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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  go this puppy on valentines day - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By dietmarLasVegas - July 22 - 10:00 am

  well having never driven a car before this is a wonderfuel car and a great ride

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  Excellent - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By Andrea Gullotti - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I am totally happy with this car. I will no doubt buy another when the time comes to trading in.

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  happy w/my new GX 470 purchase - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By Lexus 470 owner - July 22 - 10:00 am

  Excellent vehicle, everything as promised and more. 0 complaints, dealership made purchasing quite painless and Im very picky.

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  2005 ES 330 review - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By craigrae - July 22 - 10:00 am

  Excellent ride and sufficient power

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  Lovin It - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Beachin - July 22 - 10:00 am

  Drove it to Oklahoma this summer, and its comfort was unsurpassed by previous SUV trips. Kept my back and legs at ease the whole time.

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  Great SUV - Need 7 Passenger Seating - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By AZBuyer - July 22 - 10:00 am

  We love this vehicle from the cutting edge exterior design to the luxurious interior. But how about a stylish crossover SUV for families? Lexus would have the market cornered if they offered this fabulous vehicle with a third row sear. For those without kids, imagine all the extra cargo and passenger room!!!

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  Homework & test drive only - 2014 Lexus CT 200H
  By Paul R - July 21 - 1:41 pm

  Nice car with the Toyota reliability and the Lexus luxury. Did a lot of research on-line and thought this was the car for me. Although I was looking for a sporty, economical commuter car, the Lexus CPO warranty sold me. Decent car but with extremely small back seat and leg room. Except for an infant in a car seat or a small child, I dont think may larger kids or adults would be comfortable. I liked that hatchback feature although the storage area is small. Nice features and really like the estimated mpg. Decent interior features and accessories that you would expect with a Lexus. After test driving the 200h, then the 300h, ended up buying the 300h for the extra luxury and comfort on my 100 mile/day commute.

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  Mcs LS 430 - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By Latrece - July 20 - 8:56 pm

  The most powerful, well equipped luxury vehicle in any class. Our LS is equipped with the sports suspension. The power when I accelerate is unreal. The soft leather heated and cooling seats are the ultimate. It handles like a charm on the road. It is so comfortable that when driving I feel like I will fall asleep. The 18 inch tires grip the road. It makes you feel like you are flying on land. When riding as a passenger, I feel like I am flying in first class on a 757.

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  Lexus RX 330 - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Richard Sears - July 19 - 5:10 pm

  I had one mechanical problem at 6,000 miles -- ABS failure. Dealer repaired it under warranty and provided me with a loaner. The vehicle performs well and no other problems -- 11,800 miles now. The car handles well and I like the workmanship -- excellent both interior and exterior. Transmission shifts very smoothly except from 1st to 2nd gear. This should be corrected in future models. The gears are easy to shift manually. It is fun to drive. Dealership is the BEST! I would prefer the wood grain interior around the dash rather than the chrome metal.

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  Rock Solid - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By Fathom - July 19 - 2:00 am

  Ive only had the vehicle one week but love it already. Build quality beyond excellent. Small features like lighted door handles (inside) everywhere are a great touch. Nav and integrated electronics very very good.