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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  LS 400 - 1999 Lexus LS 400
  By rben - May 7 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my preowned 99Lexus approximately 6 mos. ago. A perfect blend of luxury, comfort and performance for a large sedan. It makes no pretenses for its 290HP, thus fuel consumption is a bit higher than some cars, but I knew that going into the purchase. A very quiet and "trip- worthy" machine, so loaded with features that I discover new ones each week. Ill keep this car a very long time!

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  Outstanding car! - 2008 Lexus IS F
  By Outstanding car!!! - May 7 - 12:30 am

  This is a great car by Lexus! The sound of that V8 is outstanding people all over are looking at the car like what is that most people never heard of it! This is the most fun I have had in a car I almost feel like Im on my motorcycle... lol. Great sound system, crisp sound, still reading the books that came with it. The car has so much on it! The car is fast plus it has a nice ride.

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  2004 RX330 AWD - 2006 Lexus RX 330
  By jodar96 - May 6 - 11:52 pm

  This RX is my wifes but I drive it on trips or when we are both in the car. Purchased ours in Nov 2008 with 35K miles. Had the condensation in right headlight when we bought it. While outside warranty, Lexus agreed to replace it and I paid $500 off $1800 bill!!!!! Radiator leaked. I replaced it myself but found out lexus had extended warranty that would have replaced it free. The same side hedalight had condensation again. Fixed it this time by applying silicone around the lens. It has worked perfectly. Very comfortable seats/driving position on long trips, quiet, roomy. It has aged very well. leather in seating area is top notch. Currently at 95K miles and ready to sell it.

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  2006 Lexus ES 330 Reviewed - 2006 Lexus ES 330
  By Bob Reid - May 6 - 3:46 pm

  Great all around luxury range entry. Hard to beat total value in terms of price point to features and resale value. A bit soft drive - more luxury than performance, but solid design and build quality. Great vehicle for someone interested in luxury appointments, comfort, quality, and genuine value. Fuel economy is respectable for a luxury car.

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  My latest LS 460L - 2007 Lexus LS 460
  By Michael OBrien - May 6 - 5:10 am

  Once again Lexus exceeds the offerings from German manufacturers. After the numerous problems I have had with German cars it is comforting to have a car which is so smooth, well built and reliable. It would have been nice if the exterior design was a little more exciting, but I suppose at this level, cars need to be more sophisticated than fashionable. I wish I had spent more time with the dealer at the time of purchase so he could talk me through the numerous features. He did offer to demonstrate everything but I thought I would work it all out myself - wrong! The instruction book is a little complicated to follow, with so many features and variations within the model range.

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  Only 700 miles on it - 2008 Lexus ES 350
  By carl1949 - May 5 - 1:46 am

  I have spent a lot of time on this site reading reviews so I thought I would place my own. We shopped and shopped many makes and models. We have had our ES 350 for about a week and are loving it. We are averaging almost 30 mpg!! We live in the country and do a lot of highway driving. Only disappointment is the audio. The brochure and website are misleading. Makes you think if you opt for the navigation you will have the Mark Levinson. Not so. Very pleased overall.

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  Easy, reliable and handy sport SUV - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By jukka - May 4 - 4:20 pm

  Very nice to drive and economical too. When accelerating strong the steering wheel has too much "feelings" like front wheel dive car. Very handy to fold the rear seats. In winter inside gets warm quicker thän normal engine. Fine car and not a one problem during the first year.

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  A Totally Wonderful Driving Experience - 2002 Lexus LS 430
  By alan - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Absolutely the most enjoyable car to drive I have ever experienced. Quiet beyond description and effortless to drive.

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  A Totally Wonderful Driving Experience - 2002 Lexus LS 430
  By Alan - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Absolutely the most enjoyable car to drive I have ever experienced. Quiet beyond description and effortless to drive.

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  Pleased with my Lexus NXt - 2016 Lexus NX 200t
  By Barry - May 2 - 8:44 am

  I recently retired and needed to replace my 2011 BMW X3. I loved my X3 but the new one was just too expensive. I test drove the BMW X1 and wanted to like it but the ride was too firm to suit me. I liked the Acura RDX but their option pricing required the loaded but most expensive Advance package just to get parking sensors. Plus, I did not feel the Acura style, interior or exterior, was up to the 2016 Lexus NXt. I requested quotes through the Edmunds link and was pleasantly surprised that an out of town dealer had by far the best deal. I got pretty much every option except the lane departure warning, dynamic cruise control and leather seats (you will be impressed with the comfort and looks of the Lexus synthetic leather seats!). I only have about 500 miles on it but so far I am very happy with my purchase. It is extremely comfortable, very quiet and has a high tech look. Yes, the touchpad controller is a bit fussy but you do get better with use (and many controls can be done from the steering wheel or verbally). As another reviewer commented, the cruising range is only a little over 300 miles but that is a minor complaint compared to the many positives with this vehicle.