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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  RX300 - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By tsheer - January 17 - 10:00 am

  This is the only time in 25 years of car buying that I bought the same vehicle a 2nd time. I had a 1999, and when it was time to replace it I couldnt find anything else I liked as well. Its big enough to carry a lot of things, but still small enough for easy parking and maneuvering.

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  Power, Grace and Beauty - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Howard - January 16 - 9:00 pm

  I love my RX 400h. It has great power and control -- a definite luxury vehicle which just happens to be environmentally friendly. The only drawback is that the actual mileage is lower than advertised -- I am getting combined 24-25 mpg, and probably 23 mpg in very cold weather. Real driving and not on a test site produces much lower results than promoted and that was disappointing. Even so, this vehicle is pure bliss to drive and I am not noticing any significant engine noise as reported in other reviews. Drive it and enjoy.

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  Great Highway Car - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By S.B. Beyer - January 15 - 5:00 am

  Drove this new car 8500 miles around the Western USA, all sorts of terrains, it performed wonderfully. Best car Ive ever owned. handles well on highway.

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  The Perfect Cocoon of Luxury - 2005 Lexus SC 430
  By Victoria - January 15 - 12:10 am

  The Lexus SC430 is a near perfect animal. It growls when you need it to but purrs all the time. This automobile is second to none in quality build, interior comfort and beauty, and all around elegance and class. When I drive my SC 430 (black with saddle, ooh la la) heads turn. Shes a beauty. And amazingly, shes as much fun with the top up as down. The perfect cocoon of silence and safety, the way the side of the door is higher than most cars gives you the feeling of being wrapped up in LUXURY!!! I should know. I own a $160 thousand dollar Porsche along with thirty other luxury and sport cars. This car is my daily driver because life is too short to settle for less than the best.

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  My Car - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Laura Jones - January 14 - 10:13 am

  This is the second Lexus I have owned.They are dependable, easy to keep clean, good mileage, and sharp looking. The sound system with the controls on the wheel easy to use. I

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  Lexus GX470. An impressive SUV. - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By RICK D - January 13 - 5:13 pm

  Very dependable. It rides so smooth youll think youÂ’re in a limousine. Theres so little outside noise you can forget you are in a car. Handles impeccably for a 4-wheel drive. The fuel consumption isnt great but its tolerable. The instrument panel is easily understood but the navigation system and voice control system is unfortunately confusing. The car is very comfortable and the climate control system is very good. The DVD is easy to use and components can be added easily. There is an AC outlet included in this SUV which allows you to plug in accessories or a playstation for your child. This SUV rides great and is an overall great value.

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  the 470 rocks - 2004 Lexus LX 470
  By Odiri Dafe - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Its a great car to drive and ride in. SOOO comfortable, and powerful at the same time.

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  Woo Hoo - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By happy girl - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I have only owned the car for a week and I have already had 4 complete strangers ask me about it because they are thinking of getting one of their own. IS300 is sporty, classy, fun, and reliable.

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  The Best Overall - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By FC44 - January 13 - 10:00 am

  2004 Lexus LS430 is worth all and more than paid. Does it all and in excellent fashion. Only problem area discovered is the nav software. Keeps taking me somewhere near my destination but not exactly, as my 2002 Lexusdid. Lexus says they went to a different software company and many such complaints are being received. Expect a fix soon. The system also has problems selecting routes that are best (Fastest or Shortest when selected). Otherwise, Imm thrilled to have this car. Looked closely at MBZ and was impressed with exterior styling. Price was not deciding factor. I made the right buy!

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  Lexus Loving It - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By Swells - January 13 - 10:00 am

  A Fantastic vehicle to own.