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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  Good first sports sedan - 2001 Lexus IS 300
  By shifted phase - July 8 - 2:00 am

  Ended up leasing the IS and have had it 3 years and 33000 miles. Still on original tires and brakes. I have had it up to 148 MPH. Exterior and interior are stylish, the instrument cluster makes the interior. The low profiles cause the car to pull to the right every now and then. When stepping on the gas it will sometimes hesitate, has less low end power than expected. Once you hit about 110mph it kicks into O\D, simply incredible at high speeds. Handles beutifully, will pull 90 deg turns at 30+ mph with little back end swing around. Nice car, but planning on stepping up to the bmw 540i or a gs400.

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  Awesome - 2010 Lexus ES 350
  By FinsRight - July 7 - 6:50 am

  The changes from 2009 to 2010 are very significant. The side molding, shape of the front grille & headlights, tail lights wrapping around further, Lexus Enform, and build in Satellite radio are just a few. The vehicle is perfection in motion, and bank vault quiet. Fast but not race car handling around corners. In fact, I do feel a little body roll, which is disappointing. But a joy to ride in. Compliments from many strangers.

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  Happy with my LS400 - 1998 Lexus LS 400
  By Satisfied_Lexus - July 6 - 10:00 am

  Truly a great car. Excellent value.

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  All around useful ute. - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By Tproth - July 6 - 10:00 am

  The only glitch so far has been a defective driver door hinge (covered by Lexus). The Lexus experience has been wonderful.

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  The Best of The Best - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By Michael Levy. Author - July 5 - 12:30 pm

  No matter if you are driving to work or driving for pleasure The Lexus LS 430 makes driving a pure delight. Having owned several Rolls Royces, the Lexus serves up better super luxury with excellent performance and a much lower cost . The road holding is superb and acceleration better than many so called sports cars. The price is far lower than Merc or BMW similar models. For luxury, trouble free, joyful motoring the Lexus LS 430 cannot be rivaled.

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  Better than a Rolls absolutel fantastic car go buy - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By Andrew Hales - July 5 - 9:16 am

  Fantastic ride, comfort, and economy are amazing. I love this car!! Now had it six months and love it even more, dont look around just get on of these dream machines. Now had over 12 months and WOW I love this car, not an ounce of trouble and a dream ride. My next car will simply be a new Lexus! Or a Tesla if I strike it rich lol. Now Aug 2017 and I still love the car and no issues of any sort.

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  good car - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By sidewinder - July 3 - 10:00 am

  the car is everything advertised by lexus. handles beautifully and turning radius is tight. Very easy to handle in traffic oron the highway. not many cars can match thisone

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  2004 lexus gx470 - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By jsse - July 3 - 10:00 am

  A great vehicle for someone who wants a true SUV with the capability of a comfortable ride and handling. After trying quite a few SUVs, this one was by far the best for the money.

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  Great Choice - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Beanerpilot - July 3 - 10:00 am

  My experience is limited, thus far, but very pleasing. I researched and drove both BMW and Mercedes SUVs, but found the Lexus the overall choice winner. The Mercedes drove the best of the lot, but the frequent quality and service complaints drove it to the No. 2 selection. The BMW X-series is attractive on the outside, personally unattractive on the inside. That, combined with a truck- like driving feel, drove it to No. 3 selection. Lexus sales and service are excellent in my neighborhood, and with the strong Consumer Report endorsement, the decision was a no-brainer.

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  Nice Ride - 2003 Lexus RX 300
  By Uzair Munis - July 1 - 10:00 am

  This is an amazing car! i love the ride and handeling!