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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  ABS system Buzz... distractive... - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By honlynx - May 19 - 11:23 am

  There’re high frequency squeaks (buzz) fr under the dash every 2-3 brake pedal application in my new GX470. It makes me feel uncomfortable & distractive when Im driving. However, Lexus said it is caused by ABS braking system and it is a normal characteristic from ABS actuator and no repairs are necessary. It could be a normal characteristic if actuator buzz from OUTSIDE car and do not bothering people in the car. However, it is problem if a noise is annoying people INSIDE the car. This is definitely an unsafe driving condition to any driver. I purchased Lexus w/the high expectation of its quality&services. But I experience the absolutely worst I have ever had. I need HELP & good advise.

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  so far so good - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By newenegue - May 19 - 2:00 am

  Well our family just picked up the new GX470. so far i can say it is excellent. the ride is very smooth and the rear air suspension leveling system is fun to play with. we got it almost fully loaded, everything but the rear entertainment system. the dvd based navigation system is touch screen and makes it even more user friendly. the third row seat is a bit small for someone tall like me (6ft) but okay for small children riding. i really only have one problem with the car and that is that it is not offered with HID(High Intensity Discharge) lights. it would have made the car look even better.

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  Lots of power - 2002 Lexus GS 300
  By Nick - May 19 - 2:00 am

  I bought my car in September of 2002, and I love it, but it is almost impossible to drive in the snow. There is a traction control button, but it is basically worthless when you drive over 10 mph. I will probably sell it before next winter, but for those of you who have the fotune not to deal with snow, I highly recommend this car.

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  Great Car - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By A. J. - May 19 - 2:00 am

  Just got the IS 300 E-style, black/black, lots of options and out the door at $29,000. Fun to drive, smooth ride, great handling and looks great.

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  Fast and Comfortable - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By d12ew99 - May 19 - 2:00 am

  LEXUS IS 300 Is a great car. Great pick up and beautiful design. Looks more expensive than what i paid for it. LSD, RWD, 215hp, 5speed,17inch graphite rims, with a lip spoiler. This Car has it all for performance! :LUXURY wheres the wood? hahah.. SAVING THE TREES? Full Leather Interior with attractive Gauges for Speedo! Full Spare with rim included!

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  IS300 - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By DJ jr. - May 19 - 2:00 am

  I knew as soon as I test drove the IS I was going to take it home. Its inline six makes it super quick, and suspension and handling are far better than BMW 3 series and the Infiniti G35. The polished alloy 17s complete the beautiful exterior. As far as the interior, well its just awesome.

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  Super Cool SC430 - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By Nursey - May 19 - 2:00 am

  Great car for those who seek impractical, but fun transportation. Top down, superior sound system up, gets lots of attention.

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  Great Car! - 2003 Lexus RX 300
  By Cameron2 - May 19 - 2:00 am

  The lexus rx300 is a great suv, but not to much of an SUV that it is a gas- guzzler. Also great handling and breaks. If you are looking for that big SUV feeling, this probably isnt the right car for you.

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  Lovin life! - 2015 Lexus RX 350
  By Maureen Bates - May 17 - 3:45 pm

  Lexus makes a quality car/suv that I appreciate. The comfort level is wonderful and it is so quiet when the windows are closed. It drives great and easy to park and maneuver thru traffic. Great sound system, Bluetooth is awesome. All in all I couldnt be more pleased.

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  Greatest SUV - 2006 Lexus LX 470
  By Peter L - May 17 - 5:10 am

  Although the gas mileage is tough on the pocketbook... the performance and reliabilty are in a clas by itself. The finest engineered SUV on the road or off road... when they come up with a hybrid LX470... I will be the first in line.