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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  New ES 350 - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Matt (Maryland) - April 23 - 4:43 pm

  This is my first Lexus and now Im hooked. Yes, the extras were pricey, but man they are worth it. The ultra luxury package and Mark Levinson package make a great car that much better. The ride is smooth and quiet and a beautiful interior; Id rather be in my car than in my house. The Royal Ruby Metallic paint stands out in a sea of silver, white and black. This car is a keeper.

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  Brake replacement needed every 40,000 - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By lexygirl - April 23 - 3:43 pm

  I absolutely adore the LS 430. I owned an Explorer pre LS and I will never go back. Maintenance on my LS 430 is less than I paid on my Ford! It drives like a dream in town & the hwy. The gas mileage is pretty good for the wt of the vehicle and everyone is always comfortable. I feel very safe and secure & do not worry about being stranded. I put a set of brakes on front and rear at 34,000 and now at 76,500 they are telling me I need front and rear brakes again. Leaves me wondering-shouldnt brakes last longer. I am not a 2 ft driver nor do I slam the brakes at stops.The other issue I have is the trunk will not stay open on its own. Other than these two issues I am SOLD on this brand.

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  Lexus IS 300 --Impressed! - 2001 Lexus IS 300
  By jajeep - April 21 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car in 2001 brand new and it has been an awesome car. It is fast and sporty while still having the luxury. It is a car that gets looks all over town and people remarking how nice it looks. The fuel economy is good for it being a sports car, but it does drink more than I expected. The engine is great, one that Toyota has been using for the past 20 years in other models like the Supra. I would highly recommend this car, it is a car that has class and will still run great in ten years due to the high quality Lexus has put into it.

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  Best of Show - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By fpwmerc - April 21 - 2:00 am

  I have had just about every car in my 40 odd years of driving here and abroad. This car is easily one of the best, if not the best I have owned (That includes 4 MBZs, 3 Porsches, 2 BMW and a host of others) A car that does it all with comfort and a ride like "rolling on ball-bearings". It is quick, fun to drive and all that stuff.....but in the end......it is a convertable. No longer do I drive my weekly 300 mile trip to LA with wind noise of my previous rag top at the same decibal level as a landing small jet. This car is a treat!

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  outstanding - 2000 Lexus RX 300
  By sergsg - April 21 - 2:00 am

  excellent vehicle I have noto time for review> I just want to rate this vevicle as an excellent

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  Jury still out - 2000 Lexus RX 300
  By dray24 - April 21 - 2:00 am

  I just purchased a certified 2000 model and I am not surr if i am sold yet. The turning radius is horrible and the fuel economy isnt that great either. The ride is smooth, but lacks in pep. The moonroof shade is the only problem i have with the interior because it is made out of shoddy materials and is too light, will move forward with sudden braking. The should haev added a compass as part of the info screen.

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  Very quiet and comfortable to drive - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Stenogrfr - April 19 - 3:56 am

  This car is very quiet, as far as road noise. Rides very smooth. However, it is hard for truckers to see you. Also, there is quite a large blind spot with this automobile.

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  Lexus RX300 Transmission - 2000 Lexus RX 300
  By abonte1 - April 17 - 9:51 pm

  After reading reviews I thought I would add to the pot. My Lexus RX 300 SUV transmission recently went out and is in the shop as I type. Waiting for the transmission place to give me an estimate. He has had it and had to break it down. It needs to be replaced he said but is still calculating the parts and labor. I hate to hear what that is...I thought these were long lasting cars if you kept up the maintenance, which is why I bought it. It has 170K miles, so I guess it did last a bit longer than some of the others I read on the blog. I hope it runs like it use to or better after they replace this transmission.

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  What a ride! - 2010 Lexus ES 350
  By John - April 17 - 5:00 pm

  I drove the Hyundai Genesis (alleged Lexus killer) was disappointed with ride not even close to the Lexus. Tried the Nissan Maxima which this car replaced, nice car but that single speed tranny was very strange. Also tried the Infiniti G37, a good performer and quiet ride but it cant touch the Lexus ES350. Get the nav with the back up camera, the rear deck lid sits high and the camera will really help when backing up. When youre test driving it just take note and compare it against any other car youre considering. Then the choice will be easy. Youll pick the Lexus ES350. Great car!

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  RATING OF LEXUS SUV FX 330 - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Barb - April 17 - 10:06 am

  Before trying out my Lexus SUV, I tried all makes of SUV vehicles from all auto dealerships, and fell in love with the LEXUS SUV. I had to have it and it is pleasure to drive, quiet to drive, basically "0" road noise, some with the moon roof open, but not bad...steers wonderfully well. The radio sounds like surround sound, I especially like the CD changer...it has every bell and whistle, the only thing, every other person in Texas has one...and it doesnt really seem special with every one having one.