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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  Only 700 miles on it - 2008 Lexus ES 350
  By carl1949 - May 5 - 1:46 am

  I have spent a lot of time on this site reading reviews so I thought I would place my own. We shopped and shopped many makes and models. We have had our ES 350 for about a week and are loving it. We are averaging almost 30 mpg!! We live in the country and do a lot of highway driving. Only disappointment is the audio. The brochure and website are misleading. Makes you think if you opt for the navigation you will have the Mark Levinson. Not so. Very pleased overall.

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  Easy, reliable and handy sport SUV - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By jukka - May 4 - 4:20 pm

  Very nice to drive and economical too. When accelerating strong the steering wheel has too much "feelings" like front wheel dive car. Very handy to fold the rear seats. In winter inside gets warm quicker thän normal engine. Fine car and not a one problem during the first year.

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  Lexus Engine failure at 23K miles - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Ikanutlose - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Not only did this piece of garbage blow upwith little mileage, the dealer would not honor the warranty. The Toyota leasing company promised to inspect the vehicle but didnt see fit to do so after 6 months of calls. I will never buy another lexus or toyota product again. Btw, on the toyota website they mention the engine design flaw which caused this problem but take no responsibility for it. Just bums.

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  Japanese Copy of BMW 3 series - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By Johnby - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Should have bought the BMW, penny wise pound foolish

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  Disappointing - 2003 Lexus RX 300
  By Jerry Kaye - May 2 - 10:00 am

  I am a little disappointed in the car. Ive had to replace the ignition switch, and now the check engine light comes on. Some say its an O2 sensor, another shop said it was an exhaust leak. I did however, detect a leak when it was on the lift.

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  A Totally Wonderful Driving Experience - 2002 Lexus LS 430
  By alan - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Absolutely the most enjoyable car to drive I have ever experienced. Quiet beyond description and effortless to drive.

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  A Totally Wonderful Driving Experience - 2002 Lexus LS 430
  By Alan - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Absolutely the most enjoyable car to drive I have ever experienced. Quiet beyond description and effortless to drive.

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  Pleased with my Lexus NXt - 2016 Lexus NX 200t
  By Barry - May 2 - 8:44 am

  I recently retired and needed to replace my 2011 BMW X3. I loved my X3 but the new one was just too expensive. I test drove the BMW X1 and wanted to like it but the ride was too firm to suit me. I liked the Acura RDX but their option pricing required the loaded but most expensive Advance package just to get parking sensors. Plus, I did not feel the Acura style, interior or exterior, was up to the 2016 Lexus NXt. I requested quotes through the Edmunds link and was pleasantly surprised that an out of town dealer had by far the best deal. I got pretty much every option except the lane departure warning, dynamic cruise control and leather seats (you will be impressed with the comfort and looks of the Lexus synthetic leather seats!). I only have about 500 miles on it but so far I am very happy with my purchase. It is extremely comfortable, very quiet and has a high tech look. Yes, the touchpad controller is a bit fussy but you do get better with use (and many controls can be done from the steering wheel or verbally). As another reviewer commented, the cruising range is only a little over 300 miles but that is a minor complaint compared to the many positives with this vehicle.

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  Im in love with my ES 350 - 2008 Lexus ES 350
  By car guy - April 30 - 6:00 pm

  Had the car for four weeks and still so very excited about it. Really look forward to driving it!! Just a pleasure to drive and operate all its features. This car really coddles its driver and passengers. It feels like its worth every penny of the price when you are behind the wheel. Takes curves and corners surprisingly well! Cant say enough good things about it!!

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  is 300 l-tuned - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By richie - April 29 - 10:33 am

  i fell in love with my silver is300 the moment i saw it.the l-tuned package to me makes all the difference in the appearance of the car.great fun to drive,ample power,excellent build quality.