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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  Love it! - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Mrs. Rogers - February 25 - 11:33 am

  My husband and I wanted an SUV and the Lexus RX 400h was an obvious choice. It doesnt take premium fuel like comprable models which adds to the gas affordability of driving a hybrid. I previously drove a BMW 330xi and thought that the transition to an SUV would be remarkable, however the Lexus is built on a Camry frame, so I dont feel as though I am towering over other vehicles. The only obstacle we have experienced was that the cross bars are not stable enough for a bike rack, so those must be purchased and installed. Also, a towing hitch can only be optained as a post-factory dealer installation for around $7000. Consider your recreational requirements before purchase.

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  Lexus surprises me again - 2013 Lexus ES 300h
  By jay24 - February 25 - 10:05 am

  I took delivery of this car recently for my wife. This is the third Lexus I have owned in the last 20 years. The car has attributes that arent discussed in reviews. Example it emits an purposeful sound when driving slowly in EV mode to alert pedestrians to your presence. The stereo without the Mark Levinson upgrade is impressive especially with a whisper quiet interior. As to noise levels, Lexus has not insulated us from outside sounds but dialed them down somehow. I like the ratcheted head rests and the seats. I see no need for a gear shift yet one is there. Interior lighting is dynamic in that evidently it changes depending on what you are doing.

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  Simply Amazing - 2007 Lexus RX 350
  By Geno - February 22 - 3:13 am

  I just purchased my new RX 350 a few weeks ago and this is one amazing SUV. I had the RX 300 a few years ago and the worst thing that I could have done was trade it in for something sub- par. Ive had everything from Acura to Audi, Infiniti to Volvo and nothing compares to this SUV. The ride and the cabin are so quiet and smooth as silk. If you are in the market for a new SUV that will make the neighbors jealous park this baby in your driveway and watch what happens. These are my opinions and I purchased this car based on my needs and likes, but again this SUV is simply amazing. I would definitely add this to your line up of test drives.

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  HYBRID MAN - 2016 Lexus RX 450h
  By Paul Levine - February 19 - 4:13 pm

  The vehicle is great .Only shortcoming is visibility in the rear

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  Lexus LS 430 - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By mike siegel - February 19 - 10:00 am

  Best car I have ever driven.

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  Awesoem Car - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By zach451 - February 19 - 10:00 am

  this car is the best out f all suvs! Luxury, Intelligince, Technology, Smart People!

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  new owner - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By mike Rush - February 19 - 2:13 am

  Ive only had this SUV for one week and I love. I have driven the lexus ES 300 from 1992 to 1998- 2 cars. I leased the GS 300 2 years ago. As mentioned , I just leased this SUV and its great.

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  Great car. - 2014 Lexus ES 350
  By MA - February 19 - 12:19 am

  Just get it, you wont regret.

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  Smart and classy buy - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By Elena - February 18 - 7:23 pm

  Looked at many other suvs, but loved this one! I have had it for almost a year and an very happy with it. I have just reached 12,000+ miles and the car still looks brand new! It drives very comfortably and is spacious! The trunk is a bit small when the third row is down, but i love the third row option. People tend to complain about the trunk door, but it has not bothered me once! Its a great car and should last a good long time, both the interior and engine! :)

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  The perfect car for us. - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Hawaii Quayles - February 18 - 10:06 am

  After reading all the low MPG ratings every one was getting we were very happy to see that its all in how you drive it. We average arround 27 mpg per tank. On freeway trips of around 30 miles we can get over 34 mpg. You have to learn how to save some gas when you drive this car and it will be worth every penny. Our models here in Hawaii are a little less money because we dont have a NAV system and cant even order it. Aside from lacking the back up camera, we have had no problems with visibility as some have mentioned. The quality materials used in this SUV are amazing, we will definitely be buying another Lexus.