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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  Does not fit 2 Car Seats in 2nd Row - 2009 Lexus GX 470
  By MW - March 12 - 2:00 am

  I saw a posting that it fits multiple car seats in the 2nd row. This is not a correct statement. One Car seat will fit fine, but due to the position of the 2nd latch behind the drive it will not probably hold the car seat still. It is not positioned on par with Federal Guidelines. NHTSA certified fireman said he could not properly install the seat due to the positioning as it of center. So dont buy if you need multiple car-seats in the 2nd row.

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  Finally in love with my car - 2011 Lexus GX 460
  By 3X GX owner - March 12 - 2:00 am

  I bought 03 and 07 GXs because it was the smallest vehicle that qualified for the extra tax write off for small business owners. I was never thrilled with the vehicles, but stuck with it for the tax advantage. Now Im in a 2011GX and can finally say "I love my car". Some of the things that bugged me the most about my others have been corrected (see my favorite features). GPS & voice recognition are greatly improved over the old one. Bluetooth clarity is much better. Im a little OCD so I love being able to close up my Ipod, cover the radio, close the cup holders, fold rear seats, etc. It gives the interior a nice uncluttered look. De-icer will come in handy as well this winter.

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  Big Guys Car - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By George - March 11 - 8:26 pm

  Everything about it is absolutely great except for one thing. Its really hard for a big guy to get in and out of and theres not enough headroom. Its worth it though!

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  A great car! - 1997 Lexus ES 300
  By RazorWinger - March 10 - 1:20 am

  I bought this car with 58,000 miles on it; no problems except wear & tear. It started using oil for a while and I expected the worst - an engine re-build. But after an independent technician replaced the PCV valve ($10!), the oil usage stopped. I sure hope my next Lexus has better cup-holders; theyre far too shallow. The key to the Lex is keep it maintained and no telling how many miles theyll run. A great value.

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  Excellent Buy! - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By G W - March 9 - 10:36 am

  Love the car. Would consider buying another SC 430 in the future, if they ever come out with a 4-wheel drive version, as told to me by the dealer sales agent.

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  The Best! - 2004 Lexus GS 300
  By Long Tran - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Great nothing but a great car ever built!

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  2004 IS 300 review - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By novagator - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Love the interior and the handling of car. It is very responsive.

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  Lexus IS300 - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By LexusIS3OO - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Awesome little car with a lot of luxury

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  2003 LEXUS 430 SC - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By rt stewart - March 8 - 2:00 am

  pOSSIBLY THE BEST CAR IVE EVER OWNED AFTER PREVIOUSLY OWNING SEVERAL MERCEDES, 2 PORSCHE 911 AND 2 CORVETTES. I ONLY HAVE ONE WORD AND THAT IS ... OPTIMUM

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  FUN to drive, but some fixes are in need - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By Drlazor - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Fun to Drive. Get all kinds of good looks in this car. The problem is the car has so many little problem that it gets frustrating. 1. The Window does not meet the roof correctly. Should do an MB does and close the window after the door is closed. 2. The run flat tires SUCK. 3. The space between the tire and the rime is bad, My wife has bent the rim runnnig over simple pot holes. 4. The Tan interior does not clean very well. 5. The preformace off the line is not very good. It has to think for a few seconds before it goes. Do get me wrong I like this car alot, but for the price....