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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  No surprises!!! its a LEXUS!!!!! - 2012 Lexus GX 460
  By cemi - February 17 - 7:24 am

  This is my second lexus and when you buy a Lexus, you get the best !!!!!!! excellent finish,reliability,smooth.

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  owner for almost a year - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By Kunal Kirpekar - February 15 - 2:00 am

  The car is everything what I expected but, too many recalls and there is a noise coming from the front suspension that is very annoying will mention the in my 15k service!

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  madebigpoints - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By ingoodstead - February 15 - 2:00 am

  purchased 2001 with 13000 miles from our lexus dealer. vehicle has all options except nav and stereo upgrade. My wife didn,t even want to trade, but now you couldn,t pry her out of this rx, she has never cared anything about cars until now. I must admit I even take the rx instead of my car (2002 gs300) because I do enjoy driving it, but I can,t wait to replace the tires. The only downside I can see to this rv is my wife won,t ever be willing to settle for anything else.

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  Will never buy anything but a Lexus. - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By sniper5 - February 15 - 2:00 am

  I only had this car for 4 weeks now, but I cant stop talking about it. I find myself going to the garage just to take another look at it. It drives smooth and controlled (but you do get road feedback), it doesnt lean in corners and it looks very well built. The interior is amazingly beautiful and rich. Plenty of usefull features, great leather seats. It is a car that will make you happy when you see a traffic jam ahead of you.

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  Robs rating - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By ROBERT CORSELLO - February 14 - 7:36 am

  This car is far and away the best car I have ever driven, it is very dependable, quiet, powerful, and the ride is excellent. The main feature is the service, I have had a lot of cars and no car company compares to Lexus service.

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  First SUV, Great Car - 2006 Lexus RX 330
  By NS - February 12 - 11:56 am

  I was a minivan "mom" and wanted to move away from that line. This is my first SUV and I LOVE it. It is very quiet and handles like a dream. Provides a lot of room inside also.

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  Still going strong at 130K - 2003 Lexus RX 300
  By TPT - February 12 - 5:40 am

  My last Lexus, I sold with less than 100k somewhat in fear that it was getting old. I see it now and then and it appears to be moving along just fine. My 2002 RX just turned 130k and it running strong. It has the parking lot dings and a few scrapes on the bumper but aside from that, I plan on pushing it to its limit. When it comes to Santa Fe snow, its a champ and have told my wife, I would get another based on its ability to handle the snow pack and lack of street clean up. Ive had other 4 wd and even my old Trooper cant compare. I would have to say its been the best vehicle Ive owned. I would highly recommend even buying a good used one. Look forward writing you when I hit 200K.

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  Finest automobile Ive owned - 1998 Lexus LS 400
  By Herb Yeary - February 12 - 2:00 am

  I am a senior who has owned many autos in the last sixty-two years. Our last cars, a 1986 Cressida, and a 1997 Avalon I thought excellent. Our Lexus is far and away the best and most luxurious. What a marvelous piece of machinery. For the life of me I cant understand how the engine can be so very strong and so audibly subtle! Simply put were sold!!

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  My Pebble Beach Edition - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By John Northen - February 12 - 2:00 am

  I chose the "Azure Pearl" (sky blue metallic) 2004 "Pebble Beach Edition" over the SL 500 and XLR. Only 400 will be made. The trunk and "rear seat" space was nominal, at best. No problem. Actually, the so-called rear seat is perfect for my dog and light luggage. I ordered the appropriate Michelin tires rather than the "run-flats". I paid the full MSRP. Luxury abounds. A real head-turner. The Mark Levinson stereo system in without peer. The illuminated blue "Lexus" scuff plates, the buttery ecru leather and black birds eye maple trim couldnt be sexier. Surveys by J.D. Power rate this car as tops for quality and reliability.

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  Awesome package - 2016 Lexus RX 350
  By Doug Neal - February 12 - 1:52 am

  Total satisfaction with purchase and ownership. I like the moe aggressive lines and look of the 2016 model.