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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  Love my SC 430 - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By Lank - July 6 - 2:00 am

  Nothing but good things to say. I would buy another one.

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  i love it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 1998 Lexus GS 300
  By i love it !!!!!!!!!! - July 5 - 11:33 am

  When I bought this car it had 80000 miles I didnt do anything to the car until it reached 100000 miles nothing major and had to change the starter at about 105000 miles now at 110000 miles no problems so far an I hope it stays that way. Overall the car is great compare to what’s out there dont think twice and buy it...........

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  Joy to Ride - 2006 Lexus RX 330
  By Howard - July 4 - 9:10 pm

  The idea of being able to slide into a car seat without bending is great on an older body. This car drives smooth both in the city and on the highway. Pick up speed when needed is there. Comfort while driving is a plus. The car is reliable - knowing that your vehicle will not break down at any time is a relief. Lexus dealerships are among the best anywhere, both for service and help. I really love my car. My friends who drive with me all compliment the features of this car.

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  Will buy another one - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By sherry - July 2 - 9:00 pm

  I love my Lexus and cannot think of owning any other vehicle. Toyota has a convert.

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  What a Car - 2003 Lexus GS 300
  By ZNRED - July 1 - 10:00 am

  Now have close to 5,000 miles on our GS300, have taken a trip or two and enjoy driving it more each day. The Mark Levinson sound system is tremendous as is the Nav system. The car averages between 28-29 MPG on the road at 70-75 MPH. The dealership experience was great, unlike BMW dealers who seem to think they rank a step or two above the consumer!

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  my review - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By thisflyguy - July 1 - 10:00 am

  grows on you after you drive it!

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  Better than my 99 rx300 - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By harvey brown - June 29 - 2:33 pm

  A pleasure to drive. Very comfortable and has a very heavy comfortable drive. Great on long trips. Easy to manuver. Love it.

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  Love This Vehicle, Glad I Got One! - 2008 Lexus GX 470
  By The Dre - June 29 - 11:13 am

  Traded my 2001 4Runner for a 2008 Lexus GX. What a great upgrade from the Toyota model to their luxury brand. This vehicle rides amazingly smooth. It is a little thirsty on the tank, but hope this improves over time. The seats are extremely comfortable and all the features in it are just wonderful to use. We love the looks we get riding around town in this. You see why Lexus is at the top of their game.

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  Small touches - 2017 Lexus RX 350
  By Robert pinto - June 29 - 10:06 am

  Missing drivers cup holder. Storage under center console. Could use passenger dash tray. No audible lane change alarm. No engine shut off at stop. Bad phone compartment, strange.should be no charge for phone app.

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  This thing is a BEAST! - 2008 Lexus IS F
  By KT - June 28 - 6:46 pm

  Ive driven a lot of sports cars and this is among the most fun. I tried the M3/5 and the AMG and just preferred the way the IS-F is tuned. It is a lot more like a muscle car than the Ms and I guess Im just not a Mercedes guy. Plus, with Lexus, I dont have to worry about all the reliability issues of the Germans. Love the grunt, the automatic is buttery smooth and the manual mode is actually decent (from a diehard straight drive fan). Dont understand people whining about the ride. This is a SPORTS car, and its actually not even that bad for a sports car. Plus I can get 25-27 easily on the highway, 28 if I try hard. Overall an awesome car. Would like ventilated seats, but small gripe.