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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  Lexus 400h - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Gordy - November 12 - 4:10 pm

  Rides high in the saddle with great visibility and suspension; superlative interior and more pep than I expected. The cornering and handling are excellent. This vehicle has just about every option that one could desire in a luxury vehicle with gas mileage that is unparallelled in such a large vehicle. Price reduction and more info on tax credit for 2006 would be helpful.

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  The best car in the world. - 1997 Lexus ES 300
  By John Holland - November 11 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this car in 1997, since then, Ive never spent a penny on repairing except tires and oil/coolent change. Although the upfront cost for a Lexus is a bit pricy, you can make it back in the long run. Many people think that Lexus is a bigger Camry, theyre WRONG!!! I had a Camry V6 XLE, it was a good car, but Lexus owners can tell the difference. The average maintenane cost is no higher than a Camry.

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  TOP SUV in 2004 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By schnelle22 - November 11 - 10:00 am

  The NEW 2004 Lexus RX330 is truely an amazing suv/car. It has even more room and power than its RX300, but still drives like a car. It is also one of the better fuel performers for an SUV when comparing the ML, and X5. The new design is very sharp on the outside and very luxurious in the inside. If you are looking for a top quality SUV, try the RX330!

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  Fun car to drive - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By Lindsay - November 11 - 8:06 am

  Ive had my IS for a little over a year now. Bought it used as a certified pre-owned with about 63k miles on it. Its an auto with the e- shift option which is fun but I dont use very much. I love my Lexus a little bit more every time that I sit in the front seat! It is a very fun car to drive, extremely reliable, handles great, accelerates quick, rides smoothly, and is very eye catching. Havent had any problems with it and planning on keeping it for many years to come!

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  Great Car - 2001 Lexus IS 300
  By Lexus Owner - November 10 - 10:26 pm

  Bought this car used, couldnt be happier. Nice to know how reliable it is. Have had for over 3 years now, not a single problem. Want something reliable? This is it. Fun to drive, good on gas.

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  Darth Vadar Grill....Love it. - 2016 Lexus RX 350
  By Ramona - November 9 - 10:18 pm

  I looked, and said,....wow. what a grill. I think of Star Wars, even the color is outer limits, Nebula grey. I am happy with the look, feel, drive. I have many things to learn on this car. She is high tech. I barely understand the apps on my iPhone, so it can be daunting. I liked that my dealer offered free car washes for the life of the car. I traded in the Merc. SUV and no regrets. I have the double moon roof, she feels like a limo.

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  Quality and Performance - 2000 Lexus ES 300
  By Tom Stangl - November 7 - 10:00 am

  Purchased ES300 Platinum series for my wife with 32,000 miles on it. The exterior paint is top quality (White) and the interior was like new. Very quiet to drive, excellent acceleration and braking capabilities. What makes this car special is the Pre-owned certifed Lexus program. Three years or the balance of 100,000 miles, Full warrenty with free roadside assistance!

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  RX330 RULES - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By JOEJOE - November 7 - 10:00 am

  awesome imporvements rideslike a magic carpet

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  Very Happy Lexus Owner - 2007 Lexus RX 350
  By Lou - November 6 - 5:10 pm

  My first Lexus (1998 ES 300) I drove 164,000 miles absolutly no problems. The Lexus 2007 RX 350 that replace it now has 27,850 and absolutly no problems. There is a pattern here. The quality, fit and finish are 1st rate. Yes, it costs a little more in the initial purchase price but you get it back many times over in reliability, comfort and safety. I am an engineer by profession and I am really picky.

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  The quality Lexus experience - 2001 Lexus GS 300
  By HC Barnes - November 5 - 7:50 pm

  My second Lexus. I had the first, a 1991 SC 300, for ten years. I bought the GS 300 as a certified used car with one year and 25,000 miles. I now have 124,000 miles on it and it still looks and drives like a brand new car. Service has not been that expensive considering the car and treatment has been perfect. Highway mileage consistently in mid 20s, not bad. I replaced the terrible OEM tires with Yokohama Avids and have been happy with the handling ever since, although the car will never stir the emotions on a visceral level. Bottom line: an ultra- high quality luxury car with competent, but not exciting handling.