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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  rx300 - 2000 Lexus RX 300
  By RX300RN - August 17 - 9:20 pm

  I only service my RX300 at this dealership based on their reliability and quality of work. In addition the personnel have been gracious and professional over the 10 yrs of ownership As an RN I know from experience the importance of qualities such as these in providing reliability and confidence as well as a level of luxury. I have driven this vehicle in treacherous driving conditions, including weather and traffic situations and marveled at the performance. Urban conditions are also more manageable because of the improved visibility from the drivers seat. Great Vehicle, Lexus!

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  Very Good MPG on RX 450h AWD - 2010 Lexus RX 450h
  By Rod - August 16 - 4:26 pm

  We traded in the 2009 Chevy Traverse after 7500 miles and 3 times in shop, for a total of 7 days on warranty work. So far on the Lexus no problems and twice the MPG the Traverse got. Average 30.5 in the city 28 highway. The ride is comfortable and feels like its well built. I just hated to buy Japaneses but what can you do when a new vehicle breaks down 3 time in 10 month. After 10 month on Lexus I will write another review.

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  Great vehicle, the LS!! - 1996 Lexus LS 400
  By LS is the BEST!! - August 16 - 4:03 pm

  Ive only have this vehicle for about 4 months, but Im just amazed every time I ride in it. I did the 90,000 tuneup at 126,000 (cost about $1200), but the car rides like a champ. Just had to change the tires, as far as parts, now the car literally floats on the highway. You dont even notice when youre doing 90 mph. Everyone who drives in it fall asleep cause of the comfort. Shoot, sometimes I have to watch myself when its late cause I tend to wanna sleep as well. lol..BEST CAR IVE EVER OWNED IN MY LIFE!!! Would recommend to anyone.

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  The Standard By Which I Measure All Cars - 2008 Lexus ES 350
  By Mark B - August 16 - 8:23 am

  This is my second ES. I previously owned a 2004 ES 330 and found it to be a great vehicle. When the ES 350 was released I knew I had to have one. This car is so fun to drive and has all the bells and whistles you would expect, and more, in a luxury sedan at this price point. I appreciate the quiet ride and the improved power. The seats are insanely comfortable and all of the controls are right at my fingertips. The competition cant match the quality materials and handling of the ES 350. Lexus has an edge that the others cant match.

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  Lexus 430 is great! - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By admwillie - August 14 - 10:00 am

  Not much can beat it. I hope Lexus keeps the price in check. It is a great luxury car at the current price but Lexus would loose buyers at higher prices.

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  More than Excellent - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By ASJ - August 14 - 10:00 am

  Owning this vehicle for about a year now, it has proven to be one of the most inteligently designed vehicles which I have driven in. The ES competition can include the 525, I30, and E320. While each of these other vehicles have a variety of options which set them apart, the simple reliability of the ES, along with its handling, acceleration and fuel economy (24mpg - in reality) give it an edge when matched up with the available DVD NAV and Mark Levinson sound system. This is definitly my favorite of the executive sedans.

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  Will never own anything else - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Allie29445 - August 14 - 10:00 am

  I have had my car for 3 months now with about 5,000 miles on it and have had no trouble with it at all. It is an extremely comfortable car both around town and on the highway. The folding rear seats make it very useful for trips to the hardware store. The Navigation system very useful, I have used it more than I ever imagined I would.

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  2010 is better than 2007 - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By Richard - August 14 - 6:00 am

  I replaced my 07 RX with this vehicle. Im glad I did. Although its inferior to the 07 in some ways, overall its a worthwhile improvement.

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  Baby LS400 - 1996 Lexus ES 300
  By L.Redden - August 12 - 10:00 am

  This car is FLAWLESS, my father owned the car before me and he works for Toyota corporate. When I purchased the car from him it had a little over 200k on it. It now has 272k on it and it drive like new. Sill gets looks , compliments. It looks alot newer than it is. Build quality is FIRST RATE. Resale value is also very good. The only problem ive had with it was a valve cover gasket leak which was fixed. I have only had Honda/Acura products before which are great cars also, now Im adding Toyota/Lexus to the list.

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  Fun Car - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By atlantafan - August 12 - 10:00 am

  Very fun car to drive. I have had it for over a year and I still get excited everytime I get behind the wheel. Sometimes the transmission sticks when trying to accelerate quickly, but I was told the computers on cars nowadays sometimes get confused in those type situations. Car offers a very comfortable ride especially if you are the one lucky enough to drive it.