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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  Money well spent! - 1997 Lexus ES 300
  By Singh - August 8 - 12:20 am

  I was looking for a reliable car for around $5000. Took my own sweet time to drive a lot of cars, check there edmunds.com reviews. Fell in love the very first time I drove this car, it was just great. Lot of power, space and comfort. Fuel economy is around 15 mpg in city but on highway its close to 30 mpg. I feel safe inside the car even while driving it even at high speed.

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  A GREAT CAR WITH THE RIGHT TIRES - 2002 Lexus GS 300
  By jedi - August 7 - 10:00 am

  Had my GS 300 (premium pkg.) for a little over a year now and I love this car ! Quietest, smoothest ride Ive experienced. No problems after 21,000 miles EXCEPT problems with the Bridegestone tires the car originally came with. One tire ran flat first 1000 miles; had fixed at dealer. Dealer could NOT balance these tires on the chrome wheels. Car shimmied at highway speeds (65mph+). Dealer finally replaced Bridgestones with Michelin Pilots AND WHAT A DIFFERNCE ! No problems AT ALL other than Bridgestone tires. Dealer experience the best.

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  Nav lockout a big thumbs down - 2007 Lexus LS 460
  By Greg Bastug - August 6 - 12:26 pm

  Ive owned the car for a month and a half now, and the Lexus lockout of much of the navigation, phone, and even audio functions while the car is in motion is a major issue - had Lexus been honest and forthright about this in their sales literature and through their dealership, I would have not purchased the vehicle. Overall, the car rides nice, but a bit insulated. My previous car, a 2006 750li, handles better, provides better tactile road feel, has far more comfortable and adjustable seats, and, with its active suspensions, corners mush better than the LS. I do like the exterior styling of the LS better

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  Lexus Nexus - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By sstix - August 3 - 9:20 pm

  The comfort, the drive, th design and functionality of this vehicle make it one that is a pleasure to drive and own. It is also a bit more family friendly - with rubber cargo mat, gently reclining back seats and places to hold the familys "stuff".

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  Great car for the price - 2008 Lexus GX 470
  By BoRock - August 3 - 4:26 am

  I just picked up my new car last night. Already put 200 miles and loving it. If you want speed, performance and fuel economy, get something else. If you want plush luxury ride with great ergonomics this is it. I had 2000 LX 470 which was a little too big for me. My wife has a 2007 RX 350 - a little too small for me and too many chicks riding in that. But when I got into GX, I knew right away, its a match made in heaven.

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  Purchased a low mileage lease vehicle - 2014 Lexus ES 350
  By T. Juerisson - August 2 - 6:17 am

  -My last car was a 2002 Maxima GLE . A " lower tech " vehicle but outstanding in its time I dont like all of the new dash controls & menus seen through the display screen. Havent figured out yet how to operate more than the basic controls so far. The owners book is well illustrated but is almost two inches thick. Backing this vehicle up would be treacherous without the rear camera & screen plus the side mirrors ( High rear glass line ) . The Lexus is very quiet on the open road. Mine is black / black . Love the way it looks.

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  Great Car - 2001 Lexus GS 300
  By Bill Ayotte - August 2 - 2:00 am

  I have enjoyed this car a lot and would recommend it to anyone. We now own the Lexus SUV as well.

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  Lexus IS 300 sport design - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By laurith - August 2 - 2:00 am

  If I lived in my IS 300 would people think I was wierd? Seriously I LOVE my car. It has exceeded my expectations all around!!!! I live in Wisconsin and all the rearwheel drive horror stories I was told about this car are simply untrue. Are elderly people giving the review or what? Thanks to the snow and sport track options w/ the I-shift transmission I never even slid. This car is unbelievable! Ive never looked for more reasons to drive a car!

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  Hasnt Lived Up To The Lexus Reputation - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By Vivvy - August 2 - 2:00 am

  Legendary Lexus quality--the total ownership experience--has turned out to be more legend than reality in this case. The dealerships service dept has been less than stellar, far surpassed by the local Accura dealership--and even the local Honda dealer. Whats wrong with the car? Lots of little things, surprisingly too many to write down. An overall disappointment.

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  BEST CAR IN USA - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By KEN FRANK - August 2 - 2:00 am

  BUILT LIKE A ROLEX..........FINEST FIT AND FINISH