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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  Smooth ES 350 - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Dave - December 20 - 3:00 am

  The car drives very smoothly. Before you know it you are driving 85 and you feel like youre driving 60. I started to buy IS 250 but I am glad I bought the ES 350 because it has more interior room inside car and more space in trunk. It also has smoother ride and acceleration than the IS 250.

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  Third Lexus - 2008 Lexus ES 350
  By michelle - December 19 - 7:13 pm

  This is my third Lexus and the experience so far has been favorable. At first I was concerned with the keyless start because I felt I would lock myself out of the car, but now I am used to this feature. The car rides smooth and quiet and the seats are comfortable. The extra horsepower is also noted as an improvement.

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  Best Car for the Money!! - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By Al - December 19 - 10:56 am

  I traded in a 99 LS 400 which I have been driving for past 6 years. The 04 LS 430 is a big improvement. Dealer Certified Car so am set for another 6 or 7 years. Looks and performs just like a brand new car even with 34,000 miles. A true luxury automobile.

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  Honey Bunches of GOod Car - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By Snoopo - December 19 - 10:00 am

  Just Buy IT!! This is the best car that Ive ever owned. It is much more reliable than a BMw or a Mercedes, and its cheaper too!. I also own a 1991 LS400, and it still runs like new. This is a definite buy for people looking for a higher- end car thats big, comfy, and purely awesome!

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  The Best Car Period - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By wamjqh - December 19 - 10:00 am

  Best car Ive ever owned. The 2003 Lexus LS 430 Ultra Luxury edition is well worth the price. Great value.

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  Amazing - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By Happy Lamp - December 19 - 10:00 am

  Great car, i really enjoy it. Not only does it look amazing, it drives amazing and is totally realiable.

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  A great value - 2001 Lexus IS 300
  By DBoucher - December 19 - 10:00 am

  I was pleasantly surprised at the handling and yet comfortable quietness of this car. Quality built. Only complaint is the low profile tires which costs twice as much for half the miles, but a great look.

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  Beautiful car but - Navagition system has to be fixed - 2011 Lexus ES 350
  By raj02 - December 19 - 6:05 am

  Just a beautiful car!

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  Best SUV and No Regrets!! - 2006 Lexus GX 470
  By Kevin - December 18 - 4:06 pm

  I test drove almost everything out there... nothing could compare to the GX 470. It is a reliable and safe SUV. I think it has the best Luxury and features when compared to the SUVs I mentioned. The one thing that made me buy GX 470 was the Sports suspension (KDSS), makes body roll almost non-existant. I have put over 6000 miles on SUV and never had any regrets or wanted any other SUV.

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  I would buy it again. - 2007 Lexus RX 400H
  By Alex Azev - December 17 - 8:06 pm

  Great SUV, best ride ever. Could have more room between the front seats. Good gas mileage, not as expected but good enough. Ive been driving it since February/06 and cant get over how quiet it is. Im never tired of driving this car.