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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  A top quality car - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By n2doowop - June 25 - 6:58 pm

  Bought the car new in 2003. Got a very good deal. Have put 150K miles on it. The last trip averaged 27-30 mpg. No major problems. The trans does still act funny every once in a while like most ES-300s. I noticed a lot of people had problems with the rear door window. Ive replaced the switch twice. It still rides like new and looks it. The value is around $10K. I wouldnt sell it for $15K

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  Lexus ES330 - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By max22 - June 25 - 7:20 am

  Great luxury car. Great value for price paid, with a much better repair record. Car drives, and handles as well or better than Mercedes E320, and BMW525.

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  engine noise and A/C problems - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By monacokid1 - June 24 - 6:56 pm

  I have had 50 cars in my lifetime. the last five were the Lexus 250, 300, 400,330, & 350 since Lexus became a car. This 2007 has 2 major problems which Lexus has not been able to correct. #1 the engine makes a noise when cold that sounds like the tappet noise of previous years the engine idles rough. Lexus tells me it is the fuel injectors and is normal. My 97 Nissan Altima was quieter and did not make this type noise or rough idle. #2 the A/C covers my dash board area with tiny white specs. Lexus has change the evaporator twice and A/C filters numerous times. It is still spewing and I think it might be causing me a health problem with my lungs. I really am disappointed in the year

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  Engaging the cruise control blanks out the dashboard display! - 2013 Lexus RX 350
  By harry102 - June 24 - 5:26 am

  Ive been driving Lexus LSs for over 20 from 400- 460s. When purchasing my new RX350, no one at Lexus informed me that there was a flaw when engaging the cruise control. When you engage the cruise control the display located on the dashboard above the speedometer goes blank other than the word SET, and does not re-appear unless: 1.You hit the brakes, which disengages the cruise control, or 2.You manually re-engage the display with the thumb control on the steering wheel, or 3.You turn the cruise control off. None of the LSs, ISs, ESs or GSs do this so it is an obvious flaw in manufacture. Lexus says you have to live with it. I wouldnt have bought it had I known up front.

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  Excellent Japanese Quality... - 2010 Lexus LS 460
  By freddys555 - June 23 - 10:22 am

  Lexus/Toyota continues to impress my family and myself. This is the primary car my wife drives. I drive a Mercedes S550 (brand-new) and I cannot express the disappointment I have had after spending over $110K. I have brought my Mercedes back to the dealer over 6 times since I took ownership. Lexus? Zero problems, zero trips to the dealer except for scheduled maintenance. My other family member has a BMW 5-series. Unacceptable reliability.

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  new vs. old - 2011 Lexus RX 350
  By busseyky - June 22 - 10:51 pm

  the 2010 rx is not as driver friendly as the older models. I should have spent a few dollars on my "99 with 150k miles and kept it

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  Seating comfort Lacks! - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By jkyker - June 22 - 8:06 am

  The Lexus is a high end suv and I am satisified with all but two things. The seats are not very comfortable at all, too flat with no side support and lacks much comforts. The other is there is no place for change storage and design or layout does not allow for satelitte radio. Iluminated lighting for controls on steering column.

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  Lovin my new lexus - 2012 Lexus RX 350
  By luvnmylexus - June 21 - 11:22 pm

  I have own a 1st (2003), 2nd (2008) and now a 3rd generation (2012) Rx350....I have to tell you, the ride just keeps getting better and better! I just love my 2012. It is such a smooth and comfortable ride. Like floating on a cloud! No..it is not the "ultimate driving machine"..but that is not what I wanted. Hugging corners at high speeds is not my thing. I test drove a BMW...not impressed. The interior seemed "cheesy" to me. I am not looking for a "fun" drive. I am looking to be "pampered" and "spoiled" and this RX350 is exactly what the doctor ordered! It is very quiet and has just enough "giddy-up" to get the job done. PERFECT! Cant wait to c whats in store for my next Lexus!

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  awesome - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By Karengray - June 20 - 10:00 am

  Of all the cars and SUVs I have ever had in the 32 years I have been driving, this car is the ultimate. I have had no trouble whatsover with it. It is fast off the line and rides wonderful! I love the exterior design and the original rear end design, looks so sporty! To think the BMW suv is 15,000.00 more that this!

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  Nothing compares in this class - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By Moi - June 20 - 10:00 am

  Comparing the MDX, ML500, BMW, the GX470 is without a doubt the most luxurious of the SUVs. An outstanding value considering what you get. Lexus packages limited options because it already has most options you would expect. Although the ML500 has better acceleration, the reliability is questionable. The Lexus quality is what won me over.