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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  Outstanding vehicle - 2007 Lexus RX 350
  By Tim - December 14 - 3:53 am

  A very comfortable ride with plenty of back seat room. I also own a Lexus sedan. My next vehicle will be a Lexus also.

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  Its a blessing - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Vasche - December 13 - 11:36 pm

  This is my first brand new car, and to drive it is so much fun, its very comfy and looks good too. The only problem I have with the car is that there are too many of them around now. Copycats! Also, I use to drive like a racer before, but this car definitely calms you down and encourages you to enjoy the ride. Absolutely love it.

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  Impressive - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By JayC - December 13 - 8:16 pm

  Having test driven an IS300,I can attest to the high-quality and sporty appeal of this car.The engine being equipped with a 3.0-liter inline six put a smile to my face when I mashed on the gas.The chassis was remarkable delivering stability and control.The interior makes this a great road car without losing the sporty look and feel.Quijote–The reason your friend smoked the IS300 with a BMW325 is because the person driving the IS300 cant drive!The 325 has 189 hp while the IS300 has 215 hp.

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  Love this Hybrid - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Joyce - December 13 - 7:16 pm

  This is my first Lexus. I have had a Caddy DeVille, Acura, and Honda Accord in a previous life. This SUV seating is so comfortable and the navigation system is a joy. Its fun to drive and handles very well. My husband loves the 400H also. We are getting over 25 mph combined fuel and hybrid and we just got the car earlier this month. We expect improved mileage as we break her in.

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  The best luxury vehicle on the market! - 2003 Lexus RX 300
  By Matteo Mastrantonio - December 12 - 2:00 am

  This is where luxury meets luxury. This is my second one and I would never buy another SUV. The RX300 is the ultimate driving machine. I couldnt have made a better decision. It is great for road manner, winter weather, horsepower (pick-up), car- like ride, and pretty much everything else. Toyotas luxury line has done it once again.

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  Economy or performance? - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By richard - December 9 - 9:30 am

  I have had my Rx 400h for a little less than a month now. It is quiet, smooth, and full of neat little extras like the nav system. It is definately a much faster car than either my old RX 300 or a new RX 330. Comparison to a V8 is accurate. Right now, my biggest issue is whether or not it will deliver on its promised fuel economy. While highway mileage is about what you might expect (26-27 mpg), in city has been disappointing so far (22-23). Lexus has checked the car out and says that it is working properly. They also ask us to give it through the break-in period before we assess the fuel economy. I would be interested in the experience of any other 400h owners regarding fuel economy.

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  satish - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By satish - December 7 - 10:00 am

  Just lovely to drive. Perfect for small family. Luxury and smooth drive and performance all combined in a classy SUV/Car. Buy it, Enjoy it.

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  Luxury and Reliability for Less - 2010 Lexus LS 460
  By leawoodesq - December 6 - 10:53 pm

  This is my third Lexus LS, following a 2001 and a 2004 LS 430. Honestly, the two earlier cars were much quieter, as if powered by a huge electric motor. The drivers seat was more comfortable and its cushion extended farther forward to support under my legs. (I am 63" tall.) Other than that, the 2010 is a much-improved car. The motor has direct injection at very high pressure and it idles like a diesel - very noisy, especially compared to the earlier two cars - but the horsepower and torque are much greater. The optional adjustments to the transmission and suspension change the character of the car, unlike in other premium cars. Reliability is a luxury in itself - this car never breaks.

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  TREMENDOUS : 2011 ES 350 awd sedan - 2011 Lexus ES 350
  By mitchellrowe - December 5 - 9:26 am

  Build : Japan : Flawless Colors : Double Black with Body Side Mouldings Xenons : Brighter than the 2009 traded Interior : Superb Materials , Build Quality , Rear Privacy Shade , Navigation Package with Destination Assist , XM Radio with Traffic + Weather . Fuel : Regular - 87 Octane Noiseless Inside Cabin Factory Trunk Money Brings Price Down Years Reccomend . Hands Down ... The Best . Compares with my LS 460 Favorably .

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  True Happiness - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By Howie - December 5 - 6:10 am

  I purchased this vehicle used and sold my 1999 Mercedes SL 500. This car is a pleasure to drive in every sense. I wish that they would take out the back seat and place a self like Mercedes. Otherwise outstanding.