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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  Love My Lexus - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By MoeMc - July 11 - 2:00 am

  All I can say about this car is WOW!

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  Great Lexus SUV - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By lexus59 - July 11 - 2:00 am

  It is a beautiful car. Im a previous Cadillac owner,the Lexus ride is truly outstanding. It handles like a dream. I looked at other vehicles, test drove them but found the RX 330 to be the best. I recommend owning a Lexus RX 330 if your in the market for a SUV/LUV.

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  Sophistication - 2006 Lexus LS 430
  By Zoomer - July 9 - 7:26 pm

  After trading in my Jaguar S 4.3, this car is a pleasure. Scheduled service and XM radio install were the only service visits. Treated like royalty in the service and sales departments. The ride is unmatched. The drivers seat has a crazy number a possible adjustments including "depth" for taller or shorter than average drivers. Lexus has thought of everything.

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  ES 350 - Best car, Best value - 2010 Lexus ES 350
  By CapSac - July 9 - 7:06 pm

  Weve had this car for two months and 1500 miles. The seats are very comfortable (Im 61" 250). The ride is silky smooth and very quite. We love the navigation system, and contrary to what "CarMan" wrote, it does give turn by turn voice directions, voice and visual traffic info, and even severe weather info. The only issue with the navi is that you cannot adjust some of its functions while moving. Other than this very minor navi inconvenience the car is perfect for us. It gives great gas mileage even though it is powerful and quick. The fit and finish both inside and out is exceptionally luxurious. We love this car! If youre considering buying one, you wont be disappointed.

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  almost perfect - 2002 Lexus GS 300
  By djlink - July 9 - 10:00 am

  Even though this model has been around since 98 I still get nice comments quite often. The ride is fine for me, Im not throwing it around corners so the luxury is my priority. Switched to michelin pilots after 500 miles, goodyear tires were inferior. Only changes I would suggest are quite minor; 4-spoke wheel with radio controls and improved trunk hinges to avoid crushing luggage. Pretty minor items. Dealer service is just what you expect and more, Id be hard pressed to ever consider another make of car.

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  Love it - 2001 Lexus IS 300
  By IS300 - July 9 - 10:00 am

  No problem with the car.. but yesterday i problem happened; driving down the road and a tree fell on the car.. no more IS for me..*tear*

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  Had Them All....540, M5, S500, C4Turbo - 2002 Lexus LS 430
  By imvulpine - July 9 - 10:00 am

  This machine is an excellent balance of power, comfort, design and efficiency. Reliabilty speaks for itself. Punch it, it moves. Not like a C4, but pretty close. Sit in it. You pick: drive it if its moving. Sleep if its still. Looks are conservative, but interesting. Gas mileage is as advertised, 18 city, 25+ highway. I drive very fast. Machine handles the same at 115 mph as at 30 mph. Quiet, smooth, stuck to to the road. Very nice.

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  A Winner and a Benchmark for Quality - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By A new Lexus Customer - July 9 - 10:00 am

  A truly refined automobile.

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  Typical Lexus Quality - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By Akent - July 8 - 12:06 pm

  I bought this Lexus online with 51,000 miles as a lease turn-in for my wife. It is even better than expected. The interior was nearly flawless with the most supple leather seats I have ever sat in. I read numerous reviews saying it lacked power, but I have not found that to be true. It was made to be a luxury vehicle, not a fast sports car. The ride is smooth and quiet. It is very different from her last 1993 ES 300 that had over 215,000 miles.

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  FUN FUN FUN - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By lms - July 6 - 10:00 am

  My 2002 has 60k miles in less than two years. No mechanichal problems but cost per mile is high (17" tires). Snow tires a must. Overall, it is the best car I have ever owned, and without a doubt the most fun to drive. I have the 5 spd and wished it had a 6. Comfort zone is 75-90. Extreme noise at 50+ mph with back windows fully down. WOuld buy it again without hesitation.