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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  Nothing better than this!!! - 2003 Lexus GS 300
  By Amy - April 17 - 9:40 am

  This car is a dream. Every day I get in and thank heaven that I went with Lexus instead of something else. Service departments are ALWAYS easy to work with (and I have worked with four different dealership service depts). Handling is great, brakes are amazing, and I could never be without navigation again. Nothing says luxury, dependability, and safety better than the Lexus GS300!!

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  good - 2002 Lexus LX 470
  By dev j - April 17 - 2:00 am

  this car is worth buying

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  Danm i love this car - 2002 Lexus LX 470
  By Whipster - April 17 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car i have ever owned With the navigation system and the mark levision sets this baby apart. The sound is the best and when you can rais andlower the car and ajust the suspension it roks. I suggest you try the car or test drive it.

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  What a Great Car! - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By CSAustin - April 17 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car based on the rave reviews, high levels of safety & comfort. We were not comparing with the other luxury SUVs, but rather the Pathfinder, 4Runner, Highlander, Grand Cherokee, etc. Very, very pleased with this choice. Definitely worth a little more money for the level of comfort, safety and reliability.

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  Great deal - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By LexusLover - April 16 - 3:30 pm

  I have had this car a little over 2 years now, purchased senior year in HS. Have never had any problem other than battery replacement. My friends love to ride in it/drive it. Good for sporty design and driving but also the ability to put decent cargo in it. My friend built me a custom woofer box and I still have ample space in trunk. I plan on driving this car until it cant drive anymore, which, if it keeps up like it has, will be a long time from now.

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  Love this SUV - 2007 Lexus RX 350
  By Steve Anderson - April 16 - 12:53 am

  I picked my RX 350 last month from the dealership. I drove over 400 miles to get it home. Every thing about it is just perfect. Light but reponsive steering, this unit is front wheel drive so I have no idea how it will perform in the winter. The look is sleek and fun the drive smooth and fun. Did I say this is a fun ride, I think I did. I want to get my wife one next.

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  Upgrade from ES 330 - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Mark & Rose - April 14 - 12:56 am

  Weve had our eye on the RX since before we purchased the ES. We finally made the jump and couldnt be more happier about it. From the ease of stepping into a SUV (vs. a car) to the wonderful amenities such as the Navigation System & DVD entertainment system this vehicle is shear joy for the entire family. Our 8 year old daugther is looking forward to having it for her first car - well see about that.

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  Not bad on first try - 2008 Lexus IS F
  By malujerry - April 13 - 3:50 am

  Im writing this review after 2 months of having it. I was debating between the M3 and this, but after reviewing reliability histories and the true price difference AFTER options, I decided on taking a gamble on Lexuss new fastest car. This car is almost the perfect balance between a race car and daily driver, it is almost perfect for being noticeable, but yet not so noticeable, and quite frankly can be either boring or crazy fun, depending on your mood. To sum it up, I have very little regret over this purchase and unless its a Bentley, Lambo, or Ferrari next to me on the road, I never feel "shown up."

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  Never thought I could *LOVE* an SUV! - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By couchmore - April 13 - 2:00 am

  Im a confirmed sedan gal, so imagine my surprise at how much I LOVE this SUV!Its quiet (more quiet than my previous E320 sedan),luxurious, and great looking.I dont have the ML stereo or navigation system and dont miss either.Its not without weak points: the way the 3rd row seats fold and stow looks amateurish compared to integrated ones in the Expedition,and the "gate" door has taken some getting used to (especially since it opens away from the curb).Yes, its expensive, however; Lexus reliability is a given and the service is 2nd to NONE.You cant say that about many car makers. You definitely get what you pay for with this vehicle.

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  LX470 experience - 2004 Lexus LX 470
  By Ricardo Carter M.D - April 13 - 2:00 am

  THis is my 6th lx470. It is a wonderful vehicle to drive and the low hp240 is not a factor for every day driving. The comfort and the quality of the vehicle is great. Using the current gear shift system and taking off the overdrive on climbing hills or passing, you wouldnt know it has a low hp. This is a luxury car ride in an SUV. If you are towing something the it may feel a little underpowered. How often does the average 470 owner have something in tow? You wont get me buying anything but a 470. An upgrade in the cargo space and hp will be great in the new model, but for now this baby is the cream of the crop.