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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  Nice and luxurious - 2017 Lexus RX 450h
  By Nate Mohan - December 1 - 3:00 am

  When Lexus redesigned the RX last year, I was a little disappointed that they deviated from the traditional rounded shape to a more aggressive styling. But, the style grew on me and now I think that its actually a better look. The redesigned interior dash design is definitely much better than before. There is quite a bit of learning curve to get familiar with the technology. The manuals are poorly designed and printed and online information is far from helpful. The navigation system is quite limited and the voice command system is unpredictable. I do enjoy driving this car very much because of the nice and quite ride. I bought the hybrid which gets around 28 mpg which is very nice even though premium gasoline is required. Couple of annoying things while driving are the fairly loud hum when braking (due to regenerative brake system) and the slight hesitation when starting from a traffic stop (due to switching from hybrid to gas).

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  RX 330 - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Marc and Carolyn - November 30 - 8:36 pm

  This is the second RX we have had. Previously we had the 2001 and were so happy with it that we traded it in for the 2004 model. We have had no significant mechanical problems with the car to date. Would highly recommend the RX - fun to drive and nice to look at.

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  Wonderful Car - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By Mike - November 28 - 11:26 pm

  I have owned most luxury brands, and this is by far the best car I have owned (I got the Modern Luxury package with SmartAccess). I tested the others, but the Lexus was simply in a different league. Ride quality is extraordinary-- both smooth and quiet. The interior is exceptionally well crafted. If you cannot get comfortable in the LS 430s seats, you simply cannot get comfortable in any car. Performance is better than I expected. The LS 430 does not have quite as many technological gadgets as the Acura or Infiniti, but it certainly has enough.

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  Love my GS 300 - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Kathay - November 27 - 4:13 pm

  This is my fifth Lexus and by far the best of the best. Comfortable luxury with a sports car feel. I would recommend it to anyone.

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  Its True, the BEST Sedan Made - 1999 Lexus LS 400
  By MrPino - November 27 - 10:33 am

  Ive owned over 50 cars in my old age and the 99 LS400 is one of the best. I also have a LS430 but find myself driving the LS400 the most. These cars are powerful, quiet, extremely relaxing to drive and get very good gas mileage. With proper maintenance, the LS400 will go 400,000 miles without a problem. Ive owned 21 different Lexus cars and still consider the 1998-2000 year models to be the best.

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  Way to Save on Gasoline - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Jane Vogel - November 26 - 11:20 pm

  I live on Kauai and gas is super expensive. Ive learned to coast while driving my lexus using the electric engine efficiently. Ive gone 200 miles and hardly used any fuel. This car is a dream in comfort and a real fuel saver... it pays in the long run for economy... go get your own !!!

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  Lexus LS 430 - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By Niels Stenhoj - November 26 - 7:26 am

  This is my third Lexus 400/430 and it the best. Lexus has an understanding for what the consumer thinks is luxury. They do not load up the car with fancy technology that you do not need. They focus on making your ride as safe and comfortable as possible.

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  YOU GO LEXUS!!!! - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By TDJ - November 25 - 9:33 am

  Ive only had this vehicle for a little under 3 months and I must say, I LOVE IT!!! It was everything I was looking for and some... More bells and whistles than you could ever think of. Needless to say, I purchased the 400h, and am very satisfied with the TOTAL vehicle!!

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  BEST LEXUS EVER - 2016 Lexus RX 350
  By dan.ki - November 23 - 3:44 am

  Not to many car and SUVs catch your eyes these day they all kind of look a like not RX350 it look completely different you know when you see one coming for a mile away really awesome to drive Buy one.

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  Unfair knock on the looks - 2016 Lexus RX 350
  By C Evertsz - November 21 - 11:35 pm

  We bought our AWD version in silver and the grill integrates well it that color. We came from an 07 MDX, a car also criticize for its looks. Eventually it grew on everyone. In time, the RXs styling will be considered right in line with what everyone else offers. About the rest of the car,,, It exceeds our expectations. The ride quality is unbelievably smooth, so much more than the Mercedes we were considering. And acceleration is more than adequate unless you like drag-racing at every light. We are very happy with the value of RX compared to the Benz and 2016 MDX when you get most of the bells and whistles. Even though the gas mileage was far lower (18mpg) than advertised no regrets about our purchase.