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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  2010 RX 350 - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By Joe P. - October 3 - 12:30 am

  This is my 4th RX and they just keep getting better and better. The ride is superb and the power is exceptional. This car maneuvers like a train on tracks-at high or moderate speeds. The interior modifications make you feel like youre behind the controls of fighter jet and the new console controls are really neat and easy to use. Even the new exterior changes add a great touch to a perfect vehicle. If youre looking for a mid size SUV, this is the one.

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  directinal light problem - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By j j walsh - October 2 - 10:00 am

  The negative action described below would seriously question if I would buy another Lexus 430 again.It is extremely frustrating to find you have driven 5 miles down the road with your directional lights indicating a turn when you have no intention of doing so. In addition to it being so quiet the steering wheel hides it from your vision. It is atwo time problem that Lexus refuses to admit or correct.

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  lexus gx 470- this female loves it! - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By k. giancarlo - October 2 - 10:00 am

  The smooth comfort of the ride , especially for its size, is a huge reason Im driving this SUV. Its comfortable, luxorious and versatile. Its everything we want in a family vehichle for the four of us, 3 of whom are big, tall guys who often are transporting sports gear.

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  lovin my lexus - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By lexushappy - October 2 - 10:00 am

  THis is a great car! I just love the performance and the style that this product offers. Its hip and turns heads wherever I go. Completely content and Lexus service cant be beat!

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  Garys ES300 - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By GaryN - October 2 - 10:00 am

  I had a 2000 ES300 before this and loved it, but the new car is so much better - very solid, excellent riding and handling. It took a while for me to get used to the new body style but Ive learned to love it, and the interior is beautiful.

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  Great - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Hi Akagi - October 2 - 10:00 am

  A very reliable and trouble free vehicle a little under powered but not bad.I had the RX300 and it was so much better then the M car the only time I had it in the shop was for regular service Im sure this one will be just as good.

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  Not What I Expected - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By NewBuyer - October 2 - 10:00 am

  For the price I would be better off with a the Toyota version.

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  from 300 to 330 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By JHackmanGemMan - October 2 - 10:00 am

  Everything I wished for on my 300 was here in the 330. Everything!!!!No car on the road even comes close...

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  Mals RX - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Mal S - October 2 - 10:00 am

  I have only had the car two months, have had no problems. It rides as smoothly and quietly as the Cadillac that I traded when I bought it. The car with its 18" wheels is a head turner. Controls are easy to use and of high quality. Gas mileage is 18-21 mpg with AWD. The headlights turn night into day.

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  Lexus 330 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Irene Meyer - October 2 - 10:00 am

  This is the nicest SUV I have driven in, the most comfortable, beautiful interior, smoothest ride. Its not too big, easy to park. I am getting good gas mileage.