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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  Smooth As Glass - 2012 Lexus RX 350
  By kxteem - May 27 - 8:13 pm

  We really enjoy driving this vehicle. It is smooth as silk on the road. I recommend this vehicle to anyone considering a Luxury Crossover with seating for 5.

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  The Pursuit of Perfection Continues - 2006 Lexus ES 330
  By Len J. - May 27 - 6:43 pm

  The 2006 Lexus ES330 continues the Lexus tradition of striving to be the best in its mid-luxury class. The exterior styling retains its dramatic look and still turns heads after all these years. The interior is plush and comfortable with many luxury items to keep the driver happy. The performance of the 3.3L 6 cyl engine is more than adequate and the 17" alloy wheels deliver a smooth ride. All around handling is great.

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  Solid ride! - 1997 Lexus ES 300
  By B - May 26 - 2:20 pm

  This car is great! I bought it in June 09 after doing much research here on Edmunds. I had a tight budget ($5000) and I needed to find a car that would be reliable and well built. The ES300 had great reviews so I thought I would get it and it truly is a great ride. I get compliments all the time, most people think it is newer and more expensive than it actually is. My ES is smooth, quiet, and is somewhat fuel efficient in the city and great on the highway (30 mpg from CO to CA). So far I have had no problems with the car and I plan on driving many more trouble free miles. I just wish it had a little more power, it has enough passing power its just a little slow off the line. I love my Lexus!

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  Best money can buy - 2007 Lexus RX 350
  By Joey D - May 26 - 2:14 am

  Ive owned several cars and trucks this is by far my favorite,Lexus lives up to what people say about them.smooth sleek and a sure eye catcher when your driving around town.

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  The best sedan in the world - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By ZACK - May 26 - 2:00 am

  Smoothness, quietness, power and overall build quality.

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  Lexus the best but be more original - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By Michael in Atlanta - May 26 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. Waited for nearly two months for my Ultra Lux and Im thrilled. They gave me a GS300 while waiting for mine to come in. Nice car also! You wont find this kind of luxury and reliability in any European car. Why would you spend more just to say you spent more?

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  Great Car 5+ Years W/NO Major Problems - 2001 Lexus IS 300
  By ProjectMayhem - May 25 - 11:53 am

  I bought this car brand new and have had no majors problems. The only issue I had was my CD changer broke last year, but Lexus replaced it for free! I was more than a year out of warranty -thats customer service! This was my first Lexus but wont be my last. They have the great Toyota quality and even better Lexus styling and prestige. You wont find a better car for the money!

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  All around great car - 1997 Lexus ES 300
  By Gingerbread - May 24 - 10:00 am

  I have had this car since October 1999. This car has never had any problems. The only downside in my opinion is if you use the dealer to maintain the car you can expect $1000 a year or so easy. I drive a lot so for me its about $2,000 per year in up keep.

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  The Lexus I bought seven months ago - 2002 Lexus LS 430
  By victor tsung - May 24 - 10:00 am

  The most comfortable car to drive and to own. If this is a wagon with awd I wouldnt want any other car.

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  REEEEEAAAAALLLY Nice - 2000 Lexus RX 300
  By Casey - May 24 - 10:00 am

  I get 25 bucks worth of enjoyment every time I drive this car...Solid handling, wonderful traction going up my "driveway from hell" during the icy winters in NJ, good visibility, great looks.