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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  Amazing - 2000 Lexus RX 300
  By River-buddy - November 14 - 10:00 am

  Ive waited almost 5 years to own an RX300. I cant tell you how much I love my vehicle. It was so worth the wait. The comfort, style, handling, as well as the added ammenities... I cant say enough. I love that it handles the turns like a car, and that it has the get up and go thats required for extensive highway driving. Friends and family agree that its one of the nicest cars theyve been in. For those that Ive allowed to drive my car, they all agree that the handling is wonderful.

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  Cant go wrong - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By K-Lex04 - November 14 - 10:00 am

  Prior to this Lexus I had a BMW which was nice, but ride too stiff. I have had 3 other Lexus and maybe too partial, but have no complaints. Rides nice and smooth. Seating is the most comfortable yet. I just got the Sport Edition which is well worth it. Ride is nice and tight with great handling.

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  Lexus Quality at its best - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By foxy_ maverick - November 12 - 6:16 pm

  After driving a Range Rover for five years decided for a change. Wow the Lexus was great compared to it. I had a lot of electronic problems with the Range Rover which was a reliability issue. From what I have heard Lexus is a very reliable make. Fingers crossed!

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  Certified - 2015 Lexus ES 350
  By Rico - November 12 - 10:36 am

  Only buy a certified used car

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  Smooth, Quiet, and Good Looking - 2000 Lexus ES 300
  By Scott Hastings - November 12 - 10:00 am

  It is a joy to drive this car. Interior and exterior styling are wonderful. I have the Platinum Edition that has the wood-grained stearing wheel. 3.0 Liter engine gives this car lots of pickup when you need it. I have a hearing loss and I can hear my childrens soft speach while driving. The stereo system is the best Ive ever heard in any car. Theres just nothing not to like.

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  Best Luxury Sedan in the world - 2002 Lexus LS 430
  By Lexus Fan 84 - November 12 - 10:00 am

  The LS430 is and has been proven t be the best Luxury sedan out on the road. AMCI went through throughal testing and it proved over Benz and BMW and Infiniti and Audi and any other car maker that Lexuss LS430 is the best luxury sedan out there overall!! and I believe this firmly!!!

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  Way better than new EPA mpg - 2007 Lexus RX 350
  By Bob in Texas - November 12 - 5:56 am

  I characterize the RX-350 as a luxury small SUV (most call it a medium size. With 270 hp it keeps the lead footers mostly pleased and for the more average to docile drivers the 26.8 mpg that I recorded on a 330 mile stint on interstate 10 on cruise control at 71 mph is EPA busting. On a 1040 mile trip I recorded an average of 25.8 mpg. Now mind you I never exceeded 75 mph on this trip, but for the economy fan, where else are you going with that kind of power.

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  From Jaguar to Lexus - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Barbara Rhea - November 11 - 8:50 pm

  I totaled my 2000 XK8 Jaguar in November. When looking for a new car, I looked at a number of luxury cars. When I found the ES 330, it was exactly what I wanted. I needed a 4 door, as I have grandchildren. I could not take them anywhere in the Jag. Now, being more practical, I can safely take my 3 grandkids to lunch and to the park. I am very impressed with the ES330.

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  6 months in, very happy - 2001 Lexus GS 300
  By mrljacobs - November 11 - 5:35 pm

  I purchased my GS300 with 92,000 miles on it 6 months ago. So far I am very happy. Car is very nice, has great features, and has been problem free. When I purchased there was some rattling coming from near the right front tire. Took to mechanic, replaced front strut mounts, and rattle was taken care of. Cost me $350, but now I enjoy a smooth quiet ride. Average 22mpg, and get much better on long freeway drives. Will upgrade to LS430 in a few years.

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  Love for Life - 2001 Lexus LS 430
  By Philly LS - November 10 - 6:13 am

  I bought this used LS with Navi with 75,000 miles on it a year ago and now I have put 12,000 miles on it with no problems. The Navigation is very good the turning radius unbelievable. Drove from Phila to Raleigh NC with no problems. I will trade this for a newer model in a few years. I love this car over a 1997 740 I had and a 2000 S500.