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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  GS300 in Kuwait - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By asanders - September 8 - 9:13 am

  Ive driven a lot of cars in my time and when you spend a lot of money on a car, its really important how the car makes you feel. Auto-journalist reviews can be misleading as they focus on things that just dont matter when you have to live with a car for 50,000 miles - for example on-the-limit road handling and 0-60 acceleration. My decision to buy this car was purely based on how I felt during the test drive, having already sampled the bmw 525 (irritating to live with & expensive), the merc e280 (lacks flair & very expensive), the Audi A6 (more special than the other two and very nearly my choice)...The lexus is gorgeous, relaxing to drive, feels really up-market and way better value..

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  GREAT SUV - 2007 Lexus RX 350
  By BARRY - September 7 - 6:53 pm

  Still learning all the bells and whistles, but for the short time we have owned it, it fantatstic.

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  Great car - 2011 Lexus CT 200H
  By glf3 - September 7 - 12:09 am

  I love my new CT200h. I am a little disappointed with the city mileage so far though. I traded in my ES350 which I loved but I am a caregiver for my wife and I dont do much highway driving anymore. I got 32 highway on the ES but only 17 in town. Most of my trips are only 2 to 3 miles one way. This is producing about 38 mpg. I did take a couple of trips over 50 miles of country road driving which gave me 44 mpg. I only have 550 miles on it so far. Hope it gets better but not sure. Might it get better?

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  I didnt know I could love a car so much - 2005 Lexus IS 300
  By southernguy138 - September 6 - 8:55 pm

  I just bought this 2005 IS300 with 129k miles and is simply amazing. Drives like new, literally. Very quiet and the straight 6 engine is superb, its quick, and you cant even feel the transmission shift. By far, this car is the most fun Ive driven. I know these cars are good for over 300k miles with little maintenance. Everyone should have the opportunity to own one of these. Youll have a hard time sleeping knowing its in your driveway. I have had no regrets buying this car! GET ONE!

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  Sweet SUV - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By Super sweet SUV - September 6 - 8:13 pm

  It is the sweetest suv Ive owned. Drives like a dream - smooth and rattle free after 4 years. Had to replace the motor in the sunroof after I complained it didnt work right for 3 years. Because it is so high, a little "tippy" in high winds and sharp turns they could hack off a couple of inches and not miss it. Great sound system and like the navigation system. Took out the useless 3rd row seats, and never reinstalled. Bought in early 2004 before rear camera was out, could use it for visibilty. Overall, great and reliable. I love it!

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  Auto Love - 2001 Lexus ES 300
  By Dentist - September 6 - 2:00 am

  I wanted a true luxury car that wouldnt cost a fortune, was supremely reliable, and would hold its value. After 56,000 miles, Im still truly thrilled. My driving style is very aggressive - hard acceleration and hard cornering. Ive had no problems whatsoever, the car is still wonderfully smooth and dead quiet. Whether in rush-hour traffic or on 3,000 mile trips, Im always pampered and comfortable. Although a luxury sedan, it is still FUN to drive and well-mannered when pushed hard. I strongly disagree with those reviewers that claim this isnt a true luxury car.

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  Love my GX - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By GAReporter - September 6 - 2:00 am

  I bought this strictly for the SUV tax credit, and it is my first SUV, having driven Honda/Acura products for the past 25 years. Wanted something at least as reliable. Sorry VW (Toureg). Would recommend it to anyone. Quiet and smooth.

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  Smoother than Silk - 2009 Lexus ES 350
  By Jurasick - September 5 - 1:40 am

  The ride on this baby is super smooth. I went for the front-wheel drive and the fuel economy is a superb 29 on my daily commute. It is whisper quiet but can also pour on the power when needed. The navigation system is good but the GPS could use an update to provide better directions. Speakers are top notch as is the air conditioning.

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  Another great product from Lexus - 2008 Lexus RX 350
  By cruch&daisy - September 4 - 12:43 pm

  Let me preface by saying that my wife and I have owned several different cars (3 hondas, 1 nissan, 1 lexus, and 1 bmw). This is our first foray into the SUV market. Lexus again has produced another great product/car!! This car is the best value for the money. The one we purchased was silver titanium with black leather. Premium Plus package with navigation. Chrome 18 inch 5 spoke wheels, HID, AFS, and All wheel drive. The car we just got rid of was a piece of crap 2003 BMW 330i sedan. BMWs may have that "fun to drive" factor BUT mechanically and quality wise they cant compare to the Lexus. The build quality on this Lexus is superb. Fit and finish is top notch.

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  GS 300 AWD - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By first Lexus - September 4 - 9:53 am

  Had dealer add the 18" wheels with Dunlop run flat tires that makes the ride a little more stiff but far less sway that 17" stock. Excellent quiet ride with good visibility. First Lexus after extended trial and consideration of BMW 530, Infiniti M45, Audi A6 3.0 and Jaguar S V8. Best combination of the "good" things from the others such as AWD, acceptable power but not at loss of MPG or paying exorbitant price. Avoids the "bad" traits like goofy BMW iDrive, Infiniti noise, Audi initial acceleration hesitation and Jag smallish interior. Almost looking forward to Minnesota winters.