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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  HIghly Recommend - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By carol - October 27 - 10:20 pm

  This is a great vehicle. Rides very smoothly. Does great in winter weather. Very reliable, just normal maintenance. Only problem - would like to get the same vehicle in a newer model, but hard to justify spending the money when a 7 year old vehicle is still in great shape.

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  Heres the skinny on the ES 350 - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By tomselina - October 25 - 5:20 pm

  This is my first Lexus, and now I understand. Beautiful car with a great balance of upscale comfort/technology and power/performance. In only a few days worth of mixed driving, Im averaging 26.5 mpg. The Mark Levinson DVD/nav system is incomparable, and the Bluetooth system works great. It plays telephone sound out of drivers front speaker on the dash with microphone near the rear view mirror. People dont know youre on a speakerphone. Plenty of room for 4 adults, possibly 5. Like the backup camera, front and rear backup sensors, and the keyless entry and push button start.

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  Lexus is the best - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By LexusCruiser - October 25 - 12:26 pm

  Researched them all and bought a used RX with 150,000. Confident because its a Lexus. No problems at all. Had several Lexus models LS 430, LX 470 and ES 300, all been rock solid. This RX has same motor as ES, Camry, etc. With AWD gets from 17-24 mpg. Seats nearly as comfortable as my LS 430 due to higher seating position and easy in/out and strong seat heaters. Nice size, ground clearance, visibility, comfort, reliability. Sold on Lexus, cant go wrong.

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  Lexus es350 - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By the2007es1 - October 25 - 5:39 am

  My dad bought a 2007 es350 and all i have to say is good job Lexus. This car is the best bang for your buck because you get the great gas mileage when you need it but also you got the power when you need it. After owning this car for a little while we had to get the transmission replaced. That is the only problem we had with this car. This car is very fun to drive and great for long trips. This is the best car for trips because you have the quiet ride and the great gas mileage. After driving this car across country twice i would not buy any other car. If you own a Lexus es50 and you could either fly or drive across country if i were you i would drive.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By nebtap - October 25 - 2:00 am

  This is my midlife crisis car - love it! Tried the Infiniti fx - too stiff. This has rteh luxurious ride I wanted, teh power, and not too large. Cerritos Lexus was GREAT - definitely deal with their internet rep, as it was no haggle and a good price.

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  Great handling -Smart Styling - 2005 Lexus SC 430
  By Benchdex - October 24 - 7:30 pm

  Very responsive. Trouble Free. Back seat good for luggage storage only. Best looking convertible on the road, especially in silver. Heavy and powerful. Handles well. Hugs the road. Great responsiveness. I like the famous Lexus service at the dealerships. Like no other, and I have tried many other brands and dealerships.

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  Great car all around - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By Amski - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Definitely an excellent car. Fun, quite fast. Handling is crisp and predictable; ride is smooth. Much better car than competition in the same class. The only thing it could use is a little bit more power.

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  Owner - 2001 Lexus LS 430
  By greg farrow - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Excellent car. I have had Lincolns, Cadilacs, Jags & their is no comparison. All Lexus dealerships I have dealt with for service have been more than excellent.

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  Sweetness - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By john q - October 24 - 10:00 am

  This car is HOT! Everyone should be priviledged enough to own one of these!

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  Cant beat it for the price - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By William Kayen - October 23 - 12:46 am

  I have the car for one week and love it. Traded in my BMW 325Cic. New car is so quiet and has great power. Plenty of room compared to my convertible.