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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  Praise for the Lexus RX300! - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By TengPresby - March 31 - 10:00 am

  This is my second RX300 and I love it! (My previous one was a 1999.) Together with the GPS package, it gets me everywhere I want to go, with ease, comfort and style. The design and technology is first rate and the gas mileage is excellent (average 19, with mostly city driving and regular gasoline!). If Lexus keeps it up, I dont think Ill ever change to another make again.

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  Marks ES - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By Mark666 - March 31 - 10:00 am

  Best car Ive ever owned. I bought black with black interior. Only issue in the purchase was that it took almost 7 weeks to get the car and during most of that time the dealer lacked the ability to update me.

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  A nice luxury SUV. - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By RonZ - March 31 - 2:00 am

  Good acceleration, 0-60 in 8.5 seconds. Not as smooth a ride as one would expect, especially on California freeways.

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  The velvet beast - 2008 Lexus LX 570
  By WJB - March 30 - 2:00 am

  I traded my land cruiser which I love for the lx570. This vehicle has everything the lc had plus more! The ability to adjust the suspensions firmness and the auto height adjustment helps my wife, mom and kids get in/out is what sets this vehicle apart. When driving it immediately feels like a solid highly engineered and reliable machine. I see why a lot of people never sell these vehicle once they own them.

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  Couldnt be happier - 2001 Lexus IS 300
  By Branden - March 29 - 12:43 pm

  This car was actually my first and I couldnt have asked for a better car. I absolutely love driving it and enjoy every aspect of the car itself. Really is a true sport sedan that allows for good functionality.

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  Great fun and sporty car! - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By calis300 - March 26 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. It handles very well, looks very very nice, and is a hit with the ladies. I really like the interior as well. The only thing that sucks is the gas mileage...but what can you do.

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  Classy Ride - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By sharr - March 26 - 2:00 am

  It was hard to trade in my 2000 RX300. But the weird steering system of that model made me finally decide to do it. I love my new RX330. Yes, the sound system isnt as great as the RX300, but its not bad either. I do think the plastic silver surround gives it a "boombox" look and would have prefer something a bit different. Overall, I love my new RX330. It is luxurious. My clients love it when I pick them up. I love the dark grey color with the black leather interior that I purchased. The navigation system is a true lifesaver for me dealing with Metro DC traffic and locations. I really use my car and put a lot of miles a year on it.

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  Five Months Waiting - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Walter Goldcord - March 26 - 2:00 am

  Since delivery date, 9/9/03 theres been an audible buzz and noticable vibration at approximately 2000 rpm. The dealer acknowledged the problem and reported that the factory has engineers working on it as its nota problem isolated only to my RX. I was called in December to bring the car in for a factory "fix", which didnt solve the problem. The service tech rode with me and had a scope (?) plugged in under the dash which produces a report on engine functions. I was told the engineers would continue to try to solve it and as soon as they did I hear from them (the Dealer).

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  TERRIFIC CAR TO DRIVE! - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By TAD BALINGER - March 25 - 10:00 am

  NICEST 4x4 TO LOOK AT, MOST FUN TO DRIVE! WHEN YOU ADD LEXUS RELIABILITY (THIS ONE IS MY SECOND WITH NO PROBLEMS TO REPORT) AND THE VALUE THAT THIS CAR RETAINS, WHEN YOU WANT TO SELL IT, YOU HAVE AN INSTANT WINNER!

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  Very Happy with my Lexus - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By Wally - March 25 - 6:46 am

  The Lexus ES-300 is a superb vehicle. Ive never had a single problem with the car...no nits; no anything!