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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  Loving it - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By trey - December 18 - 11:56 pm

  I purchased a used 400h this past weekend and love it. Very smooth riding, the hybrid technology is great. I drove to the dealer in a lincoln aviator getting 14 mpg, on the way home in the city 30 on the highway 28.6 mpg. It feels good inside, just to the point and runs well. Very happy with the choice and getting a preowned with low mileage saved a ton on the cost. Get the navigation, well worth it.

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  07 Lexus RX 350 - 2007 Lexus RX 350
  By Ray - December 17 - 8:43 pm

  Great auto. This is second we have owned in the RX series. The AWD suspension is superior to the two wheel drive and was the reason for the upgrade. The ride is a bit stiff. This is OK for hard driving, but in normal driving you feel too many bumps. The navigation system is difficult for most to use, but the map feature is great and very helpful to see your way around a new area. This is a Lexus consequently all features work very well. The wind noise is excessive for a luxury vehicle.

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  My ES 330 - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Lexman - December 17 - 8:30 am

  I love my 2004 ES 330, its very fun to drive and its also very comfortable. I like how people stare and watch me as Im driving. its certainly a eye catcher.

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  A Top Performer - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Jean Morrow - December 17 - 8:10 am

  The Lexus RX 330 is one fine vehicle. It drives and rides like a car. It has great visibility. The speed control is the best of the cars that I have previously owned including a Porsche Bosxter, Cadillacs, Lincolns, Mercury, Chevrolets, Pontiac and Fords. The interior finish as well as the exterior paint is excellent. The car washes/finishes that are within the warranty are a real plus also. I am very glad I chose a Lexus and particularly the RX 330.

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  Nice Luxury SUV - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By rbnabr - December 17 - 7:36 am

  This is the second luxury SUV weve purchased. I picked this vehicle for its luxury, safety, reliability and resale value. This SUV rides more like a luxury sedan. Fuel economy isnt bad for a vehicle this size, we get 19 to 20 mpg (mixed driving). The Lexus does everything extremely well without standing out in any one category.The car feels like an extension of my home. This vehicle is like an upscale home, at times you feel as if youre cruising around in your family room.

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  My dream car - 1996 Lexus LS 400
  By curt - December 17 - 6:40 am

  I purchased a 96 LS 400 a few months ago. I have always wanted one but could not justify a new one at 50K+. I drive a diesel truck and wanted a luxury second car. This car is amazing on the highway. It floats but still handles well. It is a joy to drive and has 144K. I have had it on several 16 hour trips and it felt solid at 90+mph. Almost 15 years old and it feels new. Keep in mind that maintenance is expensive and it needs premium fuel. I plan to keep this 5 years and upgrade to an 05 LS 430 w/ 5 speed and black leather. Every time I drive it I cant believe it is 14 years old. I have driven several newer cars around 30K and this 96 is way more comfortable. Paid under $7K. Love it!!

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  WOW - 2004 Lexus GS 300
  By Philips - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Just a beautifully designed vehicle. Sales experience was excellent, not pushy. Service is unbelievable. For a bigger car handles very well. Features are well thought out and very intuitive Lots of space for passengers and great sound system. Highly recommend this car

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  Super Sedan! - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By jordicheng - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Absolutely no complaints about this car. It is always fun to sit behind the steering wheel.

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  My 2005 Lexus ES330 - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Robert Lemberes - December 14 - 10:36 pm

  Drivability, interior comfort are the best. I absolutely love my Lexus. The idle is so smooth and quiet I have to look at the tachometer to make sure it is running.

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  Review 2002 Lexus ES-300 - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By Renouard Sanders - December 14 - 7:03 am

  A true luxury car for less than a luxury price. Lots of options that are truly useful. Safety features galore. Fun, fun, fun to drive and handles flawlessly. An excellent sound system and climate control. Unbeatable at the current price. Interior very tastefully designed.