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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  Another Class Act! - 2013 Lexus RX 350
  By lscalzo1389 - May 12 - 12:07 pm

  After turning in our 2010 lease a bit early, I bought a new 2013 RX 350. What a difference. The auto rides like on a cloud yet handles impeccably. There have been a number of refinements in the user interface which were all welcomed. Now there a buttons for everything as well as control from the redisigned and easier to use mouse. I like the apps which are useful especially Pandora. The mileage has been good as I am getting up to 24 mpg on the highway. Averaging about 21 mpg so far. All in all a great car and happy we bought another Lexus.

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  "Styling Imagery" - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Drjohn - May 12 - 11:46 am

  The lexus newest generation of cars is impressive. Ride quality and sound isolation is excellent combine with suprising performance and fuel economy makes this car a real pleasure to own.

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  winter mileage drop - 2010 Lexus HS 250H
  By Anonymous - May 12 - 2:00 am

  When I purchased this car in February, I was getting 37mpg. I live the Chicago area and with the winter cold, it has dropped to less then 30. I took it to the dealer who said it was normal due to the engine running more for the emissions. Seems like too big of a drop to me. the car itself is fun to drive, handles well, although the grunt of the engine turning on does seem to be a little underpowered. Trunk space is diminished due to the batteries and the stereo is not what I consider top of the line for a Lexus, particulalry in the back seat. I also wish there was a wee bit more headroom in the front and the center console does intrude.

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  Uncompromising Quality - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Frank - May 11 - 2:53 pm

  This my 2nd Lexus SUV...We had a 2001. The latest edition 2005 is a sound performer & exudes quality with contemporary design. Lexus service is 2nd to none. Were looking forward to ongoing reliability of this Lexus product...

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  Fix for Interior Wind Noise - 2007 Lexus LS 460
  By Radman - May 11 - 8:36 am

  Although I would like to own an American car, I had to give up my Cadillac for this one. Originally looked at the 430 in 2006. Glad I waited for the 460. After much research, I think I made the best choice. Was recently advised that there is a service bulletin for interior wind noise. Dealer, once approved after tech ride along, will replace weatherstrip, install thicker glass and additional insulation. My parts are on order. Hope the fix works.

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  4 month review - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Dick - May 11 - 1:00 am

  Plenty of power and acceleration; rides firm but comfortably. Found my wife and I are relaxed after a 500 mile trip. Notice some wind noise above 80mph; almost no wind noise below 70.

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  the best - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By ronnie21748 - May 9 - 2:00 am

  Traded slk...no comparison...lexus quality more bells and whistles. A true joy to drive.

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  FUN IS BACK - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By TPAFL - May 9 - 2:00 am

  I have had several nice cars in the past, including Acura, BMW, and a two previous Lexus coupes. None of my previous cars matched the fun and excitement of driving the SC430. And if the fun and excitement arent enough, the unsolicited comments from people about what a looker the car is , or the wanting stares of people in cars around you while stopped at a red light are enough to bring a smile to your face!

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  Lexus ES330 is Just luxury Camry - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Paul Sneed - May 9 - 2:00 am

  Traded in a 2003 Camry for the ES330 Lexus. Ride and feel was the same. Controls are much the same. Gas Milage was less then the Camry. Overall the ES330 is just a Camry with more options and a higher price.

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  Another Great Lexus - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By johnp - May 9 - 2:00 am

  Recently traded my 02 ES300 for an 04 ES330. There are some significant differences. The extra 15 HP are an improvement. The new transmission no longer has the slow downshift issue. Interior design is great and the car is VERY comfortable. Steering/handling is tighter. The NAV system is very intuitive. This car is so good and so comfortable I just dont feel the need for a larger model.