the GX has so many great features especially the GPS system that help him to make the GX his rolling office. Oh, and the GX can really MOVE! To sum it up; the GX is is an all round AWESOME vehical for anyone & everyone!

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  lexus rx 350 2008 - 2008 Lexus RX 350
  By fish34 - July 4 - 7:49 am

  I bought this car at Lexus of Las Vegas ( original owner ) The vehicle drive smooth but the tranmision 2nd & 3rd jerking really bad i bring it back to the dealer they tell me tranmision went out. Estimated $5000.00 to replace. At 74600 miles the tranny give up That is not reliable . According to service man he see a lot tramision problem some are newer.I have 3 boys i drive like an old man i never thought this could happened. Very disappointed

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  Refined middleweight cruiser - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Don Geeze - July 3 - 9:06 pm

  Drove every competitor and many others. Passed on the new Avalon because the doors covering the dash didnt close or open properly in any but 1 of the 6 I sat in. This is my 62nd car and by far the overall best. Extras like rain sensing wipers, auto leveling headlights, ventilated seats and voice activated navigation are surpisingly good to have. Smoother and quieter than many large cruisers, but more nimble and gets decent MPG. Interior is ergonomically almost perfect (and did I mention quiet?). Exterior is unique although easily confused with a Camry. Doors close with a solid thunk, unlike the Jaguars I looked at.

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  Even Better in 2008 - 2008 Lexus RX 350
  By Sean - July 3 - 1:16 am

  This is my second RX. Just traded in the 04 model and Im blown away with all the upgrades. Clearly there were focus groups held and Toyota/Lexus listened! Better acceleration/power, better fuel economy, and all the right upgrades to the navigation system. I bought again based primarily on the RXs proven track record for reliability, no test drive, no haggling, and I was blown away when I sent to pick up the car. Everything on my wish list from the 04 was delivered.

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  Excellent SUV - 2005 Lexus LX 470
  By Sue - July 3 - 12:46 am

  I have never been so happy with a vehicle purchase. With all of the features that come with this SUV you wonder if there is anything you would need to add. Lexus did not overlook anything when they built this truck. The suspension even lowers itself so that I can load items into the back of the truck. The only issue I do have is that the front of the vehicle is deceiving and takes some time to get used to. And the tailgate or hatch in the back does not have an opening feature from the remote.

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  lets not get mad here, but.....just 12,500 miles - 1998 Lexus LS 400
  By JMC - July 2 - 4:17 am

  For years, I have been forced to see this magnificent automobile just sit in a garage...gather dust..be driven occasionally, and not very far. I begged, pleaded, and in many ways showed a willingness to damn near anything to buy that car. Finally, my sister in law gave in...and sold me the car. A true garage find. But I knew where it was all along. I no longer could just drive it once a year, to take it to the car wash and wish it were mine. I had all the fluids changed, belts (timing and serpentine) changed...the dealership screws up the belt change, but made good on the ensuing problems as I drove it back to Idaho (1300 miles) Lord, what a magnificent automobile. I have, until recently, driven Acuras....and they are great cars also. But this 1998 LS 400...is magnificent. I hesitate to take it out of the garage, leaving my 2013 Volvo out in the weather. Volvos dont need pampering. A Lexus demands it. I dont know if any of this helps you....I hope you get a Lexus that drives and performs like mine. And no, you cant have it. Now allow me to update...there is a rather strong smell in the "Queen"...cant figure out what it is or why. I tried a device that is supposed to take the smells out....just works for a while. Im going to wait until spring to search again...but its Im my garage and I love it.

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  Test drive - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By irish - July 2 - 2:00 am

  I only test drove this truck. I own a 99 LX. Everything was great about this truck except the handling. On the freeway it was a bit loose. The 3rd row seating is comfortable.

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  Great - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By sooppa - July 2 - 2:00 am

  Great car. This would be the greatest car if it had more torque.

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  Number One Convertible On The Market - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By Barton Simon - July 2 - 2:00 am

  I believe this car to be superior to the Mercedes SL500 (Ive owned 3)and BMW convertible (owned 1). Just a fantastic automobile at 2/3rds the price of an SL.

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  Cosmo - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By Leslie Crawford - July 2 - 2:00 am

  This is my third Lexus automobile and I considered no other vehicles at the time I purchased my 2002 SC430. As much as I admired the Lexus SC430, the fact that it was a Lexus and that I had had two very good previous experiences with Lexus automobiles was a big factor in my decision. The only problem I have experienced with the vehicle was a faulty "window regulator", which manifested itself by a rattling sound. The problem was corrected when the dealership installed a new regulator. Otherwise, I have continued to enjoy this vehicle since taking delivery in August 2002.