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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  RX 330 AWD 2006 - 2006 Lexus RX 330
  By CL - January 18 - 8:13 am

  This is my 1st RX 330 after years of survey. The driver side seat belt hinge keep scratching the door and leave scratch marks, the distance of the inner door of the driver side and the driver seat is too close that each drive try to pull the seat belt, the hinge will most likely be in a flip up position that driver inadvertently just keep pulling until the hinge flip down and sqeeze between the door and driver seat. I have several marks left on the inner door aleady. Wind noise also a bit loud while on the high way. Every thing else is as good as a LEXUS should be.

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  Very satisfying - 2017 Lexus RX 350
  By Durga Kanuri - January 17 - 3:37 pm

  Very comfortable and quiet ride.performs well.

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  Traded 2006 BMW X5 - 2009 Lexus RX 350
  By Driver1 - January 15 - 6:03 pm

  This Crossover is for people that looking for a very comfortable ride, I never wrote an auto review, but after driving this crossover for a month I decided to do so, just could not help it. I’ve had several SUVs in the past MB, BMW, Infinity, Honda. This crossover is for people that want name recognition, comfort, style. This crossover makes long trips, commuting very easy to accomplish, for someone who drives a lot on the daily bases, who needs versatility, cargo passenger space, like to sit up higher, likes quiet cruising. If you looking for a crossover that drives like a sports car, this will not be one to get, look at European rivals, MB, BMW.

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  Excellent vehicle. - 2004 Lexus LX 470
  By jcppsu - January 15 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is wonderful! I had a Previa van and found the gas mileage to be about the same. Yes it takes higher premium gas as my husband always points out but I am worth the few cents difference! It is so quiet inside you have to be careful of horns and ambulances..you may not hear them. Drawbacks-cd player is in a place that does not let you touch it unless stopped.(Safety minded!) It is sooo comfortable..! I have told my hubby if he never buys me another one, Im keeping this one forever!

• 

  Best overall quality in luxury SUV - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By rx330black - January 15 - 10:00 am

  Best vehicle Ive owned. Quality throughout the interior and exterior. This vehicle has many of the little things that, although seem small, but make a big difference in the overall ownership experience.

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  Quality Machine - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Mr. Buckpasser - January 15 - 10:00 am

  Well built vehicle that lives up to its promises of providing quality with performance.

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  Stylish Fuel Sipper - 2012 Lexus CT 200H
  By orangelebaron - January 14 - 5:20 pm

  I have the 2012 premium fire agate (brown) for 13 months and 14,200 miles. Most people give 5 stars and rave about this car. Im not so easy. Fuel economy has been 37 to 44 depending on time of year. The handling is fantastic. But ride is hard due to low profile tires. The brakes are extremely powerful. The seats? Good for 100 miles after that my legs go numb because the cushion is too soft in the middle, causing circulation to get cut off to my legs. Better for short trips. Back bolsters are too aggressive. Rear passengers cannot place feet under seats because of HVAC. Nav system is way too complicated and frustrating. You end up giving up and using your iPhone many times.

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  Happy Lexus shopper - 2016 Lexus RX 350
  By mar largo - January 14 - 3:51 pm

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  Purchased with 85,000 miles. - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By Used 85,000 miles sc - January 12 - 5:50 pm

  Purchased this car because I was looking for reliability in a pseudo sports car. I am 50+ and I wanted to gracefully move through midlife crisis in a sporty car. I have owned three Porsches for over 25 years, and then a Mercedes. Since 02 Ive owned an Acura TLS. Reliability was one of the major considerations to purchase this car. Its too soon to tell, but for now this Lexus still runs like new.

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  EXCELLENCE RUNS IN THE FAMILY - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By franchise - January 12 - 3:46 pm

  Lots of car for the money. Step up is a big one in money for a better car. Step down, you get Camary, or Mazima. Not bad. Yet, certainly different thant the appointments of this small Lexus. Much more car for about $4 to $5K more.