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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  Great Vehicle - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By spindoctor10 - September 7 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is very refined and plush. The driving is unbelievable and the amenities are incredible. Before you purchase any suv you have to at least drive the RX!

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  Cross country experience - 2007 Lexus LS 460
  By Tom N - September 6 - 5:56 pm

  I drove my LS 460L on two long trips, one 1,200 miles, the other 4,300 miles. The car was flawless. Using radar cruise, MPG was as high as 30.1 and no lower than 26.7 in a very strong headwind. With a 22.2 gallon tank, the range is terrific and after driving long stretches there was very little driver fatigue. This is my fourth Lexus and the only car of the four that was perfect right off the lot. Having recently owned competitor’s cars, I think this is the very best value on the market today. I drove the LS 460L, Mercedes 550, and BMW 750 back to back. When driving each car I couldn’t find enough of a driver experiene difference so my decision came down to features and the Lexus won.

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  How I wish to be in it now - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By TheMULTIMEDIAman - September 4 - 5:13 am

  The best purchase that I made in automobiles. Saw the vehicle on the lot at night and two days later the vehicle was in my garage. All done over the telephone. Documents signed in a hamburger joint parking lot Hassle free! Lexus knows how to treat their clients

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  Great car - 2007 Lexus RX 400H
  By Rx - September 3 - 7:33 am

  The 400h has great acceleration. It is a well built car and very comfortable. Average gas mileage is 28 MPG, therefore consistent with other reviews. The navigation system is the worst part of the package. Acura has an excellent navigation system.

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  My car - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By June - September 1 - 8:20 pm

  The Lexus RX330 is my second suv. I drove a Lexus RX 300 for several years and found it most satisfactory. The RX 330 performs beautifully, is absolutely reliable, and is ergonomically the best car for me. The size is right; I can do some off-road driving; it performs well during rainy weather; the backup camera, and the navigation system make my driving so much easier. I find loading and unloading this vehicle is easy on my back.

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  Ridin in style - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By Nico - September 1 - 10:00 am

  Great ride. I really like everything about it. Even if it is my wifes car. Stereo (ML) really pumps (when my wife is not in the car)

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  Lexus - 2002 Lexus LX 470
  By Connor Mulvey - September 1 - 10:00 am

  This SUV rides unbelievable,it is the most comfortable automobile I have been in.

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  Lexus, my dream. - 2000 Lexus ES 300
  By zencrafts - September 1 - 10:00 am

  I have purchased 6 cars in my lifetime. 4 of those care were new, including my Lexus ES 300, Platium Series. This is the first car I have purchased in which I truly love driving. I purchased my car in 2000, I purchased this car as my personal vehicle. My mileage totals less than 36,000 miles. This is because I am retired disabled. I truly love driving this car. I have never at anytime felt any regret for purchasing this vehicle.

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  The right choice - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By 2ndLexus - September 1 - 10:00 am

  Shopped the whole spectrum and came back to Lexus, again. The car exudes their motto "relentless pursuit of perfection", interior is the height of luxury, new 3.3/225hp has the power, exterior is contemporary. What a beautiful car to look at and so smooth and quiet to drive. Top-of-the-line material in every corner. Navigation/ Mark Levinson is the icing on the cake.

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  Paying less for more - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By k5861 - September 1 - 10:00 am

  Having bailed out of a 2001 Cadillac Seville which had an unacceptable number of mechanical/electrical problems, I find this car a Godsend of a bargain. Fit and finish are flawless. There is plenty of power to get up the 8,200 foot hill that separates where I reside from the next town to the East. At about $8-10 K less than a Seville, this car has the quality that Cadillac seems to have foresaken.