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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  remove 3rd row seats - 2014 Lexus LX 570
  By W Schumacher - April 1 - 1:26 pm

  If you need to haul around 8 people, this is NOT for you. Im guessing 90% of the buyers will never use the 3rd road seats, but would rather have the increased storage room. Thats my only my only complaint. I removed the seats, stored them in my basement and expect theyll be there for the next 10 years. Otherwise, this is the best SUV you could ever ask for. What a delight to drive.

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  Luxury Sports Vehicle - 2005 Lexus SC 430
  By Denise Frias - April 1 - 3:50 am

  I purchased the crystalized white metallic with ecru interior. I have compliments on my vehicle daily. Driving this car is like having the luxury of a sedan with the ride of a high end performance vehicle. The hard top convertible and style is what sets it apart from other cars in its class. It comes with Navigation and other options are standard with this vehicle. The competitors in the same class list prices that are much higher and only come with a basic package. I strongly recommend this car to anyone in the market for a high end sports car who appreciate more car for their dollar.

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  A techies dream car - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By valrio - April 1 - 12:26 am

  I love most everything about this car. I say most because every car has its flaws. I live in Los Angeles and there are small hills that I travel daily which I think contributes to the lousy gas mileage that Ive been getting. I have about 1500 miles on the car and average 19 MPG in the city. I do mostly city driving thats why I purchased the car. Ive taken it to the dealership and they tested it and said their testing equipment indicates that I average 24 MPG in the city. How can they determine that by having the car for 2 hours. I fill it up and do the math...gallons vs miles driven and it always comes out 19 MPG in the city and I am not a lead footer. That is my biggest complaint

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  Outstanding - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Sharon - March 31 - 5:56 pm

  This is my 4th Lexus RX and they just keep making them better with each model. The new RX330 has comfort and styling while maintaining safety to the highest level.

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  Great Car - 2001 Lexus GS 300
  By Vrankenstein - March 31 - 10:00 am

  This is the most reliable and most fun car to drive that Lexus came out with, except the SC430 which is way out of my price range, but still, the GS300 is fully equipped an comes with the most satisfactory.

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  Linus our RX300 - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By Art Brown - March 31 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is another example of the superb cars produced by Lexus. Nothing breaks and the maintenance service is outstanding I would own nothing other than a Lexus

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  Praise for the Lexus RX300! - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By TengPresby - March 31 - 10:00 am

  This is my second RX300 and I love it! (My previous one was a 1999.) Together with the GPS package, it gets me everywhere I want to go, with ease, comfort and style. The design and technology is first rate and the gas mileage is excellent (average 19, with mostly city driving and regular gasoline!). If Lexus keeps it up, I dont think Ill ever change to another make again.

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  Marks ES - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By Mark666 - March 31 - 10:00 am

  Best car Ive ever owned. I bought black with black interior. Only issue in the purchase was that it took almost 7 weeks to get the car and during most of that time the dealer lacked the ability to update me.

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  Ugly as hell ! - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By thejavagod - March 31 - 2:00 am

  This is one UGLY car! Interior is exceptionally luxurious! This car has zero driving fun...compared to my Acura TL Type S this ES300 feels like a big old boat!

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  A nice luxury SUV. - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By RonZ - March 31 - 2:00 am

  Good acceleration, 0-60 in 8.5 seconds. Not as smooth a ride as one would expect, especially on California freeways.