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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  bought used in Nov2010 - 2007 Lexus RX 350
  By jekcartalk - March 31 - 6:24 pm

  Wanted to drive the suv for a year before stating my opinion. Traded in a 03MDX (transmission torque converter issue @ 96K miles), and opted for a used 07LexusRX vs new Subaru Outback - $9k cheaper. Overall I am pleased with my purchase, as the car was a premium package w/Nav etc. I agree the Nav is a pain to use because of its limited ability to change while on the move (other than voice commands, which is even more frustrating and distraction when it doesnt recognize what you are saying) than being able to input by touch. Only isuue so far... rear wheel bearing hub which was replaced under warranty (70k Miles for drivetrain) which the dealer promptly notified me. So far so good!

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  2005 Lexus LS 430 - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By Kathy Conrad - March 31 - 12:10 pm

  This is my 4th Lexus LS since 1992. I have owned 2 LS 400s and this is my 2nd LS 430. I was talked into purchasing a Mercedes-Benz E-500 last June. I just sold the car yesterday after purchasing my new LS 430 several weeks ago. I will never make that mistake again. I am a Lexus lover through and through!! This car is unbelievable. Smooth, quiet, comfortable, wonderful craftmanship, and such a pleasure to drive.

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  Why did I ever leave? - 2013 Lexus CT 200H
  By miked22 - March 30 - 9:48 pm

  I was a very loyal Lexus owner. I purchased 2 Rx300s in a row and couldnt say enough good stuff about Lexus. My only disappointment was the non- availability of the Mark Levenson sound system. That frustration sent me to a piece of junk domestic mfg. Back to present day...... I wanted to get something different. One day I was in a parking lot and saw the CT. I knew it was a Lexus however I never saw one before. I followed it and took note of the model number. After a little Internet research I went for the test drive and was very impressed. I expected a very sluggish pseudo sports sedan. It is anything but fast however it was much quicker than expected. Only one day in but I love it!

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  Absolutely awesome redesign of this car. - 2016 Lexus RX 450h
  By Randy Ziemienski - March 30 - 6:29 am

  If you are looking for an high end hybrid SUV that has all the latest technology, power, comfort, luxury and eye catching style, then look no further! The new 2016 450h hybrid is not only the sportiest looking SUV on the market, but it is also provides a fantastic driving experience. I recently traded in my 2011 450h for the 2016 revised model and am just smiling ear to ear. Everyone I show it to is in awe. I was lucky enough to get in early on this vehicle and can tell you first hand that it is worth every penny. From the new and extended high tech navigation system to all the upgraded safety features, Lexus has hit the bullseye. Ergonomically, it is the most comfortable ride ever and at my age (59) this is critical to driver comfort and safety. Again, Lexus hits the mark on so many areas that I cant imagine driving anything else. By the way, I am just a consumer and these comments are real and true!

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  Love it! - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By luvnlife - March 29 - 5:33 pm

  Im very comfortable in my ES 350. Smooth, quiet ride. Nav system is great. Sound system is pretty good but could be better. Love my back up camera. Only complaint is that I cant seem to get climate controls to a perfect temp for me, but LOVED the air conditioned seats this summer -- keeps you from sticking to leather, ladies. This is my second ES and Id recommend it for someone who wants luxury but cant afford or doesnt want to spend the extra for a better Mercedes or BMW. My husband has complained about the voice recognition but its just operator error. Overall, I love it. Got a great color, too, Amber Pearl and people compliment it all the time.

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  Not Quite So Nice - 2002 Lexus LS 430
  By Not Quite So Nice - March 29 - 4:43 am

  This was to be my retirement car, you know, keep forever. Got the Ultra. Bad choice. Took delivery out of front alignment. Turns out I discovered air suspension was causing a strong lean (2" shorter on right"). Didnt notice until sitting on a perfectly flat surface. Should have gotten the standard suspension. Took dealer three times to get right, had to make call to Japan.

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  Luxury - 2014 Lexus RX 450h
  By Garry - March 29 - 4:41 am

  Very nice suv with style. Price was high but you’re driving a Lexus.

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  Why we traded it in - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By Nick - March 28 - 1:06 pm

  Lexus build quailty and service is there but not much else. Really stiff ride and "bucks" over the slightest bump, so much so I took it in to be checked and they said its normal? Nav voice command is a joke. Audio, climate, etc. controls through the nav screen are a huge inconvenience. Third row seats are good for say what, ages 5 and under? Just really unhappy with this truck as a whole. We are trading in the GX tomorrow. I will be happy to see it go.

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  Feel the LUV in my new SUV! - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By Michelle L. - March 27 - 7:06 pm

  This is my 1st experience driving a Lexus and I do not regret my choice. The day I picked up the car it was spotless clean and an absolute beauty. It drives with an heir of elegance and has an impressive pick up when you need to move! It is spacious and roomy, handles curves very well, headlights are awesome. The alleged "engine noise" is minimal and not as bad as others claim. I actually like all of the interior features but wholeheartedly agree that the position of the outlets is plain inconvenient. The fact that you cant use the nav while in motion isnt a problem if you have the destination assist feature.

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  Next Generation Lexus. - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By dirtymartini - March 27 - 10:00 am

  It has amazing handling and feels much more nimble than other cars in its class. The factory stereo is the best Ive heard and crushes any of the German cars. The aluminum drilled pedals, the chronometer display and the suade side panels get more attention then any wood trim. Also the exterior catches the eye of everyone around. It has a very long wheelbase with respect to its length which makes it look even faster than it is. It isnt nearly as common as a BMW or Audi. Lastly, Lexus makes the most reliable cars in the world. This is no exception. Fuel efficiency - This is a sports car. If you want an economy car buy a Civic.