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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  2012 ES 350 : Last of the Run - 2012 Lexus ES 350
  By mitchellrowe - December 5 - 5:47 am

  The 2010 , 2011 , and 2012 ES 350 are the last of the production run for the model . History since 1990 shows the end of the run with Lexus are the best of the best cars . We bought a 2011 , and 2012 Ultra Luxury with the Levinson radio . The Ess are as near perfect as one can buy . Do not hesitate , on the Es . History will rate them like 55 chevys . Dont hesitate , buy em before its too late . This sedan is a 10 .

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  This is a great vehicle! - 2006 Lexus LX 470
  By Patricia Sacks - December 4 - 1:20 pm

  Ive had my LX 470 since late March, 2007 and have driven SUVs exclusively for the last 10 years. While Ive never paid close to what the LX 470 cost me, I must say it is worth it! A great ride. Excellent sound system. Incredible on road trips, but runs through $70 of gas more quickly than Id like.

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  improvement of the perfect car with awd - 2013 Lexus ES 350
  By mitchellrowe - December 2 - 9:59 am

  how does the factory improve the best? 1- they made it 4" longer : smooth quiter ride , more legroom in the back 2 - kept the same price as the 2012 and 2011 when new 3- same engine and tranny thats quite perfect 4- added lane assist as option ------------ - -NEGATIVES " NO SPARE TIRE ( a donut) ------luxury package worth the $ -------- MY DEALER , LEXUS of CHERRY HILL (nj) , AS ALWAYS , DELIVERED THE CAR PERFECTLY. BEST SALES MGR. IN THE BIZ : MICHAEL C... ***** ( 5 STAR GUY )

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  Love it! - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By geno - December 1 - 10:00 am

  We use our vehcle both for extensive highway as well as dirt road driving. With the number of options avaiable for ride, vehicle height and severe driving condition contingencies, this SUV has it all. Its ruggedness and durability, coupled with incredible interior accoutrements make for the perfect "country gentlepersons" all- purpose vehicle.

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  Perfect driving machine - 2003 Lexus RX 300
  By str9 - December 1 - 10:00 am

  Its a fun SUV that drives like a car. You cant beat this luxury car.

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  1grt SUV - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By lexpro - December 1 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I have really enjoyed or RX. The vehicle runs really smooth, very comfortable, very car like. The traction of the AWD is excellent as well. We used it in the snow last winter without a problem. We are moving up to the larger Lexus...

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  My 3rd RX...THIS IS CLEARLY THE BEST!!! - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By mjkravitzlaw - December 1 - 10:00 am

  The 330 is longer, higher, faster, wider, more fuel efficient, and very luxurious.The Levinson sound is an immense improvement on the old sound system. Storage area is larger too.

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  Improves upon the Rx 300 in Every Way - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By No_Motiv - December 1 - 10:00 am

  Everything about this car is better than the old RX 300, which I considered a great car. I have the Mark Levinson package installed in mine and the luxury features are outstanding. The dashboard itself is beautiful. Everything about the car is fun to look it. The car itself rides much quieter than the Rx 300. There have been many reviews complaining about engine noisehowever i find that car runs virtualy silently, the only engine noise you hear is when you approach 4000+ RPMS, and even then its only a hum. This is the most luxurious SUV i have ever ridden in.

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  Great car, great features - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By All 7s - December 1 - 10:00 am

  Have had the car for 1 week. Love it! Great features and technology. Interior design and materials are first rate. Car rides quietly and smoothly with one exception: Occassionally, the transmission will hold its gear longer than it should and then gently "lunge" into the next gear. This doesnt happen often, but given the near-perfection of the rest of the vehicle, it is noticeable. Bottom-line: Im glad I chose the RX!

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  Practical and fun to drive - 2009 Lexus RX 350
  By Beng - December 1 - 3:03 am

  After deciding between Accura MDX and RX 350, really feel that we made the right decision on the RX 350. The sporty style and comfortable ride is really impressive. Plenty of power to get you in and out of traffic (or into trouble). Gas mileage was really impressive on the highway (26 to 28 mph) on a trip to San Antonio to Fort Worth. In town 18 to 21 mph so far. Had a little trouble with window squeak when we first got it, but this was corrected at dealer. Very happy with the vehicle and the dealership.