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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  Comfort and Response to Driver - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By lenengrad - March 8 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle will do exactly as you wish. The 8 cyl power allows you to pull out, pass, or drive on the interstates with full control. The driver has to be carefull of too much speed without realizing it , especially on interstate highways. A real pleasure place with lots of power.

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  What a SUV!!!! - 2004 Lexus LX 470
  By Egidio - March 8 - 2:00 am

  i switch to a lexus from mercedes. I cant believe how comfortable this SUV is. Being stuck in traffic is very tolerable when I driving my LX470. Cant wait for a newer model to arrive!!!!

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  IS300 finally a car for the "twenties" - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By BostonBadBoy - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Classy yet fun! Lexus would have a hit a home fun if they offered a v8. I would die for a v8 coupe which is rumored to be coming out next summer *drools* I absolutely love the handling of this car the only downfall is the lack of power and I have a 5 speed manual! Also this car gets loose very easily be careful!

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  Our new ES330 - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By sealion - March 8 - 2:00 am

  This is the 4th Lexus we have purchased, and they just seem to get better and better.

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  04 RX330 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By AsC - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Excellant SUV with many safety features. Very reliable and has a smooth drive

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  Not just another luxery car. - 2007 Lexus LS 460
  By DJE1981 - March 7 - 4:30 pm

  Since 1995 I have owned 6 Audi A6s and one 89 Mercedes. Loved the Mercedes but when it reached 360,000 miles we figured it was time for a new car. Mercedes new look just didnt seem to appeal to us, and we knew we were over Audi. Awesome cars, when under warranty (the reason we owned 6) When we saw the Lexus 460 it was instantly our favorite car weve ever owned. My wife is a terrible driver/parker but now I can trust her with it because it literally parks itself. She loves it, and I love not repairing ding marks. I will never sell this Lexus, which surprised myself because I am not a Toyota fan at all. Ill tell you one thing, when our audis warranty is up, were buying another Lexus.

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  ***Transmission Review *** - 2001 Lexus IS 300
  By Billy Thomas - March 4 - 12:13 pm

  Ignore the cons about the transmission of this vehicle. The transmission is the best setup ever thought of. its manual, true slap shift, and digital triptonic on the steering wheel with no delay in it. I think the 3 options of shifting this car is what makes it so unique and amazing to drive. Hands down its the stand out option of this vehicle. you honestly must drive it to understand how talented this car is

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  Lexus 2016 - 2016 Lexus RX 350
  By joan Gifford - March 4 - 1:13 am

  Reliable and well appointed for the average driver. Male or female drivers will enjoy this car.

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  great car - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By polarbear11 - March 2 - 8:53 am

  In 2010 i bought my 2005 Lexus es 330 with 87,390 miles on it. I did this on the Lexus name alone, well that was 4 1/2 yrs and 75,000 miles ago i now have 162,000 miles on it. The only repairs I have done is normal maintenance. the car rides like a new car still. Lexus did a fantastic job building this car. Although no car is perfect this is as close to it as your gonna get. I plan on having my Lexus for has long as it lasts, maybe i will be writing another review when i get to 300,000 miles see you then!

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  fun to drive - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By WARREN ROBBINS - March 2 - 12:00 am

  Driving this car is an enjoyable experience. It is very comfortable, has plenty of power. Fun to drive with the top down. Ride is smooth except over bumps.