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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  Excellence Continues - 2000 Lexus LS 400
  By Dan Hitt - February 26 - 8:36 pm

  This is the third Lexus (of four) Ive bought since 1991. The two LS, one each SC and RX have each been tops in reliability, luxury and overall quality. An old friend advised me long ago that the only way to beat the high cost of automobile ownership is to buy a really good car and maintain it forever. Maybe "forever" is a stretch, but the philosophy really pays off with these cars.

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  So far Im enjoying the car - 2009 Lexus ES 350
  By Patricia - February 26 - 1:20 am

  I have never owned a Lexus. Previously we owned a 2001 C320 Mercedes, which I loved. It was just not a reliable vehicle, in the shop for problems at least once a year. After reading reviews about the ES350 we decided to give it a try. So far Im enjoying the car. The ride is nice, not quite as quiet as the Mercedes, but very nice. Gas mileage is great, 29mpg cant complain about that. GPS is fun, and the bluetooth I like. No complaints so far...

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  Lexus RX 400h 2008 - 2008 Lexus RX 400H
  By Syed Warsi - February 26 - 12:46 am

  On the road it is a master. Complete grip on the road. Very quiet except for small tire noise. Variable transmission system does not gives a smooth takeoff from stop.

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  2015 Lexus ES350 - 2015 Lexus ES 350
  By qwkcut - February 25 - 10:57 pm

  I picked up a 2015 Lexus ES350 for my wife on Valentines Day to replace our 2003 Lexus ES300. We couldnt be more happy with all the changes/ upgrades that this new model brings to the table. I rent cars several times a month and have always told my wife that our 2003 Lexus drove better, interior quieter and functionality of gauges better suited than any rental car foreign or domestic that I have ever had. This holds true for the 2015 model as well. BMW and Mercedes only wish they had the repair history of the Lexus ES350. Lexus voice command navigation and Microsoft mouse type entry keeps your fingers off the screen and eyes on the road.

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  BEST car I ever owned as long as regular maintance - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By Bronski Beat - February 25 - 10:47 pm

  Had many cars over last 30 years. This is by far most comfortable and reliable car. There was only 1 owner, older lady before me and she religiously took the car to Lexus for oil changes, timing belt and other regular maint. scheduled. It drives like on the cloud and it is super quiet on a good road. It flies over the potholes and uneven roads. Over last 2 years the car continues to drive like new, and keep in mind this is 2003 (almost 14 years old) Lots of new cars still dont have half of the technology what this car has. If you buy one make sure you see Carfax, so you know how it was maintained otherwise it might cost you a lot to fix stuff like benz or bmw. I will keep on driving till wheels fell off or this car might just out drive me. The engine in this cat is well know to go up to million miles plus if well taken care of. So the tranny and the rest. Love it. And milage is 18 city and 23 to 25 hwy. For V8 it is amazing!!! 320 torque and around 300 HP 0-60 6.5 sec Get one while you can, coz not many are around in good shape. After all 2001 was the 1st production year.

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  Lexus Test - 2003 Lexus GS 300
  By J Kim - February 24 - 10:00 am

  Value is excellent. Smooth and silky ride at any speed. They put the money in the right places.

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  Lexus Convert - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By RX Convert - February 24 - 10:00 am

  I love this vehicle. I traded my Honda Accord for the RX330 and I have zero regrets. I drove every SUV in the class (MDX, XC90, ML, BMW). Hands down, the RX is the best buy for the money. The drive is superb although the transmission can be a bit sluggish at times. The new body design is young and hip. And, the luxurious interior makes me feel like a queen (although I wish there was an aluminum trim package instead of the standard wood trim and wood/leather steering wheel on Premium packages). This is my first Lexus and probably wont be my last.

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  Overall Impressed - 2008 Lexus GX 470
  By Suburb Boy - February 22 - 8:56 pm

  This was the first Lexus we have purchased and traded in an 05 MDX. We have had the car since December of 2007 and have put 10,000 miles on. The ride is superb and the acceleration and handling are just right for a vehicle this size. This is the first car my wife ever said that she liked. We considered the RX, but it was smaller than the MDX we traded, so we went with the GX for the extra space. The build quality is superb and every angle you look exemplifies luxury. The handling in the snow is superb and you feel safe at all times. Was very impressed how well the vehicle handled considering its height. If youre thinking about the GX, its well worth it and you wont be disappointed.

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  Fun in the Sun - 2005 Lexus SC 430
  By George Pannell - February 21 - 9:36 am

  This is the best vehicle we have ever owned,married 37 years and we have owned quite a few! Living in Las Vegas provides the enjoyment of maximum use of a convertible that turns heads with unbelievable performance and Luxury. We are approaching retirement and this is a keeper along with our RX 330. Couldnt be more satisfied with this beautiful automobile.

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  My one month old Lexus saved my lfe - 2015 Lexus RX 350
  By kare24 - February 20 - 3:32 pm

  I purchased a 2015 Lexus on 8-29-2014. On 9-29-2014 I was driving 75 MPH going East on Interstate 90 in Montana. A tire came off a trucks trailer that was going West and rolled into my lane hitting my Lexus in the front bumper and radiator. The front of the car looked like it had been bent into a V-shape. Everything was smashed. The impact was so strong that the engine block was cracked. The airbags deployed and all of the seat belts locked. I WAS NOT HURT!!! Paramedics and tow truck operator could not believe I was OK. They said people frequently die in this kind of accident. My insurance company declared the car a total loss. On 10-29-2014 I purchased my second 2015 RX 350 F.