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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  Very nice car - 2006 Lexus LS 430
  By Pedro - February 21 - 11:23 pm

  Vehicle was a mfg buyback w/15K miles, ultra luxury package, supposedly had no start issues but under warranty. Paid 31K & just extended my warranty thru 8/75K so Im covered for awhile. Absolutely love this car, best I can figure previous owner didnt drive it much & left the Smart key either in or near the car and the batteries would die. Havent had any issues in my first year except had the front windshield R&Rd due to noise at 80mph against a headwind. Will be replacing original tires soon w/odometer at just over 25K. Just a beautiful ride, happy with everything except driver seat bottom comfort - its just not very comfortable on a long drive, needs more cushion and support.

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  Love this truck - 2006 Lexus LX 470
  By dn - February 19 - 7:46 pm

  Had the previous model - couldnt think of owning a different suv - from the stereo to the engine there is total reliability. I had a dvd system installed in the rear of the truck for my children and now its the best vehicle ever.

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  A pleasure. - 2007 Lexus RX 350
  By Love it - February 19 - 3:26 am

  We were looking at the IS. Then switched to the ES/ GS but purchased RX 350 two months ago and love it more than when new. They have thought of almost everything. Comfy, confident, responsive (18" wheels), quiet ride allows you to sit back, relax and have fun driving. Everything you need is within reach. Navigation is a great help. Able to carry a lot - full sized sofa, small freezer, 5 people comfortably. Styling is acceptable.

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  Easy to Drive and Park - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By rhayman - February 18 - 2:00 am

  Its big and comfortable with a safe feeling as you glide along the highway. And glide is a good feeling as to how this baby handles. Dont use the navigation system for familiar trips around town unless you want to see new territory. Be sure to get the rubber floor mats for winter carpet protection. Con: Must be in park to use seat/mirror presets. Highway gas mileage is better than expected; city driving is a gas hog.

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  Dream - 1998 Lexus ES 300
  By bluebell - February 18 - 2:00 am

  I bought the car new 5 1/2 years ago, and have put on 41,000 miles. Absolutley no problems with the engine or any hardware or trim. I have had regular oil changes, and have only had to change the wipers and 4 light bulbs. To this day, after its washed, friends think its new. BG Philadelphia

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  Green luxury - 2007 Lexus GS 450h
  By flid - February 17 - 4:53 am

  This car rocks. Excellent style and finish with all Lexus has to offer, while setting the bar on environmental responsibility for discriminating buyers. Performance is off the chart for a hybrid and I am averaging approx 27.5 MPG at 15,000 miles. Service is Lexus excellence plus and I couldnt be happier with this vehicle. Anyone who can afford to make a vehicle purchase decision based on luxury, performance and most importantly environmental impact should consider this car.

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  The SUV that all aspire to be - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By haultj - February 16 - 8:38 pm

  I purchased this new in May 2004. I have never been more happy with a vehicle purchase. Everyone loves this vehicle from the exterior look to the interior feel this is as close to perfect as they come. This has great power for the highway and is amazing in any weather or terrain. I have taken this where no other could go. Deep snow is no match. Off road is so easy. I use this to haul and deliver equipment to my clients and I could not be more happy with this vehicle. The Mark Levison sound is great! The navigation gets me where I want to go. Everyone feels safe when I drive them in this vehicle. Fill it with gas, do standard maintenance and it goes and goes.

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  Great sedan - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Tom - February 16 - 7:06 am

  I am very happy with my new GS 300. It preforms great. Not to mention great interior design. The only one thing that I would upgrade in my car is the engine. I would put 3.5 L engine.

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  Beautiful Sexy Car - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By Ill Tell - February 14 - 11:00 am

  I LOVE THIS CAR!!! I have had it for two years. My ultimate dream car. Could own a maserati, SL500, whatever, I DONT WANT THEM!!! I will keep my SC forever! I would recommend a lexus to anyone, this is my summer car and the GX 470 is my winter car.

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  One Great Lexus LS430 - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By Dr. Mark - February 13 - 10:00 am

  From the very first test drive, I could not believe the high level of comfort, ease, and overall smoothness involved. What a comfortable traveling vehicle, and yet agile and nimble enough for emergencies. Great looking, especially the utterly tasteful interior.