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 car - 2010 Lexus RX 450h
  By Jim - July 21 - 10:39 am

  My third Lexus and. Second hybrid. Very satisfactory

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  Just great all around - 2004 Lexus GS 300
  By lexor - July 20 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car that does everything well and not anything bad

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  Sports Luxury Car - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By lexus2 - July 20 - 10:00 am

  The retractable hardtop is a plus, but the main feature is the interior; Rolls quality. Not quite the handling of a Porsche, but not the rough ride either. In summary, this is one of the very few, if not only, roadsters you can drive cross country comfortably.

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  Best car Ive ever owned - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By SR-22 - July 20 - 10:00 am

  This car has it all. A hard top that folds into the trunk. V8 power, 5 speed automatic, killer sound system, Lux ride, strong performance, 4 seats and I get 19.5 miles per gallon around town and 22 on the road. When compared to other cars in its class it is a bargin price.

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  Wonderful Vehicle - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By RKO - July 20 - 10:00 am

  This is one of the finest vehicles Ive ever purchased. Its fun to drive, the Black Garnet turns heads and it is incredibly comfortable. For the money, you cant beat this vehicle. The added HP with the new transmission gives the 330 plenty of get up and go.

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  My Return to Lexus - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Ryrap - July 20 - 10:00 am

  Having been a BMW driver and faced the reality when the car left warranty that every fix is potentially a bank breaker, I returned to Lexus with open arms and a more closed wallet. The RX 330 takes everything the RX 300 had and made it better. While previously not an SUV fan, this one changed my opinion quickly. It comfortable, quick and masculine (in darker colors) as compared to other mid-size SUVs. Then there is Lexus the company which is better than all others put together. I am pleased to have returned especially in this car

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  2010 rx350 fwd - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By smr36 - July 20 - 8:06 am

  Moved up from an 04 RX. After only a few days driving (170 on the ODO) pleased w/ improved suspension, lower road noise and more positive - less slushy feeling in transmission. There is a slight rattle coming from under the dash. I hope it can be silenced in the 1k inspection. Typical Japanese overkill in the electronics - many features Ill never use and can be confusing. The NAV manual is 5/8" thick. Gadgeteers will love it - umpteen variations on the same function. Mouse concept for NAV, climate, audio etc.is great but can distract from driving. Quality of materials, fit and finish up to high Lexus standards. So far getting 17.4 mpg avg in city driving on first tank of gas.

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  For the price, you cant do better. - 2005 Lexus IS 300
  By 1SickLexus - July 17 - 4:53 pm

  The Lexus IS 300 is probably the nicest looking car from the inside and outside. It is a blast to drive, and for the money, it is pretty quick. Luxury, style, performance, and reliability make this car the best I have ever owned.

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  Favorite car Ive ever owned !!! - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By connie sandlin - July 16 - 11:23 am

  Getting ready to let go of my Lexus 2001 RX 300 - I must say it has my favorite car that I have ever owned. It has been fun to drive, comfortable and most importantly, dependable!! Getting quite a few miles on the car so I felt its time to move on. I have just purchased the new 2008 RX 350 to replace my previous 2001. Because I enjoyed my first Lexus SUV so much I decided to go ahead and get another!

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  Total Class - 2005 Lexus SC 430
  By eric - July 16 - 8:03 am

  This is simply the best car I have ever had. It rides beautifully, the levinson stereo is amazing, the new wheels are much improved, and retracting the roof is quick, simple push of a button. The interior is absolutely gorgeous.