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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  Exceeds Expectations - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By W.U. - January 8 - 11:10 pm

  One should expect a lot from a luxury car, especially when paying full MSRP. This vehicle exceeds all expectations. Im getting exactly the EPA mileage ratings of 31 city, 27 highway. Technical gadgetry is useful and operates flawlessly. Ride is smooth and as comfortable as my old Lincoln (this is my first SUV, so there was some trepidation). There have been many pleasant surprises and nothing unpleasant.

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  wonderful - 2004 Lexus LX 470
  By jburke - January 8 - 10:00 am

  this suv is awesome. by far the best vehicle ive ever owned. navigator and escalade do not even compair. i highly recommend

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  Great car - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Donna Millard - January 8 - 10:00 am

  Greta cra, reliable, comfortable

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  I love my Lex - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Shar D. - January 8 - 10:00 am

  I got my new Lexus in December and have been very satisfied. It rides like a dream and handles beautifully. I got the mist green and the color is great. The steering wheel is so comfortable with its wood and leather inserts. It is a great looking car that lives up to the reputation of Lexus. I must say my dealer (Lexus of New Haven) has also been wonderful. Service is reliable and you are treated courteously. My husband drives a LS400 from them and we would not hesitate to purchase from them again. If you are considering a Lexus....go drive the ES330...youll be hooked.

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  Great Suv - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By marylandstar - January 8 - 10:00 am

  The only thing I would ask for would be a V-8. Dont use shiny armorall on the dash,it will cause real bad glare. Idrive this Suv alot and its Great no Problems. 40,000 miles since last sept when purchased only reg maintance.And much better service than american suvs like Lincoln.

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  Upgrade from my special edition Camry - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By xylver07 - January 7 - 5:40 pm

  What an upgrade so far. Ultra-powerful if you compare to 4 cylinder Camry. Nice black leather interior with metallic ruby exterior. I drive highway most of the time this one do the job perfectly and only put premium gas on it. Superb performance 31-32 mpg so far I would get set of new tires to avoid annoying road noise. I love it so far

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  Love my Lexus - 2010 Lexus RX 450h
  By John Harvey - January 5 - 5:23 am

  This is my first Lexus. I bought the hybrid because I keep my cars at least 10 years. Gas prices probably will at least double in 10 years. Also the Rx 450h probably will have outstanding reliability like its predecessor. So far the car is fun to drive and it really encourages you to drive for mileage. In the first 900 miles we are averaging 27.5 miles per gallon in mostly highway driving.

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  What a car! - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Joanna - January 4 - 10:33 pm

  Ive never cared much for cars, but this one has changed my mind. It has such a solid, safe feel to it. It looks like a van that took steroids and not the typical monster SUV. It certainly drives better than any van or car Ive ever driven and it is actually fun to drive it!The ride is as smooth as glass. This car doesnt know it is going up steep hills either. It eats them. The gas engine cuts out at lights and in traffic, and while this took a bit of getting used to-the silence makes it seem as though it has stalled- I feel better about the car not spewing unecessary gas into the atmosphere.

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  Great Car - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By CG - January 4 - 2:00 am

  The drive is fast, smooth and very comfortable on long trips. The sound system is great.

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  Perfect Car - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Grace - January 3 - 7:33 pm

  My husband purchased the 400h and loves it, as do I. Its incredibly quick and is getting solid mpg -- about 26.5 mpg. He got side tubes and it looks great -- who said its a chicks car?