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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  Who needs a man, when you have a Lexus? - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By ssj - December 31 - 2:00 am

  It was my divorce present to myself and it worked! I continue to feel totally pampered and safe every time I sit in, drive in, or think of that car. I was never into cars...never even wanted a Lexus. Never really knew what Lexuses were all about. And now, I will never own another car. The folks at Lexus courtesy-wash my car for free for me every week. They dont even let me tip them. The feed me while I wait...bagels, cappuccino. Complete LUXURY. I am officially spoiled ... and loving it. I recommend the SC 430 to every female recently out of relationship. Who needs a man, when you have a Lexus?

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  best the class for 2000Very w - 2000 Lexus ES 300
  By jimconvery - December 31 - 2:00 am

  No regrets - best car for the money

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  AWSOME! - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By charlotte king - December 31 - 2:00 am

  Love to drive, its fun to see people look and stare at the rx330 when we go by.Love the body style.

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  My Baby - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By MJane - December 31 - 2:00 am

  Had a 2000RX300, liked it very much, which is why we looked at the RX330. It has many improvements,led readouts,dual air/heat,more wood,electric tilt steering, power rear door,triple fold rear seat,lighted door step fit and finish excellent. Only complaint is that towing package should at least come with trailer wiring. Only includes the wiring socket. Hitch and wiring not included.

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  What a great decision - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By CPT Rob - December 31 - 1:23 am

  Retired from US Army in New Hampshire. With young kids I had a minivan. Besause of the hills the transmission was a pain. I search through used cars because of the unacceptable cost increases. Used Lexus was not one I considered until I found a 2002 RX 300 that looked new. AWD leather auto, electric everything. Great maintenance records. Under 55K miles and priced below 20K. Took a test drive and instantly fell in love. Traded in the van and put new tires onit and feel very safe and confident driving thru this long winter. If you can find one check it out.

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  the car - 2001 Lexus IS 300
  By yellow is 3 - December 30 - 10:00 am

  my lexus is 300 is bright yellow it turns more heads than any other car i have driven i like to make the cars i drive a little jazzed up so since the is300 is an import car i can get tons of parts and acessories for it

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  Dallas Review - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By jouretnuit - December 30 - 10:00 am

  Very quiet - much more so than the 98 model I had, very comfortable.

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  2006 Lexus GS300 - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By masih - December 29 - 8:06 pm

  We bought this car about a month ago and absolutely love it. The shape is wonderful. It is very quiet and powerful and drives very well. The drivers seat is very comfortable. I think that Consumer Report is way off on their review of this car. The paint job is fabulous. This is our fourth Lexus and we have always had very good reliability from these cars.

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  Truly Exceptional - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By apar72 - December 27 - 11:23 pm

  Having owned a 5 series, (2) 3 series convertibles, and an 2003 Lexus Es300, I felt compelled to write about the 2007 Lexus ES 350. On to the good stuff, the 350 engine has all the power you need, much better than the lackluster performance of the es300. it does have significant body roll and a slight delay in throttle response (drive by wire). Than again its a lexus not a corvette. The fit and finish quality is outstanding, the ride is very soft, no rattles, drives like a smaller version of the LS 430. Extremely quite interior and well appointed at that. If you like a real "luxury" car than there is no better. This is not a Camry and anyone who says it drives like one does not have a clue.

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  Just a bit better than outstanding!! - 2007 Lexus LS 460
  By J C Falter - December 26 - 12:03 am

  I have never driven a nicer car in my life time. It is so perfect, I dont know how they can keep up with the production of such a fine automobile. Everything about the car is quality. I dont know what they could do to make it any better, that is why I say that it is a little bit better than outstanding.