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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  $38,000 and cheap - 2017 Lexus ES 350
  By Bill Amesbury - October 27 - 10:35 am

  Check quarter panels as intergration with other parts involves plastic and rubber parts which are cheap and not reliable

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  smooth ride - 2004 Lexus LX 470
  By sadam quhshi - October 27 - 10:00 am

  THE EXPERIENCE OF A LEXUS 470 2004 IS ABOUT LUXURY NOT POWER ,THERES NO BETTER RIDE THEN THE LEXUS 470

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  Upgrade to performance - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By RJ Rafael - October 27 - 10:00 am

  I just bought a 2004 Lexus IS300 5 speed manual. let me tell you that this car is like a rollercoaster every time i get in. My last car was a 95 acura integra that was hooked up!...it had everything...it was my pride and joy.The IS300 has the Luxury and the sport capability that i once owned. i made a great choice in purchasing this IS300.The IS300 has way more to offer. I LOVE THIS CAR!!!I can still keep the speed and Sporty-ness and still be looked at as the young adult. I dont even want to fix up this IS300....its already Fixed up...if your looking for a Sports car please dont pass on the IS300.

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  Perfection missing - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Not yet perfection - October 27 - 10:00 am

  Driveline clunks, jerks and generally makes driving unpleasant in stop and go conditions below 30 mph. And now the clunking noise occurs at higher speeds when decelerating. Dealer claims a software change will remedy. Will find out during 10,000 mile service. Heating/cooling system is needlessly complex and insists on switching to blowing uncomfortably cold air from dash outlets all too often. Otherwise the vehicle is pleasant to travel in and drive. Exceeds 25 mpg during highway travel.

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  EXCELLENT - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By mYSELF - October 27 - 10:00 am

  BEST VEHICLE I EVER BOUGHT........HANDLES GREAT IN ALL WEATHER CONDITIONS!!!!!

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  Not impressed so far. - 2017 Lexus NX 200t
  By Lisa - October 26 - 8:47 pm

  Had the vehicle about a month. Navigation works about 25% of the time. Rarely picks up gps signal. Blind spot monitor malfunctioned. Seems to have reset itself after shutting vehicle off. Speakers vibrate when volume 1/2 way up.

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  Couldnt be happier - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By tamu91 - October 26 - 4:50 am

  My wife couldnt decide between Lexus ES 330 and Toyota Avalon. Im glad we purchased the Lexus. Avalon has more power and slightly larger cabin but thats where the comparison stops. Lexus is so much more. Quiet ride, the finish and the way Lexus owners are treated at the dealership. Im sold on Lexus and I can honestly say Ill never buy another Toyota.

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  LS 430 - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By A Fry - October 25 - 1:00 pm

  The LS 430 is pleasure to drive. I recently completed a 10 hour trip in the LS and I was ready to turn around and make the return trip. I was not tired or uncomfortable at anytime during the trip. The radar cruise control is easy to use takes all of the stress out of the drive. The seating is very comforable and roomy. All of the systems, such as the navigation, satilite radio/audio and the ventilation system are easy to use. The air suspension and braking system is flawless.

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  They almost have it... - 2001 Lexus IS 300
  By terpfan - October 25 - 10:00 am

  This is a really super car for a 1st year. The swade-ish leather interior is a good feature because it is never too hot or too cold. It is fun to drive and handles real well (except for traction control...which I always turn off). The only downsides are bad fuel mileage, no center armrest to speak of, and no telescopic steering.

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  SC430 - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By LOU - October 25 - 10:00 am

  Car drives very smoothly . Run flat tires do take away from the Lexus ride . Car is a head turner wherever you go. 15,000 miles and not one item had to go back to dealer for repair or adjustment.