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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  Exceeded our expectations - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By Joe D - November 19 - 8:26 pm

  We have only owned it for a week, but we cant get enough of it! It is by far the most quality vehicle we ever owned, and blows away the 5 SUVs weve had in the past. It is such a smooth ride, the interior amenities are great. You truly feel "different" when you drive this car. Even though it is 3 years old, it looks and feels brand new. Sorry, I have to make this quick so I can go back and drive it somewhere... anywhere.

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  Driving "Heaven" - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By VMacE - November 19 - 2:00 am

  I spend a lot of time on the run and the LS 430 eases the roads wear and tear on my body! This car is like a small piece of "heaven" on the highway.....

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  A car thats worth spending the money - 2004 Lexus GS 300
  By anna meyers - November 19 - 2:00 am

  I love the car!!!

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  This car is amazing. - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By B2003LexusOwner - November 19 - 2:00 am

  I have driven this car and the Mercedes SL500. What that car has in style, this car has in comfort and driving. This car drives better and is just more reliable. The Mercedes had a lot of trouble and often broke down.

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  The best car, at any price. - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By archiefriend - November 19 - 2:00 am

  Thought I was going to buy a low mileage 2003 540i. Pretty to look at, very fast, but surprisingly rough ride, noisy; felt somewhat crude, like a 4 door version of my first car, a 5 spd Mustang GT. Drove the LS430 the next day. Like upgrading to the Ritz Carlton after staying at a rustic ski cabin! So smooth, refined, quiet. Effortless speed, with graceful throttle step-in. Made me feel upper class, like a king. SOLD!

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  Lexus Beats BMW X5 - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By MAAbrahams - November 19 - 2:00 am

  Nothing beats a Lexus for quality and reliability.

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  Fun to drive - 2006 Lexus GX 470
  By dbrockner - November 18 - 10:00 am

  I really love all the features of my GX 470. However I wish there were more room for the driver.

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  motor city is300 5speed - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By Chris300 - November 17 - 10:00 am

  2,000 miles later I am happy I picked the IS300 over the BMW 330i. Even after the $2200 chrome wheel option, I saved almost $3k versus the BMW and the car has received more attention than its popular counterpart. Potholes in the Motor City are plentiful, but the stiff ride is confident and composed. Im 6 4 and have ample headroom even with the moonroof option. Strong braking and acceleration compare favorably to the BMW but the shift gate can be a bit tight at full throttle. Nonetheless, this car is a pleasure to own.

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  Solid and Fun To Dr - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By Lenard - November 17 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive, reliable, great on the interstate, and perfect in the snow.

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  Hybrid luxury - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Kaperino - November 16 - 8:46 pm

  My leap to this model is a dream. Still in the clouds and expecting to come down soon..