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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  The velvet beast - 2008 Lexus LX 570
  By WJB - March 30 - 2:00 am

  I traded my land cruiser which I love for the lx570. This vehicle has everything the lc had plus more! The ability to adjust the suspensions firmness and the auto height adjustment helps my wife, mom and kids get in/out is what sets this vehicle apart. When driving it immediately feels like a solid highly engineered and reliable machine. I see why a lot of people never sell these vehicle once they own them.

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  Couldnt be happier - 2001 Lexus IS 300
  By Branden - March 29 - 12:43 pm

  This car was actually my first and I couldnt have asked for a better car. I absolutely love driving it and enjoy every aspect of the car itself. Really is a true sport sedan that allows for good functionality.

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  very pleased - 2007 Lexus RX 350
  By Bill - March 28 - 2:56 pm

  I have owned this car since it was new and still enjoy driving it as well as when it was new

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  Great fun and sporty car! - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By calis300 - March 26 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. It handles very well, looks very very nice, and is a hit with the ladies. I really like the interior as well. The only thing that sucks is the gas mileage...but what can you do.

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  Classy Ride - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By sharr - March 26 - 2:00 am

  It was hard to trade in my 2000 RX300. But the weird steering system of that model made me finally decide to do it. I love my new RX330. Yes, the sound system isnt as great as the RX300, but its not bad either. I do think the plastic silver surround gives it a "boombox" look and would have prefer something a bit different. Overall, I love my new RX330. It is luxurious. My clients love it when I pick them up. I love the dark grey color with the black leather interior that I purchased. The navigation system is a true lifesaver for me dealing with Metro DC traffic and locations. I really use my car and put a lot of miles a year on it.

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  Five Months Waiting - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Walter Goldcord - March 26 - 2:00 am

  Since delivery date, 9/9/03 theres been an audible buzz and noticable vibration at approximately 2000 rpm. The dealer acknowledged the problem and reported that the factory has engineers working on it as its nota problem isolated only to my RX. I was called in December to bring the car in for a factory "fix", which didnt solve the problem. The service tech rode with me and had a scope (?) plugged in under the dash which produces a report on engine functions. I was told the engineers would continue to try to solve it and as soon as they did I hear from them (the Dealer).

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  Likeable but not Loveable - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By MJL - March 25 - 4:53 pm

  Ive had my ES 330 for a bit over 2 months. Traded in a 2002 Acura TL. While the Lexus has a more upscale interior (i.e. wood trim steering wheel) the handling is not nearly as nimble as the TL, nor is it as quick as the TL (notwithstanding that both cars have the same HP rating). I also find that the double-wishbone suspension of the TL makes for a slightly more comfortable highway ride that the rack & pinion ES. All in all a nice car, comfortable and competitively priced with the likes of Acura TL, Infiniti G35 and Cadillac CTS. That said, I find it a likeable car, but not a car that can be characterized as a "drivers car". Only averaging 23 mpg combined city/hwy using reqd premium.

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  TERRIFIC CAR TO DRIVE! - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By TAD BALINGER - March 25 - 10:00 am

  NICEST 4x4 TO LOOK AT, MOST FUN TO DRIVE! WHEN YOU ADD LEXUS RELIABILITY (THIS ONE IS MY SECOND WITH NO PROBLEMS TO REPORT) AND THE VALUE THAT THIS CAR RETAINS, WHEN YOU WANT TO SELL IT, YOU HAVE AN INSTANT WINNER!

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  Very Happy with my Lexus - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By Wally - March 25 - 6:46 am

  The Lexus ES-300 is a superb vehicle. Ive never had a single problem with the car...no nits; no anything!

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  MARK LEVINSON IS WORST EVER! - 2013 Lexus ES 300h
  By mnissan - March 25 - 5:19 am

  I know this maybe hard to believe but the Lexus USA customer service is the WORST. I had to do all the follow up! The car itself is fine but the optional Mark Levinson sound system is horrible. Do NOT purchase this option!!! Please understand I have been very reasonalble with the cusotmer care reps and they dont even care. This will be the last Lexus I purchase if something is not done about the sound system.