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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  This is the best car Ive ever owned - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Jim Cowan - December 6 - 11:13 pm

  I get 29-31 mpg of regular gas when I do mixed city and highway driving in this five-seat luxury SUV. Im driving at posted speed limits. 29 mpg using the A/C or with a window open - its amazing how an open window increases drag. The mileage is great - but I also get an extremely quiet, comfortable ride and when I want to pass a truck then I put my foot down and this thing really flies. Its more powerful than the gas version. The combination of fuel efficiency, comfort and power is the way all cars should be. People whove ridden with me have been very surprised when they got out and I told them, "Youve been riding in a hybrid." Its just a great car.

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  Tough to buy anything else - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By Jeff - December 6 - 8:40 pm

  This is my 2nd LS430. I put almost 90K miles on my first LS and never had one problem. Ride, interior are excellent but what keeps me coming back to this car is the quality and features. Outstanding car

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  just be honest with yourself..... - 2011 Lexus CT 200H
  By believe - December 5 - 11:58 pm

  After looking at the Prius, CRV, Rav4, Venza and a few others, we kept coming back to the CT200. After pricing out the prius we felt that we received more for our money with the CT200. There were no comparison with the seats of the others vs the CT200. They reminded the wife and I of our comfy leather chairs at home. The handling was simply great. A little noise getting up to speed, but after that if was a dream to drive. There is just something we love about hatchbacks. Just so practical. No, not tons of room, but for this soon to be retired couple it is perfect. If your an animal lover and dont wish to have leather interior, well the imatation leather is very, very nice. Go drive it!

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  ES 350 - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Jackson - December 5 - 8:16 pm

  This car is enjoyable to drive, comfortable and quiet. It has great performance. We have owned two Toyota Camrys, and now the Lexus ES 350; we are very pleased with this car.

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  Love My Lexus - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Lady Bear - December 5 - 5:13 pm

  I am the original owner of a 2004 ES330 Lexus sedan. I am considering replacing the car with very mixed emotions. I love my Lexus. What a deal on this vehicle! At the time of purchase I got a fair purchase price, but when I think about the quality and reliability I have been fortunate to experience I have no complaints. I may choose to pass this quality vehicle on to my son who will soon graduate from college. What a lucky young man he will be!

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  better than any 3 eries or audi out ther - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By flipstar - December 5 - 10:00 am

  my boy has the 330c1 and the ride was so rough i needed two pain killers when i get out of the car. the audi A4S is blindingly fast with with no control on the road.Lexus IS 300 gives you a balance of all superb handiling, great acceleration , and a decent ride.

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  2000 Lexus ES 300 - 2000 Lexus ES 300
  By Robert Edwards - December 5 - 10:00 am

  Great car!!

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  Just over 5,000 miles on it. - 2008 Lexus ES 350
  By carl - December 3 - 9:46 am

  We purchased our ES 350 new. So far we are VERY pleased. We have nearly 6,000 miles on it and our over-all fuel economy is right at 30 mpg! Highway we will get 34! Very pleased with that. The car is fun to drive and very spirited in acceleration. We opted for the upgraded wheels, pin striping and window tinting. That gives the car a really nice look. Also the all weather floor mats are good looking addition. Gives it a more sporty look.

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  Lexus Evaluation - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By john iacono - December 2 - 11:16 pm

  I though I would get better gas mileage. I get around 28 M/gal only if you drive no faster than 60 mph. If you go faster the M/gal drops off the faster you go. If you cruise at 70 then you can only expect around 20 or so. In the city I have yet to get anywhere near 30 M/gal The gas mileage is really disappointing. The rest of the car is perfect. THE GPS isnt as good as some others, however it works very well. The car drives and rides beautifully.

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  I love the ES - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Roger Tomlinson - December 2 - 10:00 am

  Solid performance although it could handle more HP and would be slightly better for it. Beautiful interior and well designed inside. Lexus has made this model a junior LS! It has most of the luxury features available on the bigger more expensive models. You have to like FWD however, and that runs fine for me.