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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  lexus gx470 - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By ndisil - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I love the vehicle. It drives extremely smooth for an suv. The comfort level is outstanding and it is a very well appointed suv.

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  Outstanding vehicle - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By bainse - January 11 - 9:03 pm

  I am extremely happy with this vehicle. Luxury in every sense of the word, fun to drive, and great for the environment. MPG is about 25% better than any comparable SUV (doesnt get 31 MPG under actual driving conditions, but so what?) and is super-ultra low emissions vehicle. Lexus service also is second to none...treats customers like royalty.

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  LEXUS TRUTH - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By Larry, Mill Vlly, CA - January 11 - 7:23 pm

  Lexus is stand alone quality, reliability, and comfort. This car is no exception. It DOES have sporty handling - all the driver need do is utilize the controls at their disposal, namely to down shift and place in "sport" mode, and then the vehicle literally behaves like a sports car. Lexus is the enlightened choice. It is the most economical choice, because of its durability and reliability. Since it lasts three times longer than a quality cheap car, it is the most economical and enlightened car purchase choice. These are the facts. Safe driving to you.

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  Best buy for mid size - 2007 Lexus RX 350
  By daryl - January 11 - 3:30 pm

  Everything youd like for comfort and quiet. Plenty of power. Nav system is great and interfaces with all other devices for comfort and convenience. Take care with more than four passengers, the center rear is like sitting on a brick. Overall schweeeeet.

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  Awesome car! - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By Xam - January 11 - 10:00 am

  This car is great fun to drive. I really like the handling on both the interstate and backroads. It is comfortable and the driving position is excellent. I would recommend this car to anyone looking for a true sports sedan.

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  Only God Could have Done This - 2002 Lexus LS 430
  By Diceman - January 11 - 10:00 am

  I brought a LS430 with the ultra-lux pack and I tell you this car is nothing but Perfection, Perfection, Perfection. Love the Nav system and heated front seats. This car was well thought out. Blows Cadillac Deville of the planet.Tell Cadillac quit trying to run with the big boys,they dont have the toys of my LS

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  Nothing else compares - 2016 Lexus RX 350
  By Daniels - January 11 - 2:58 am

  Finally Lexus has made a SUV that a man can glady say is his. Its an attention grabber with the new redesign and the interior is top of the line. The ride is unbelievable and surprisingly quiet. I would NOT buy another luxury SUV.

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  Best vehicle on planet - 2002 Lexus LX 470
  By ubet - January 9 - 11:26 pm

  This truck is comfortable, smart, and capable. No other car in the world has this quality. No other car in the world has this capability combined with such luxury. I feel on top of the world behind the wheel, and can only think of getting another one for my wife.

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  2002 SC 430 owner review - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By jayarbee - January 9 - 11:20 pm

  I was attracted to this car purely by its looks and still love it for that reason. After 27,000 miles the only failure of any part has been the gas springs for the trunk. Driving is excellent and stable at high speed. Low speed driving suffers due to relatively stiff steering (no "two-finger" driving for this car). Brakes are the best I have ever experienced. For all the good things there are things my previous car (Buick Reatta) had and did that I miss. I could get more information out of my Buick computer than the Lexus and I could drive with my elbow out the window, which is very uncomfortable in the Lexus. Rear visibility suffers in the Lexus, also.

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  This is a great car! - 2012 Lexus CT 200H
  By irishpilot - January 9 - 4:33 am

  Extremely happy with the styling of this car! But most of all I love all the technologies! I like all the bells and whistles and this car has them all. Even my high school age daughter likes this purchase...hoping that it will be her car in couple of years. Very nice car by Lexus!