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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  Vibration Problems Continue - 2003 Lexus RX 300
  By skeown - December 8 - 2:00 am

  Although there was always some engine vibration (with car idles at say red light) with the RX it has gotten worse and the dealer says "normal", then the extra words that even the new ones have more vibation than some cars (I also have an old Chrys. minivan, which has none>>>, and says that since the motor mounts are different in the RX, than the other Lexus cars, then it will never be "normal, just exceeding the norm...Not pleasant when you have to shift into neutral at a red light, to keep your teeth from chattering.

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  Nice, but some really dumb designs - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By Disappointed - December 7 - 12:33 pm

  I have had my Lexus for 9 mos. amd 9000 mi. Its a nice car but some things are terribly designed. The nav system is wonderful at a stop, but when you are moving, its useless. Even using the voice activation, it only functions with about 10% of its capability. If you are driving on the hwy and want a particular store or restaurant, you have to get off the road and find a place to park to find it. Useless while driving. The center console storage is poor. The lid doesnt raise far enough to allow easy access. There are 3 12v. power outlets, none easy to get to and none that stay on when the engine is turned off. Even though its a nice car, I wouldnt buy it again because of these faults.

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  Nice Car, but could be better - 2003 Lexus RX 300
  By H Baker - December 4 - 2:43 pm

  Over all the RX 300 is a very good car! It is easy to drive as the steering feels effortless. The design is good but needs some refinements such as more room. The ride is stiffer than the MDX. Fuel economy is fair at best.

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  Ride in style - 2008 Lexus ES 350
  By David Ross - November 30 - 1:03 am

  84000 miles on this car begore first repairs!!!! It rides like a dream. Jumps to highway speed quickly even with a full passenger load. Great mileage even by current standards (31 hwy). Always a joy to drive,

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  Doesnt get much better than this - 2006 Lexus RX 330
  By SUV2SUV - November 29 - 9:06 pm

  This is basically a Toyota Highlander with upgraded trim, equipment and dealer network. That said, you give up some space for much better ergonomics, a little more style (although neither vehicle is going to win any one-off design awards) and gizmos. Reliability is Toyota all the way, but with a service department that is told to treat you like a valued customer instead of joe schmo. Performance is in the range of a Camry (same chassis, not surprising) which is to say it gets you to Target and back but youre not going to be autoXing this thing. Despite the supposed exclusivity of Lexus, the RX sells well so you see a ton.

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  Lexus RX300 - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By Leanne - November 24 - 9:46 pm

  I bought my Lexus when it was 3 years old. I dont like to buy new cars because you lose so much money on them, I prefer certified used cars. The only problem Ive had with this car is that the air conditioning went out after Id had it a year but it was covered by the extended warranty. Otherwise its been a great car. I like the way it looks and it feels very solid on the road in all kinds of weather. One criticism of the inside design is there is no in-dash CD player but this is fixed with later models

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  rotor problems continue - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By 3.con - November 21 - 10:00 am

  ought car from private party with 14K miles--noted on first long trip that car shuddered when braking at highway speed. Took it in--needed new rotors. I had read that Lexus was having problems with the brakes, especially rotors. Dealership (Concord Lexus) replaced the brake pads and rotors @ no charge to us. Shocking note from dealer that rear tires will need replacing soon--only 14, 300 miles on them and no abuse. Toyo tires, another warrenty issue, we hope. Nice car---but the transmission is not smooth and it hesitates when you need to move out in a hurry. Not powerful, good gas mileage, great interior. No rattles---yet!

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  Wife loves it, I drive AMG - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By jshoes - November 21 - 10:00 am

  The Lexus is a comfortable and practical ride. My wife loves everything about it especially the interior. I drive AMG Mercedes and it is hard to go from one to the other. The Mercedes is incredible performance, the Lexus is more mainstream, so I am ambivalent towards the Lexus except I admire the comfort.

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  New Used Lexus Owner - 2001 Lexus ES 300
  By Ed McDougal - November 21 - 1:03 am

  Compared to my Nissan and 2001 Camry I feel it is a 20 to 30 % better built vehicle.

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  Peeble beach review - 2005 Lexus SC 430
  By peeble beach - November 20 - 1:26 pm

  I would like to see this sexy vehicle stay around. I cannot believe the plug is about to be pulled on this work of art. The only change I feel is necessary is the front end design. A couple minor changes could make this car very popular once again. The head lights cover too much space. I feel a change that resembles the front end of of the mercedes SL 550 would greatly improve its appeal. Do that and Ill buy another.