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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  My Favorite Car ever!!! - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Theresa Bartick - June 6 - 12:03 am

  I shopped til I dropped on this one. I was trading in my Chrysler Van for a more gas conservative car, and in general a smaller car. It was my first Lexus, and I am now a permanent Lexus owner forever. I am so happy with the RX 330, gas mileage is better than posted on car! City I average 20.5 MPG, highway easy 25MPG plus. The 18" wheels are a must in this car. I believe with that the car has a smoother ride. Love the nav sys, along with Bluetooth, once figured out and set up, very easy to use. Love it, Love it. BTW~I am the pickiest of pickiest buyer. This is the first car I have bought and not had to return to the dealer for anything yet... go buy one..

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  excellent SUV! - 2000 Lexus LX 470
  By Jammin J - June 5 - 7:46 pm

  Just the best large SUV out there. Ive not found a better ride in any comparable size. I love the quiet cabin & stable feel. Ergonomics are great!

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  LS 430 after one month - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By Raymond Kearns - June 5 - 4:43 pm

  Seats are incredibly comfortable. Acceleration very good. Gas mileage around 20mpg. Extremely quiet. Ventilated seats overrated. Some features a bit complex. Best car Ive ever driven. Test drove the MB500S and like the Lexus and its features/engineering/price much better.

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  Best convertable? - 2005 Lexus SC 430
  By peter john - June 4 - 1:36 pm

  I used to have a Mazda Miata back in 1990 and belonged to the Miata Club of America. Then went to a Mercedes 190 evo. loved the car but the fun factor was not there. Now this Lexus is a dream come true! Power, style, and reliability! Wow! By far the best car in the world for me. I love to just hop in and drive with no destination in mind. Looking to go from Toronto to Vancouver next summer. What other car would be as awesome?

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  transmission problems - 2014 Lexus ES 350
  By lew18 - June 4 - 12:55 pm

  After owning and loving an ES300 for many years, I purchased a 2014 ES350 and immediately was bothered by transmission problems. If I take my foot off the gas and coast between 45 and 20 mph the car downshifts and feels like my foot is on the brake. Continuing to coast, at some point the car upshifts on its own and feels like Ive put my foot on the gas. My dealer acknowledged that the car behaves as Ive described, but told me that this is the way it is designed to operate. They told me that if I didnt like the way it drives I shouldnt have purchased it. I wish I had been warned about a possible transmission issue when I researched the car on Edmunds.

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  Lexus Feature Value Hard to Beat - 2017 Lexus ES 350
  By Jmac - June 2 - 7:08 pm

  Great look, very comfortable to drive, safety features are the best, actual mileage beats the advertised expectations, one of the best on the road today. Feature value is unmatched.

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  Near Perfect! - 2016 Lexus RX 350
  By Jay ONeill - June 1 - 12:35 pm

  We cant say enough about this vehicle! The looks and styling are awesome (in our opinions). The technology is so extensive the dealer offers a class to get the most out of it! Everything about this SUV is great but for one draw back. Even with the stronger engine and an 8 speed transmission, we are used to a bit better acceleration from zero. Now note that it isnt terrible but we would have liked a little more in the "get up and go" category. After less than 1 month . . . thats about the only drawback we have encountered. And it isnt major nor would it deter us from buying this SUV again.

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  First Ever Non GM Car - 2006 Lexus ES 330
  By RIC - June 1 - 4:03 am

  This is the first ever Japanese car in this family and may not be the last. Fit and finish is superior to any American vehicle weve owned. Quietness, power, luxury, beauty of front end design, ergonomics, attention to detail are all reasons we left the General. And we dont regret it one bit.

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  Whats next? - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By DMC90025 - June 1 - 2:00 am

  I drive alot! 2-3K per mo. Heavy LA traffice or flat out on a freeway. Car handles both very well. Got 21K on the clock. New Yokohamas to replace the crap Potenza tires that are over rated, at 20K. In summary, the biggest beef I have is the ability to adjust the drivers seat to my needs. Nada! Beef #2, as the trans shifts in to 2nd under kickdown , acceleration goes flat! Paint finish is not to the standard of the other Lexus cars, ie lots of rock damage, paint readily nicks down to the metal. Suggest new buyers put a small bra on the nose when they first get it.

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  Luxurious feeling ride. - 2015 Lexus ES 350
  By Chris - May 30 - 11:43 pm

  This is my second Lexus. I kept my 2004 es330 11 years and never had any repair issues. It still drove beautifully. I recently got my new es350 which I just love. The navigation is so much easier to use. I am getting used to the new mouse pad. We looked at other cars but nothing drives as softly and quietly as a Lexus. In the end this is the only car I wanted. Its beautiful inside and I can adjust the seat perfectly. I love the memory mirrors and seats. The stereo sounds wonderful. I cant find anything to complain about. I will always be a Lexus owner. Thanks Lexus.