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 IT - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Felicia M. Curtis - November 21 - 10:00 am

  MY EXPERIENCE HAS BEEN GREAT ITS A VERY QUITE CAR. IVE BEEN AVERAGING 23 MILES TO A GALLON. I LOVE THE COMFORT AS WELL AS THE QUALITY OF THE GPS SYSTEM,MARK LEVINSON SOUND SYSTEM AS WELL AS THE EASE OF DRIVING IT. THIS IS A GREAT CAR I USE TO HAVE THE SC300 AND DECIDED ON ANOTHER LEXUS THE QUALITY AND CUSTOMER SERVICE IS SUPERB.

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  Lexuss Little SUV - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Hfaulisi1379 - November 21 - 10:00 am

  The fuel economy is good fr this size of this SUV. Its easy to repair after rear ends, easy to main and travel with people to long distances. One disadvantage is the passenger seat wont move up and down unless you order it as an option. Its fun to drive anywhere. Its a vehicle youll feel real safe in.

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  I love this vehicle - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By hollywood joe - November 21 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had this vehicle for two days but im already in love. The handling is great and the ride is extremely smooth!

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  Riding on the wind - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Woody - November 19 - 8:46 pm

  I had a Lexus RX 300. It saved my life in an accident four years ago in Florida. I had no second thought as to quality and safety when I traded in my RX 300 for my new 400h. It will take a little time to get use to turning the key and not hearing a sound like a regular gas powered RX. It will also take some time to get use to the backup camera and rear door that opens with the push of a button . Now if I can only find someone that will drive "Me" around in it so I can sit back in the rear reclining seats , and watch a dvd on the entertainment system !

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  Trunk - 2009 Lexus GS 450h
  By lucky - November 19 - 6:50 am

  Quite an excellent car after 9 months. No maintenance issues or malfunctions. 25 mpg in city traffic, 30 mpg on the highway. Those over 63" need more headroom. The fit and finish are flawless and the CVT runs quietly, smoothly and with uncanny power. The handling is excellent. The Navigation package and Mark Levinson sound system options are fantastic.

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  An opinion - 2007 Lexus GS 450h
  By hadrien - November 17 - 8:36 pm

  It is not a BMW 550i, but it comes quite close in terms of handling. Interior materials are a bit superior to those seen in a BMW, especially when it comes to sound. Given Lexus/Toyota high levels of reliability this vehicle was a better choice for me.

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  Third RX - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By third rx - November 17 - 10:23 am

  Flawless in quality (no repair needed ever on any of three RXs Ive owned over past 9 years).

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  Awesome! - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By madcaper - November 17 - 2:00 am

  Smooth as silk, fast and fun. Incredibly quiet even with the top down. Luggage capacity has worked out better than I expected. Trunk is decent and back seat is great for added capacity.

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  Best car I have ever owned - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By Dabrt - November 15 - 6:13 am

  I have had my Lexus for a year and a half and its been wonderful. No problems at all. Driving it is so much fun and it handles great. The only downside about owning a Lexus is the upkeep is very expensive if you get it done at the dealership.

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  Great Car - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Ross - November 12 - 7:23 pm

  Maybe the best car I have ever owned. Like the navigation system and quiet ride. Out of the 30 some cars I have owned this is the first time I have really had to study the drivers manual to figure out how to work everything. To someone who is not computer experienced I would imagine the navigation system would be a bit of a challange. MPG has ranged from 15 in town to high 20s on the road. Doesnt have sports car performance but has plenty of "go" for an old guy like me. However, even my grandson liked it.