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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  HIM - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By herb MEYERS - January 13 - 10:00 am

  better than my mercedes

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  Awesome - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By Dw4653 - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I had the RX300 before this, and to believe that the GX470 is twice the car is an understatement. It is truely an amazing car.

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  Lexus = Luxury - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By friday9 - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I am so very pleased with this car! I had to special order the vehicle to get the options I wanted, but it was well worth the wait. Nifty gadgets abound, and the ride is ultra smooth and quiet. Gas mileage is averaging around 20mpg with mixed driving (and premium fuel), which is better than I expected.

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  Best SUV ever - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By dsgsdg - January 13 - 10:00 am

  This is the best SUV out there in the SUV class. Alot more options in less amount of money compared to the ML Class of Mercedes-Benz. I would also include that it is smart of them not add a third row because they know others that have third rows do not have alot of safety as the safety passenger compartment framing is only the first two rows, the third row is very dangerous to sit in, this is where Mercedes-Benz ML Class lost marks for in safety. I would like to give credit to Acura for thinking the same way.

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  GX 470 - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By GMS - January 11 - 2:10 pm

  Fun to drive. Very stylish. Best Nav system out there. Much better then my Mercedes CL 500! Decent pick up for a heavy SUV. Pretty enough to be a car for Sat night out! Love it.

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  cup holder still too small !! - 1996 Lexus LS 400
  By dgeert - January 11 - 12:53 am

  218k now and going strong now im doing the timing belt and water pump by choice because of a small water leak.. all the problems ive had w this car are very typical to any high mileage car such as alternator p steering pump,semi clogged radiator timing belt cost about 900.00 from small shop,so expect twice from a dealer, its a major job... even though i read this motor doesnt self destruct if it breaks. this car is /was one of the most reliable ever with all the comforts of a luxury car. still quiet at all speeds . THIS JUST IN... ive been researching smaller cars for the mpgs and this car beats most of them at 20 to 27 highway

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  Great Mid-size SUV - 2015 Lexus NX 200t
  By u1g - January 10 - 2:33 am

  After X3 and X1, I decided to try a Lexus and I love it. Interior fit and finish is great and the design is very upscale. BMWs so called "business luxury" is getting old after seven years. Seats are more comfortable than X1 or X3, and lateral support on NX (regular seat) is much better than X3 or X1. NX is not as agile or fast as X1 or X3, but to me, it has the right combination of luxurious drive, good speed and handling capabilities. And my deciding factor was NX looks less feminine than X3, in my opinion. Sure the grill looks too much, but if you put a license plate, it isnt as "gaping hole" like as you think. Cargo space is fine for people w/o kids.

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  Extremely Nice Car - 2010 Lexus HS 250H
  By Todd - January 9 - 4:20 am

  This is our 2nd Lexus and cannot say enough about the quality in their vehicles. Car is extremely quiet, comfortable, and solid!! There is so much technology built into this car it is unbelievable! Im happy to have chosen the Lexus over other available hybrids.

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  Lexus 400h experience - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Bob Carpenter - January 7 - 7:06 pm

  Very quiet vehicle. Supprising mid range acceleration. Handles very well for SUV. We have been averaging just a little over 26mpg on regular unleaded. 90% of our driving is in town. Super tight turning radius, parks like a small car. As we live in the Chicago area we have found this vehicle performs very well in ice and snow conditions.

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  Nicest ride Ive ever owned - 2007 Lexus RX 350
  By surfchick500 - January 7 - 2:46 pm

  I replaced my beloved 4Runner with this and its almost too nice a car for me. It drives great and is so quiet and comfortable it makes the ride more relaxing. I am very happy with the gas mileage, (20-28 mpg) and I agree that the sound system could be nicer. I have absolutely no rattles and love the leather, the moon roof and seats. My dealer is very accommodating and I couldnt be happier. Im at 30K plus in mileage and my tires are holding up fine. I also love the headlights that turn with the wheels-the lights are so bright you could throw a party in front of your headlights! (not while driving, of course).