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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  Best in Class - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By 122469 - September 14 - 2:00 am

  For the money, the vehicle is definetely a great purchase. Compared to its competitors there is no question the 430s ride is equally, if not more impressive than the 745 or S class. Save a few thousand dollars w/o sparing luxury.

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  This is the car! - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By ThomasnSavGA - September 13 - 8:06 am

  Ive had my ES for a month now. The mpg on the first tank of gas was around 25. My current readings are over 28. Wow! It looks incredible in Amber Pearl. Its very comfortable for short commutes as well as longer trips. No troubles at all, and dont expect any. Ill only drive Lexus from here on out.

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  Wow!!! es300 rocks! - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By my1st lexus - September 12 - 10:00 am

  I bought my ES300 against my wifes objection. We have always been Benz fan and my last car was S320. Let me tell you my friends, this car actually runs smoother and quieter that my last benz. Fits and finishes are first class and Valencia Lexus service is better than any dealership Ive ever been. To be honest, I am disappointed with the declining quality and service of Mercedes benz. even my wife is thinking of getting RX330 when it comes out next year.

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  4th Lexus/Toyota Product: Its The Worst - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By cybersofla - September 12 - 2:30 am

  SO disappointed in this vehicle. HORRIBLE ride. HATE the tailgate. We call it the "weeble" because it wobbles in turns. CONSISTENT issue with transmission which they are apparently unable to fix, as it comes back again and again. Seriously considering lemon law on this one, as another reviewer I saw here. I have few good things to say about this vehicle.

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  No Complaints - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Sidster - September 9 - 3:50 pm

  The car is a very smooth ride. Great mileage for a its engine size. Avg 21.7 mpg overall, but its mostly driven on roads. Freeway I typically get 30.2 mpg.

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  Luxury Utility Vehicle - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By PGLUVSLEXUS - September 8 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 2001 RX300 in May 2004. So far, I LOVE IT! Absolutely smooth ride and handling. You also get a great view of the road. The Lexus dealer in Rockville Centre, NY, serviced my car wonderfully. They defined all the needs of the car, and handled them, detailing every step to me.

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  Top Notch - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By Matt3416 - September 8 - 10:00 am

  Just picked up my 04 GX 470. All I have to say is WOW!!! I am thoroughly impressed with Lexuss design. Not only does this vehicle drive like a dream, it has every interior gadget you can think of. I test drove the BMW X5, Cadillac SRX, & Escalade. Let me tell you they dont even compare. Lexus set the bar with this design!!!

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  practical with luxury - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By latte4me - September 8 - 10:00 am

  Looking for a reliable car thats practical and comfortable? This is it. Add a top-notch dealer experience and youll never want to buy another car.

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  good car, just not a drivers car... - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By zimco - September 8 - 10:00 am

  I beleive that SUVs are overrated in general, but despite that, the RX330 is a comfortable, well built vehicle with many features and relatively decent pricing for the class. Fuel economy, though only acceptable, is good for the class. However, it is not a thrill machine for the driver. Overall, quality and luxury are the selling points in this car

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  Making an old trip New. - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Herman Goldberg - September 8 - 4:43 am

  When I purchased the first 4wd Sedan in Florida every one said I was wasting my money. On the trip back to New York we hit a hail storm outside Tallahassee. Trucks had overturned but the little Lexus held the road like there were magnets in the tires. It truly exceeded my expectations. Quieter and peppier than expected for a 6 cylinder. It got on the Turnpike and passed trucks with ease. No complaints on performance or dealer contact (the best in my 50 years of driving luxury cars). On the down side the trunk is too small for all the luggage my wife and I take on a vacation, the fold down auxillary access to controls cannot be used when driving and the GPS sometimes gives bizarre directions.