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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  2008 Lexus RX350 - Love it... - 2008 Lexus RX 350
  By djevanstn - September 3 - 12:31 pm

  Its been great. Has nearly all options. No problems so far. It just "feels right." Everything just seems to "work" right and seems well placed.

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  Bankers Hotrod - 2005 Lexus SC 430
  By DarthOboe - September 3 - 10:00 am

  Purchased in July of 2001 - much nicer attention to detail and esp. luxury than the very stiff and austere SL I owned. Truly 2 cars in one - with top up quieter than the Caddy STS I owned and a fun top down convertable. True and solid famed Lexus quality at a great price for this type car. Im keeping mine!

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  Love my 2010 RX350, waited 4 years - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By LexusRX-Owner - September 3 - 1:06 am

  After all the research and visits to all the other dealerships I ended up buying my third Lexus. I waited about 3 years for Lexus to put some life into the RX model and it was worth the wait. Very happy with my SUV from all aspects. I would recommend this to everyone that is in the market for a new car.

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  Best Luxury SUV - 2006 Lexus GX 470
  By RT - September 3 - 1:03 am

  I have been researching for a perfect SUV with 3rd row capacity. GX 470 is by far the best of all. It drives so smooth like a luxury sedan. I am not an off road person. The only option I did not get is sport package. The vehicle is stylish outside and luxurous inside. The engine is not the most powerful but more than enough. Good towing capacity. It beats all comparables hands down.

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  My 2005 LS 430 - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By Charles H. Hasper - September 1 - 10:20 am

  This is a comfortable luxury sedan that performs and handles like a sports car. I have had the other premium sedans, keep testing and know that I wouldnt be satisfied with another make. And its safe. Was hit head-on and survived well. NOTHING ever goes wrong with this car!

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  Better relialility and looking than euro - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By Supra Boi - August 31 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is very nicely built. With innovative designs like the chrono dash and the clear tail lights that started an entire trend in the import scene. Although the performance is not head and shoulders above euro competitions, the price isnt either. And with BMW and Audis bad history of reliability and MBs outrageous pricing, the IS 300 is a clear choice for a smart buyer thats in the market for a luxury sport sedan.

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  Leuxs SC 430 - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By dpb - August 31 - 2:00 am

  Outstanding vehicle. Used to have a C5, and I cant believe how many more people have commented on what a great looking car the SC430 is (did not get near the same number of compliments with the C5).

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  fun - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By rickww - August 31 - 2:00 am

  Nothing for the dealer to fix at the 1k checkup because everything was right. Rides nice and has plenty of power unless you are a policeman who gets paid for how many tickets he writes. Interior is a significant accomplishment for twice the price. Quality surrounds.

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  That is my style - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By Jerry Teng - August 31 - 2:00 am

  it is a excellent car with great interior luxury and comfort, stylish, and many nice features which is optional to many German cars. I like the wood package most, it is so cozy. it is silver smooth and it is my style.

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  I love this car - 2006 Lexus RX 330
  By Mrs. J in SC - August 29 - 1:26 pm

  I had recently purchased the RX330 and I am in love with this vehicle. This SUV has everything that I want. My husband has driven my car and he is really impressed as well. This is my first Lexus and I know this will not be my last.