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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  love this car - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By cjl32 - July 23 - 10:00 am

  This car is a major headturner. Lexus has the best service in the world. I test drove the G35, CL, TL, 325i and the IS300 was by far the best deal and best car. This car is so quiet that sometimes I forget its on!

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  Great car! - 2002 Lexus LS 430
  By lymanls2 - July 22 - 10:43 am

  The car does everything a luxury sedan should do, and does it well. It is dependable, good looking, smooth riding, powerful, spacious inside without being bulky outside, and has a big trunk for lots of cargo. I could not be happier with a car.

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  Unbelieveable Power - 2007 Lexus GS 450h
  By Chuck - July 21 - 4:30 pm

  Best car Ive ever owned. My wife and I fight over who drives it. Very hard to stay under 100 mph. Always looking for someone to race.

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  Best Used Car I Ever Owned - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By FEdward - July 21 - 12:13 pm

  Purchased my RX with 84K miles and a 100K warranty. Car was in spectacular condition and according to service records had been meticulously maintained. Dealership found a leaky rear axle seal under warranty, but had no other issues. The 90K maintenance was a bit pricey (timing belt, flushes, et. al.) but reasonable. A fuel modulator had to be replaced right after warranty expired for @ $700 parts & labor. Have not encountered the engine failures that others have reported. Fit, finish & features still solid at 115K and dealership has been just wonderful. Bought an 07 ES 350 two months ago and the trusty 02 RX has become our fun, weekender. This vehicle sold me on future Lexuses from now on!

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  Lexus SC 430 - 2005 Lexus SC 430
  By Lexus lover - July 21 - 2:43 am

  Best coupe convertible ever. More roomy than XLR or AMG 55 and better appointment and craftmanship than both of those. The cockpit is relaxed and functional. None of the convertibles tested would allow one to go down the highway with the top down and be able to talk without shouting and to listen to the stereo except the Lexus SC 430. We love ours and I am 62" and sit comfortably in the passenger seat. The passenger seat reclines to allow short naps on long trips. Not doable on the XLR or the MB AMG.

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  Lexus fan for life - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By pooty711 - July 21 - 1:33 am

  Well this is my 5th lexus. I buy lexus everytime, not only because of the fact it is a reliable and comfortable car with nice styling, but we have a very nice relationship with the dealer. In fact my whole family owns cars from this dealer,15 in all over the years.

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  Second Lexus - 2007 Lexus LS 460
  By Don - July 20 - 4:13 am

  Still have my 2001 LS 430, just had to have the LS 460, great power, good gas mileage. I dont understand people complaining about the seats, I love them. My 430 has the electronic speed control, its a pain on the interstate, so didnt get it on the 460.

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  Thank you, Lexus! - 2008 Lexus IS F
  By Nightspore68 - July 19 - 7:36 am

  I was going to settle for a 335 coupe and out of desperation for a more exciting ride I test drove the M3, but I, too, was very disappointed with it. I actually preferred the 335. Not sure I wanted to spend 50k on a car I didnt love I consulted a friend who suggested the new Lexus. My wife had been trying to get me to look at Lexuses, but theyre not exactly renowned drivers cars. Anyway I drove the IS350 (which I liked a lot) then the IS-F. I bought the IS-F on the spot. What a great car! The torque, the engine sound, even the automatic transmission was great (in manual mode it can shift really fast). The Mark Levinson stereo is light years beyond anything Ive ever heard from Bose.

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  Its a lemon. - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By KFW - July 17 - 4:56 am

  I dont understand the positive reviews of this car. The transmission alone warrants a low rating. For those complaining about the transmission, wait until you reach 15,000-20,000 miles and your car needs new brakes ($305 at the dealer, $150 at your family mechanic) AND new tires. This car is a LEMON. Lexus customer "satisfaction" is unwilling to take responsibility for it, while the service manager admitted he is seeing these cars come in early for brakes and tires. Buyers of the new GS are being warned about the early deterioration of the brakes, and ES owners are being ignored. In the past Lexus has offered repairs and rebates for recurring concerns. We bought these cars in good faith and because we trusted the Lexus name. I would like to see Lexus restore our faith.

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  Great car, but not perfect - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Rod - July 16 - 9:43 pm

  Really nice car. Ride is a little too firm for me. Handling is very good. Direct injection engine is very good, but ticks at idle. Interior is tight. Center console is too tall and wide, making interior feel cramped. Misc. control door near drivers left knee is very inconvenient. Highway gas mileage is excellent - 29 to 32 MPG. Avalon is probably a better value.