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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  whats not to like? - 2011 Lexus ES 350
  By mattkodak - August 2 - 7:18 pm

  drove the car from the dealers lot to home with the big red bow in the back seat as this was a present for my wife. We had a 2002 es300 we traded in for the 2011 es350. after an initial break-in period we drove to Disney World from our florida home in fort myers. needless to say, the three hour trip was smooth, quiet and thoroughly refeshing as one expects from the lexus. upon arrival at our hotel we were greeted by the bell staff at the front entrance to unload the luggage and check in. They admired the cars exterior and interior as they helped us unload. on the road we also received admiring glances from other motorists as well as when we parked.

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  My new GS 450h - 2008 Lexus GS 450h
  By Al - August 2 - 1:50 pm

  I just picked up my GS 450h last week and can already say that I love the car. The performance is amazing and I give Lexus high marks for the quality of the car. I traded in a 2002 GS 430, which I was extremely happy with, but this car has it beat in every category. This is the most fun Ive had driving a car.

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  Lexus Review - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Ann Marie - August 2 - 1:26 am

  I love this vehicle and I plan on taking it to the grave. I love the quietness of the drive the comfort and the heavy doors which make me feel like it wasnt built out of tin foil. The gas mileage is great for a car of this class. The fact that I have air conditioned seats as well as heated seats makes me feel like I am in totally luxury. The only negative I can think of its that it does not have rear folding seats, but given that fact that my husband has an SUV, I didnt think it was all that serious, plus the trunk size is big enough for my shopping sprees. All in all, I think this is one of the best cars out in terms of realibility, safety, and luxury.

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  Nice!! - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By BruceM - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Had an early RX300 - sold it and bought a Range Rover 4.6 HSE after 2 years. Big mistake. 3 years later, got one of first RX330s. Far beyond my fondest expectations. Loved the RX300 - this is so far ahead of that, its unbelievable. This is a keeper!!

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  WOW! - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By Peters902 - July 31 - 2:00 am

  Having owned 6 Q-45s since 1992, I thought I had the best styled and riding car sold. I was wrong, as my 2003 LS 430, with Euro-tuned suspension, blows it away. This car is simply more luxurous, larger, and. . .WOW! What a car.

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  I Love my IS 300 - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By Diana504 - July 31 - 2:00 am

  I just got this car for my birthday. It is everything and more. Extremely fun to drive. It curves easily and has quick pick-up. E-shift is fun to use.

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  Reliability - 2003 Lexus RX 300
  By Bruce Lipe - July 31 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car because of the fact that everyone I know who has a Lexus has had no issues. I traded an Audi 2.8 quattro in for this and miss the sporty driving experience, but it was in the shop frequently. The RX 300 is very practical and drives more like a car than other SUVs tested. Now I wish I would have opted for the navigation system.

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  Best car I have ever owned - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By JW - July 29 - 6:50 pm

  We bought this LS430 with 6000 miles on it. The car has been flawless ever since. All we have to do is the standard maintenance and that is it. Fuel economy is good for a large car with up to 26 mpg on trips. Ride quality and comfort are excellent for a large sedan. The powertrain is powerful and quiet.

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  Best Lexus yet! - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Arthur Davis - July 28 - 3:26 pm

  Have mainly used GS 300 belonging to a friend as ours was just delivered today. I find this vehicle very light on its feet, quiet, comfortable and assembled (if possible) with even more precision than any of our previous Lexus models. Available options make the GS 300 a very real mid-luxury all-star.

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  2007 ES 350 Daily Driver - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By mbolan54 - July 28 - 2:11 pm

  For the entry Luxury Car category, could not recommend more highly. Bought a 2007 CPO in summer 2010. Ruby/Tan appearance always brings praise. Quiet, smooth, with powerful acceleration. Maint: CPO-warr drivers window gasket, later a battery, MXV tires & shocks in late 2012. Mileage 21/33. After years of Detroit (no complaints) and 4 Camrys (run & run) this is the greatest stepup at an equivalent price (CPO vs Camry new). Love the comfort & non-ML sound. A Top Recommend.