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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  Greatest - 2002 Lexus LS 430
  By Admiral - September 4 - 3:16 am

  After almost three years I have never had a problem. Routine maintenance has been the only requirement.

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  Serenity Now - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By Go Orange - September 3 - 7:53 pm

  I find the RX to be supremely comfortable, with soft buttery leather seats. The interior oozes high quality. The engine has good power. The drive is smooth and oh so quiet and relaxing. While not "fun to drive" like a BMW, it is certainly extremely pleasant to drive. Weve had it for less than 2 weeks, but my family is very happy with it so far and we look forward to feeling that way for 3 years to come.

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  Sweet and Smooth ES - 2011 Lexus ES 350
  By dmac27 - September 2 - 2:56 pm

  Purchase one of the last new 2011 ES 350s before Christmas so have had it about 2 months. I do a lot of out of town driving so have 5000 miles on the car already. On the highway it is quiet and smooth. Around town it is responsive if you have to move quick. Interior fit and finish is outstanding. No complaints whatsoever. Previously owned a 2004 ES 330 and the new one has more back seat room.

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  Awesome - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By Scott - September 1 - 10:56 am

  The GX 470 is a great balance of luxury and performance. I feel like I am still in a truck capable of going off-roading in difficult conditions yet still feel like I am in a smooth riding high end sedan. Great vehicle overall!

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  Love my 400h - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By love2scuba - September 1 - 10:30 am

  I have about 6,700 miles on my 400h and have loved driving almost every one of them. Its great to be a vehicle that can both "get up and go" and achieve good mileage. I have averaged 26.5 MPG on mainly highway driving.

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  PLEASANT TO DRIVE - 2004 Lexus LX 470
  By MBG - September 1 - 10:00 am

  THIS SUV IS VERY VERY QUIET AND MUCH LESS STRESSFULL THAN MY PREVIOUS BMW X5 I LOVE IT I HOPE TO ENJOY THAT EXTRA SIZE THE STERRING IS SUPERB

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  Great value and pure luxury - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By qtdriver - September 1 - 10:00 am

  Ive driven over 6,000 miles on my RX330 and its been such a great pleasure. The handling could be better compared to small sedans but other than that this SUV has a luxurious interior and is such a fun AND comfortable ride. Ive had no problems with this car and I get complimented on it all the time.

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  My new 2013 RX350 - 2013 Lexus RX 350
  By frairela - September 1 - 4:01 am

  2013 Lexus RX350: -Inconvenient driver storage areas: The only convenient area is the door pocket (which conveniently expands). -The shelf “under” the center console is very difficult to access. -the Lexus Remote Touch System is impressive but not efficient to use. -GPS system - salesman said the database can be updated. He didn’t say it’ll cost $169. -My biggest disappointment - CD player! Window Sticker- listed under “Standard Equipment”, “6-disc CD Changer”. On right, under accessories: single CD/DVD player (deceiving) Since it was listed under “Standard Equipment”, I thought I was paying for a 6-disc CD Changer! I didn’t catch this “sleight of hand” switch.

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  Rolling jewelry - 2011 Lexus CT 200H
  By phomat - August 31 - 3:32 pm

  Much has already been said about this cars positives: great gas mileage, great handling, Lexus interior, beautifully sculpted exterior, adequate power. The unleather seats are very comfortable (better than our ES 330). Good road car, and fun to drive. Only complaint is the "environmentally friendly" speakers, which are the worst Ive heard in any new car for many years. Sound like and likely are single cone. Ill be replacing them soon with real speakers.

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  Lexus LS 430 - 2001 Lexus LS 430
  By Jarrard - August 30 - 10:00 am

  Excellent road car. Handles exceptional for its size. Great acceleration. Im not happy with the braking, however, this may be a problem with my particular car. 27 MPG on the highway is great.