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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  I am glad I bought GX470 - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By WLu - September 18 - 2:00 am

  I was debating between GX and LX. Ended up getting the GX! It is a nice car and feels very modern compared to the LX that feels just a bit dated. The performance and gas milage is excellent for a truck this size.

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  IS has it all - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By archtctura - September 18 - 2:00 am

  The overall performance and handling of the car is superb given that its lexus first shot into the mid-size sport category. I have driven the car in the heat of arizona summers and the cold of chicago winters and truely say it starts without a complaint. The build quality is what you would expect from toyota, plastic to fill in the voids, and a horrible paint job! The design aspects of the car such as aggressive lines on a 5 star 17" low profiles is great to look at in the parking lot and interior was cutting edge and the first of its kind.

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  Fun for work and very safe - 2006 Lexus RX 330
  By barnacle - September 17 - 4:06 pm

  It is by far one of the most fun vehicles I have ever owned. I now have about 12000 miles on my RX 330 and I have enjoyed every mile. One day the speakers sounded funny, I brought it into service. Service replaced all the speakers due to one which was cracked. You cannot beat that feeling you have finally purchased a quality car/suv. My car/suv rides like a car and completes all of the requirements of the suvs that I have owned in the past 20 years. I would buy again.

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  Amazing... leaves you speechless - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By John - September 16 - 7:16 am

  This car is amazing. Besides its sleek design, in and out, it has great handling capabilities and drives as smooth as glass. This car is amazing compared to its price. It is totally worth considering. I think the 06 GS is the best in its class. I just got one and I couldnt be any happier.

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  sensibility - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By mel - September 12 - 1:30 pm

  This car glides on butter-very comfy to drive. If you like to feel the road, the jerky motions and tossing around on your seat, this is not for you. Most sensible and reliable car on this planet. You can pay more for better acceleration and sharper looks, but why? I am comfortable with myself and have no needs for bigger ego from a fancy type. I can live in this car! No others provide the same refinement.

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  Lexus GX 470 - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By TNL - September 12 - 10:00 am

  I have been driving an ML 320 for the past 3 years, finally I got rid that nightmare tri star. The GX 470 is a completely better SUV all around compare to the ML 320, it behave very well for such a large vehicle. Smooth engine, quite interior and very well built vehicle, if you are in the market for a luxury SUV, give the GX 470 a try. You will like it. Dealers begin to discount now, so shop around and enjoy your new toy. I got a great deal from Lexus of Thousand Oaks ( I got a fully loaded one for way below the MSRP )

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  Lexus 400 - 1999 Lexus LS 400
  By Jim Ricketts - September 12 - 10:00 am

  It has the ride of luxury sedan yet it can be a performance vehicle when you punch it. Great gas mileage. Lousy cup holders!

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  PERFECTION! - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By Bdiddy - September 12 - 10:00 am

  GOOD CAR!!! BUY BUY BUY!!

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  Lots of Luxury! - 2008 Lexus ES 350
  By Betty - September 8 - 8:46 pm

  Ive had 6 new cars and this is the most luxurious yet. I love all of the fancy features. It is a joy to drive, gets EXCELLENT gas mileage and is very comfortable for my 40 mile roundtrip commute each day. I did a lot of research prior to purchase and the only other car that beat the LEXUS was the 2009 Jaguar XF. Unfortunately, my budget wouldnt allow that but Im very happy with my second choice.

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  Fun Driving - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By Herb Pawlitsch - September 7 - 10:00 am

  The GX 470 is fun and powerful driving machine. It is a good looker and not something you see on the road every day. The comfort and little creature features of a Lexus are evidnet. I upgraded from the RX 300 to the GX 470 without regrets