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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  Improved over RX 300 (mostly!) - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By JG - March 20 - 11:20 pm

  The styling, interior, and luxury features are all substantially improved over RX300. Handling, turning/parking, cornering, overall power better too. Cruises at 80+ wonderfully. BUT, annoying manifold buzz (even after recall); brake rotors needed turning at 12K and 25K miles; transmission downshift lags badly at low speeds (i.e. accelerating suddenly from 15-20 MPH). Almost all units have 18" wheels with very expensive, short-lasting tires (mine are gone at 31K, $800+ to replace). I believe that quiet ride is sacrificed with the larger wheels and lower-profile tires. Lexus still cant get auto-climate control right - my 10- yr-old S500s is truly "set and forget".

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  Great Car! - 2008 Lexus RX 350
  By deltagirl_16 - March 19 - 1:33 pm

  So far, so good! Im a first time Lexus owner and the transition from internet inquiries to actual possession was very smooth and professional! I will admit, theres a bit more wind noise than I anticipated (based on the reviews); but its still a quiet ride. I had to make adjustments to the way I would normally sit in order to be truly comfortable in the drivers seat. The navigation system seems adequate (Ive compared it to Mapquest/Yahoo Maps and find them to be a bit more precise). I havent connected the Bluetooth phone yet, so I cant comment on that feature. Actual gas mileage isnt bad for an SUV - I get about 20-23 MPG in the city, so I cant complain. :-)

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  GS 300 - 2003 Lexus GS 300
  By RAL - March 19 - 10:00 am

  GS 300s in-line 6 is a clone of the BMW. We got BMW type acceleration and Lexus quality. The car has more of a luxury ride than the 5 series and the steering is more relaxed but the GS has more luxury, features and realiability than the Bimmers. One other note, our Lexus dealer treated us right from the get go. Every BMW dealer in town that we visited acted as though they were heirs to the English crown. Over the top arrogant attitudes and some salesmen had less than acceptable level of knowledge of their own products 3 and 5 series. BTW- the 325 are made in S. Africa not Germany.

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  Simply the Best - 2001 Lexus LS 430
  By Lexusman - March 19 - 10:00 am

  I have upgraded to the LS430 from a GS300 and wow it was worth it! I feel like Im somebody now :-) Lexus has truly built a quality luxury sedan that is a great value. 10+

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  Wonderful vehicle - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By J Bates - March 19 - 10:00 am

  I traded a 2002 Camry for this and cant go on enough about this car. I was sold on Lexus after buying an RX 300 for my wife a year ago and couldnt wait to get my own. I have enjoyed the vehicle very much for the week and half I have now had it. Extremely quiet, rich in luxury amenitites and a pure joy to drive

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  My new - RX330 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Marilyn/Kansas - March 19 - 10:00 am

  Traded in my BMW and the Lexus is so much better for me; more room, better handling, great gadgets, fun and comfortable to drive andd better view of the road.

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  From Japan to Germany and back again! - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By lexdog71 - March 17 - 3:21 am

  I had a 1990 LS 400 back when the car first came out, late 89 to 1992. I dropped it, put sweet fat 5-star chrome rims on it and triple-limo tinted all the windows -- burgundy metallic on burgundy leather. That car was 240hp of undeniable quality and perfection. I got a comment everywhere I went; everyone loved that car. Id take it to Vegas at 130mph like it was nothing! Put 70,000 miles on it in three years and seven years later, I took one in on trade (I was a dealer then) with 280,000 on it -- a black one -- and it started up without a puff and drove like a brand new car!! Ive driven an Audi TT quattro cabriolet, a Mercedes S420, 300 SEL, and BMW 540i -- nothing compares to a Lexus LS!

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  best car out there - 2006 Lexus SC 430
  By marguerite Sensoli - March 16 - 10:56 am

  I have loved my Lexus SC 430, it handles great, and is so fun to drive. I have had not one problem with it. I will buy another one soon, but, for now, its amazing how new and beautiful it still is! Go for it, its a great car!

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  Car smells like rotten eggs - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By dlo - March 15 - 10:00 am

  Car is beautiful inside and out. However, at 10,000 miles it started smelling like rotten eggs. Lexus says just a product of gas in Oregon; however, not all ES 330s smell which is a mystery, says the dealership. Lexus customer service just says, tough luck. Very frustrated. Dealership hands are tied by Lexus who says they cannot change any parts to try to correct problem if vehicle is running to specs.

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  35 mpg in Style - 2010 Lexus HS 250H
  By dochs - March 14 - 11:26 am

  This is our third Lexus, and with 900 miles on this one, could not be more satisfied. Car is quite, comfortable, and solid. I am averaging 35 mpg, and I like the fact we can use regular gas. The Lexus navigation and Lexus Connect is well worth the money. Call Lexus Connect in the car, ask for any destination and they will send the address directly to your GPS.