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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  What a ride! - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By Lori L - June 19 - 9:10 pm

  I was almost going to get the new GS but the interior was too small and cramped. And the convertible did not include any new and improved safety features. However, when I got a good price, I said why not? Despite some minor annoyances, this car has superior safety features and a superb ride. I lease 2.

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  basically a good car - 2006 Lexus LS 430
  By robert queen - June 18 - 1:21 am

  Do not get chrome wheels!!! Peeling after 6 yrs. tires cant stay balanced. Trying to replace wheels is a disaster. Even dealer cant guarantee that new wheels will fit with performance brake calipers. Closest dealer is 60 miles . I carry a tire inflator with me at all times. because of chrome wheels deteriorating can keep tires inflated at proper Lbs Breaks beads. hvae to have them cleaned every 6 months. resetting maintanance schedule is a painHave to crawl under dash. Blow fuses for cigaret lighter recharging Phones etc also trunk release finally had to have my wheels re done. @$260 each

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  The best SUV out there - 2005 Lexus LX 470
  By bigfanLX470 - June 17 - 1:40 pm

  It has everything I wanted in a SUV and more. The backup camera is a must on all SUVs and the navigation system cannot be beat. The smooth ride and large open interior is not found in any other SUV. The best is the lenght that allows it to be biggger on the inside by width and height and smaller on the outside so you can use this car in the city. Not a problem to park. The bluetooth phone system is also makes this SUV functional and safer. The automatic wipers,lights and radio/cd/phone response make this a joy to own and truly makes driving easier. The last and very important feature is the 3 different areas of air supply. Even the 3rd row/cargo area has its own vents.

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  First foreign vehicle and am Wowwed! - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By Marty - June 16 - 8:43 pm

  Own a very late 2004, but basically the same. Except for some of the plasticware being a little low grade for the Lexus name, the vehicle is outstanding! Never owned a foreign vehicle before, but I am SOLD on Lexus! Drove on icy roads with NO trouble! Nav sys was a bit outdated, but works great! Got DVD in headrests w/game plug ins and that is worth the money on long trips! Wife would like more storage space. 3rd seat can really only hold kids as adults would have knees up to chest. Seats and controls are very comfortable and engine has quite the get up and go! City driving gets 18+ mpg and highway (fully loaded w/cargo top) got about 20. Not great, but OK. Parkplace Lexus is super, too!

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  Luxury at a value - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Jerry - June 16 - 3:53 am

  Very quiet, smooth riding vehicle. Has most features and feel of a luxury car sold at nearly double the price.

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  Transmission guy is wrong - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By jwheeler - June 15 - 4:16 am

  One of the consumer reviews I read on Edmunds site knocked the RX 330 transmission as sluggishly shifting. I bought one last month and found there was no problem with mine. The car is a complete joy and we are delighted with our purchase. I am mystified by the transmission comment. I also like the way the side mirrors adjust downward when in reverse, again opposite to another persons comment. Different strokes, I guess. I was disappointed to find that not all options described were readily available at the dealership, such as the adjustable headlights and the laser cruise control. I was told, "They build them all the same except for the Nav and entertainment systems."

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  Always a Safe Bet! - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By kitkat5510 - June 14 - 4:40 am

  My new RX330 is just as I thought it would be. This is my 3rd RX SUV since they first came out. I have never been disappointed. The new model has more pick up. Always a dependable vehicle, "Always a Safe Bet"! You cant go wrong with this SUV. I will always stay with a Lexus. Other makes just cant compete!

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  Lexus LS 430 ultra - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By Tom - June 13 - 7:36 am

  You ride on a magic carpet when driving this car. Luxery and performance envelope you whether driving or riding as a passenger. I love the black cherry color and fabulous sound system.

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  GREAT VEHICLE - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By larry - June 13 - 4:06 am

  This is by far the best vehicle I have ever owned. I am now hooked on Lexus quality. Vehicle is luxurious and is a great ride for such a large vehicle.

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  LX 470 - 1999 Lexus LX 470
  By BFB - June 12 - 3:13 pm

  I have owned 12 SUVs and this vehicle is hands down the best. It handles like a much smaller 4x4 but with unmatched amenities. I have become a repeat buyer of the Lexus 4x4. The quality of the vehicle coupled with the management style of Lexus and its dealership simply blows away all of it competition. Although I like the lines of the LR slightly better the ride and reliablity of the LX 470 will keep me coming back time and again. BFB