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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  The Finest Car ever - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By John K. Powell - June 5 - 9:13 pm

  This is one excellent automobile. The design can be described as "subtle elegance". When you ride in the GS300, whether drive or passanger, the experience is fantastic.

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  This car saved my life - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By asimkhan0620 - June 4 - 5:30 pm

  If there was a higher rating for build quality and reliability besides excellent, this car would get it. As a senior in high school my parents allowed me to drive this car to school and back. However, one day coming back home i was stopped in a construction zone. A car going around 60 mph apparently did not realize that i was stopped in front and nailed my back bumper. I felt the impact but the car beautifully absorbed the blow. I was so grateful i was driving a truck, a high quality lexus truck, as the accident could have been a lot worse. as the accident could have been a lot worse.

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  I highly recommend the Lexus RX 350 - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By sglovjoh - June 2 - 1:23 am

  If youre looking for a quiet crossover then get the Lexus RX 350. I test drove the Acura, Infiniti, Mercedes, Audi and BMW. When it was time for me to make a decision and lease a vehicle I decided on the Lexus for the innovations and the quiet ride. I liked the way the doors wrapped beneath the sides which allows me get out without getting my pants dirty. The RX 350 has plenty of power when passing cars on the freeway and handles really well with the 19 inch tires. Get the folding outside mirrors.

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  Lexus LS430 - The King Kahuna!!! - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By John McLean - June 1 - 2:00 am

  The LS430 2001 model is my third LS Class Lexus. These three models (the first two were LS400s) spanned an ownership period of twelve years. I call them "the Lexus years"!!! Rain, hail, sleet, snow or brilliant sunshine, the big Lexus just keeps going no matter what!!! Once in Boston, buried under six feet of snow and left for three weeks, it started first time when dug out of the snow. Oh yes - if you want that most important motoring asset "peace of mind" the GET IT!!!!!!!

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  Held up well in wreck - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By M - May 31 - 3:43 pm

  I enjoyed this vehicle until the day it was totaled. It held up really well in the accident. Airbags deployed as designed, side door panels kept interior safe. Gas shut off switch functioned properly. Seatbelts locked. Did not roll over. Im looking for another one to replace it. Only major trouble that I had was the transmission at about 150000, but car had 170000 on it at time of wreck.

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  erterr - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By dan p - May 30 - 10:00 am

  this car is really good

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  Fix the Rattles - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By Minnesota gal - May 30 - 10:00 am

  This is my second RX300. I had a 1999 and now drive a 2001 with the Navigation system. The Navigation system is accurate to within about 5 feet. Impressive!! Its great in Minnesota winters; very sure-footed. Great sound system, very comfortable, nice high ride that feels like a car. I drive a lot of miles and I feel very safe in this SUV.

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  A+ on increases to comfort and design - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By dplantz - May 30 - 2:00 am

  The new ES300 is everything advertised. There is no comparison to past models as the interior is more in line with the more expensive models and the exterior styling has a nice balance of luxury and sportiness. The ride is extremely smoothe and quiet. Inside, you are wrapped in leather and walnut trim. Although most amenities have been included, I would like to have had the steering console included in the preset seating memeory. This is a very nice car.

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  FANTASTIC - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By Frank Miller - May 29 - 2:00 am

  I have owned several different new auto- mobiles and this is definitely the finest of them all. I have 10000 miles on it and havent had to do anything but regular service. It is a combination of quality and pride of ownership. The satisfaction of owning a car that you can get in and go without worrying what needs to be fixed is wonderful. I feel that it is the finest car on the road for me. I love my RX 350. I would recommend it to anyone! The quality is worth the extra money!

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  Great SUV - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By shoo - May 28 - 11:03 pm

  Great SUV...smooth, fun, good MPG, nicely equipped, quiet, everyone likes it.