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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  297 K miles and still going - 2007 Lexus RX 350
  By Mark McDonough - December 27 - 1:10 pm

  This is the third car that I owned that I have put on over 250 k miles. This is by far the most reliable, it has never broke down. Only repairs are normal wear and tear such as tires, brakes, rear bearings and plugs/ignition coils.

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  Look back - 2007 Lexus GX 470
  By NJC - December 27 - 8:33 am

  I previously wrote of my frustrations with this SUV re: its quirks and lack of modern features. However, I live in the Midwest and we were hit with a torrential winter in 2010. I had no idea how awesomely this vehicle would perform in the snow and ice. Its unshakable. I felt very confident driving in ice and snow that left other trucks and SUVs in the snow bank. Unbelievably good traction.

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  GS 300 - RWD - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By TinCup - December 27 - 7:53 am

  Lexus nailed it with this one. Great exterior design. It looks both sporty and elegant. The interior is typical lexus - well appointed and comfortable. I just felt at home the first time I took it for a test drive and the experience has gotten better each time. The engine is silky smooth and responsive when you need it. I look forward to getting behind the wheel.

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  super car - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By sethster - December 25 - 10:00 am

  We looked at all entry level luxury cars and imeadiatly was impressed with the quality feel and ride of this car. It is the quitest car We have ever owned and the comfort level is fantastic. After owning unreliable american cars, this car is a joy to drive. We actually look forward to driving again and running erands. We dident buy this car for sport or speed so the engine power is plenty. We love the luxury items and the the automatic controls that turn on everything.

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  I am in LOVE - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By Heidi - December 24 - 3:36 pm

  I was not a lover of cars. I usually consider myself a bus driver because I am usually driving a carload of children to where they need to be. I like to drive to get where I am going and that is it. I have also driven all types and makes of cars. (My first car was an escort.) I never thought I would ever be committed to one kind of car or maker. I love the Lexus GX 470! This SUV is a great car with the most comfortable ride you will ever experience. I have never had any maintenance issues. In fact, the dealership has gone the extra mile for me and my famlies safety. I would recommend this car to anyone looking for an SUV. You will be hooked like me!

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  awesome from day one! - 2012 Lexus CT 200H
  By exp68 - December 24 - 9:09 am

  I traded my soon to be out of warranty 07 CLS63 for my 2012 F sport.45-49 mpg mostly in the sport mode mixed city/hiway driving.I debadged my hottie including the blue L,,,dont want to be mistaken for a Greeny....no one knows what it is, lots of thumbs up,you would get that responce in a Prius!!!

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  First time owner of a lexus - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Stefanie - December 23 - 5:16 pm

  I have owned my Lexus RX330 for 2 years. I love it! I am a petite woman and the adjustable seat and steering wheel are WONDERFUL! It handles beautifully like a sedan. The backseat holds 3 adults comfortably. The automatic rear door lift is the greatest, especially with your hands full! I have had a few problems with the motors in my automatic windows, but the dealer has resolved most of those issues. I would highly recommend this car to anyone! I plan on keeping this vehicle for many years.

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  1 Awesome Car - 2005 Lexus IS 300
  By YellowIS300 - December 22 - 2:56 am

  Since I bought the IS 300 I have not been able to get myself out of it. The car is amazing. It handles extremly well, it has a lot of appeal to everyone, and I get consistent compliments by friends who are very picky about cars. The manual makes this one fun car. If it had an extra 40hp it would be PERFECT.

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  Great car - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Robin Pires - December 21 - 12:33 pm

  2004 RX 330... love the style... very comfortable... IO currently get 18 mpg.

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  My new Lexus 400h - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By C SWEET - December 20 - 3:06 am

  My brand new Lexus 400h is an exciting car to own and drive. Having the GPS system is like having a friend along for the ride. She never gets frustrated with my choice of turns, just picks up from my new location. The pick-up at acceleration makes it exciting to drive. Watching the trickle use of energy has made me a better driver, as far as how I use the accelerator. I can actually affect the mileage in my favor. This car handles like a dream, a big improvement from my RX 300,2000.