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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  Lexus RX 350 Lover - 2015 Lexus RX 350
  By C. M. - November 17 - 12:39 am

  I absolutely LOVE this vehicle! I have wanted one for a number of years. The only thing I would love to have is the reverse camera guidelines. The mouse took a little getting used to, but I got it in a few days. The exterior and interior are gorgeous. Love that it is a 3.5L engine. Just the right amount of HP. I absolutely LOVE this SUV!!!

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  Quality,quality and boring - 1999 Lexus LS 400
  By mid-lifer - November 12 - 2:00 am

  The quality of this car is outstanding. In many ways better than its German rivals. I have had no problems at all with car. The dealer is the best I have come across. The down side is it is a bore to drive. After a drive up the Oregon coast I turned to my wife and said Im selling the car.

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  Impressive Lexus - 2010 Lexus HS 250H
  By Consul - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Im impressed by this Lexus Hybrid, get close to 40MPG, can use regular unleaded fuel, fully loaded with awesome technology found previously in a LS600. It is pricey almost $50K but for the mileage and contributions to the environment, Im pleased with it. Nice comfortable interior and yes, the brakes does get some getting used to. The navigation is easy to use, head up display on windshield is helpful and the front angled camera has saved me many times. Not to mention the lane keep assist for those late nights in the office when you are tired, it can save you from an accident and tickets. Awesome car and I recommend it.

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  Lexus versus Camry - 2013 Lexus ES 350
  By papilio1070 - November 7 - 11:34 am

  This is a good car but it is no better than the 2013 Camry XLE. Ours is fully loaded with premium Nav and prem. sound system. It is all leather and rides the same as the ES350. Our Camry has more chrome and tinted windows. It has remote start. Our Camry is loaded with every option available and has more features than the first two trims of the ES350. We rented the ES350 along with the Camry, Avalon, Accord and Altima. We drove each car 200 miles. We did this because we got burnt on a 2010 impala. In fact the Nissan Altima had the best ride and comfortable seats of all the cars we rented. They have Zero Gravity seats and they are the best. Just couldnt trust that CVT Transmission.

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  They dont make them the way they used to - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By jambo - November 1 - 10:00 am

  Lexus cut corners with The switches and controls. They appear to be straight out of a toyota corolla. I think the steering wheel is too. Ride is harsh on the run flats. They last for about 5000 miles and then start rumbling really bad. Paid $1600 for new tires in less then one year of casual driving. Dealer says this is normal. The seat belt position is to low for taller drivers. The 1991 LS 400 we bought new was a much better car. Clearly, corners were cut on this one. I will be getting rid of this car ASAP. Anyone want to buy a Nieman Marcus Silver Belle Edition SC430 with new tires?

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  Great Car for old people and accountants - 1998 Lexus ES 300
  By loco - October 22 - 4:46 am

  Great reliable car, decent fuel economy, very comfortable but not too fast. Overall if you need a car for everyday that you know would not let you down you should buy it.

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  Its OK - 2008 Lexus ES 350
  By Its OK - October 13 - 6:26 am

  Well it should be better than it is. The engine sounds like a Diesel for the first 10 min. The steering is too light, it has a nervous feel when cornering. The transmission has not been fixed since the 2007 recall. It down shifts very abruptly and shakes the whole car. It drives smooth and gets good gas mileage. The center console is an engineers joke. It always opens (what where they thinking with that button). Hopefully not the same guy that developed the engine with the Diesel noise. I cant say I will buy another one. This was my first Lexus. Oh, and the paint scratches with just a wash. At this price point you have to pay for XM satilite. The Chevy Cobolt comes with it for $11,000. PLEASE!

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  This is my one true love - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By nate - October 9 - 10:43 am

  Wow that is all I have to say about this suv. This is my second suv from Lexus. My first was a 2004 Lexus RX 330 I loved it from the minute I sat down. I just upgraded to the 400h in july and I have already noticed a change in how much I spend on gas. Also I have noticed how much more power it has. The 330 only had 229 hp but the 400h has 268 hp and wow its not much but it seems to have more get up and go. Im only 23 but this 400h was so worth the money. I dont think I could down grade to anything else. Its a great car if you have the money to spend.

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  Less Car than Earlier Model - 2008 Lexus LS 460
  By econpasha - October 7 - 2:40 pm

  Took this car on two long trips, to Washington, DC and Florida, and now have 4000 miles on it. At highway speeds, there is significant wind noise. Also, unlike my earlier 1994 model LS 400, it feels lighter on the road. I dont feel any pride of ownership. Yes, it gets good gas mileage: 29 miles on the highway. But no feel for the road, and wind noise is simply awful. I miss my BMW.

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  Katies - 2003 Lexus RX 300
  By Katie L. Hannigan - October 6 - 3:26 pm

  Still smells like "NEW"! I want to sell this car for a 2005?? model. Poor turning radius & does not coast at all - you let off the gas & thats it. Uses more gas that way! Short seats being husband is 6 & long legged. Gives him sciatica!