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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  Not bad - 2013 Lexus RX 350
  By dksf - August 30 - 3:57 pm

  This car is not bad even I preffered to lease a BMW X5 35d, X5 is bigger with more technologies and brand name, but I decided to lease the Lexus for my wife as well as a good deal. After couple weeks drive, it is not so disappointed, everthing works fine and obviously much better than the RX300 I leased on 2000. If you dont care the brand name and some strange designs, even F Sport comes with better appearances, it is an option for luxury SUVs at this class.

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  Love it! - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By Dora - August 29 - 10:33 am

  This car is by far the best Ive owned. It rides smoothly, making it a pleasure to ride. While the gas mileage is not great, its good for an SUV.

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  Great Car - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By T J Monaghan - August 29 - 2:00 am

  Has the advantage of an SUV, all wheel drive, sitting up higher which improves visability,etc. without compromising ride and luxury. Slightly higher center of gravity does not effect stability.

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  2002 SC 430 - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By jon - August 28 - 12:56 am

  Great car, fun to drive, lots of looks. Car has 132,000 miles now. All maintenance preformed by dealer. Drives like a new one. Ave mpg 22 city 26 hwy. Great nav system, stereo.

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  Lexus Has Fallen - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By BeachBound - August 27 - 7:00 pm

  We purchased a brand new 2010 RX 350. After a week or so we noticed the front bumper was coming off. After 3 months, the whole transmission blew on the car and had to be replaced. While replacing it, the dealer scratched up the rear bumper so badly it had to be repainted. The car is a piece of junk. After four Lexus in our family, I will NEVER touch that brand ever again!!!

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  LUV MY LEX - 2006 Lexus RX 330
  By LEXGRL - August 27 - 2:16 am

  From the time I test drove the RX330 I instantly knew this was the vehicle I wanted. So luxurious. Seats are comfortable. Smooth ride, feels safe and is best looking SUV in its class.

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  2013 RX350 FWD fully loaded - 2013 Lexus RX 350
  By vchigurupati - August 26 - 11:42 am

  Bought a brand new RX 350 fully loaded on October 14, 2013. This is my first Lexus and have been a previous owner of several Toyotas like Camry, Venza and Yaris. While I like the vehicle in general I posted some of the improvements so that prospective buyers can be aware of some of the shortcomings and may want to wait for the completely redesigned 2015 model which should be out some time late in Fall 14.

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  Love this car! - 2002 Lexus LS 430
  By Norge - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Purchased as a CPO with 43,000 on the clock. Looked high and low for a black on black and finally found one. I have put 60,000 miles on the car (it has 104,000 now) and love it every time I get in it. Drives great, handles well and brakes hard and solid. Very smooth ride and still beautiful! Only issue was one of the mirrors would not fold all the way. Dealer replaced both under warranty with 2006 mirrors and promised they will outlast the car. Trunk struts went out too and were also replaced. Only issue is with the center arm rest. All the padding is gone. No idea but it is flat. Everything else works like new! Ac is ice cold and the heated seats could cook eggs.

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  Ungrateful? - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Jazmine - August 23 - 6:26 pm

  It depends on what you want. More power and more comfy seats would be ideal. Other than that. Its great. My back hurts all the time from the seats, though.

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  Disappointed - 2008 Lexus RX 350
  By Disappointed - August 23 - 4:20 pm

  I had a 740il for 8 years and should have know it would be a hard act to follow. I didnt expect it to be anything like that but am surprised at the lack of quality Ive experienced. Ive had two new batteries the first month, not sure why. The driver seat is already showing wear and darkening after a short 6 months. At 10,000 miles the interior rattles began. First the dash and then the windows. Ive not been able to get these corrected after 3 attempts. The motor started making a rattling noise in the mornings. Only during the first 5 minutes then its fine. Im afraid to see what will follow as time goes on with this car so Im selling it. Perhaps good for the price but no quality here.