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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  Outstanding Automobile! - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By dwmiller25 - June 14 - 12:41 pm

  Purchased this vehicle a month ago with 53k miles and after 3k miles and a month of driving I can say that this car is absolutely amazing. Just completed a road trip to Atlanta and averaged 27.3mpg!! Not bad for a 4,000 pound car. The fit and finish in this car is truly outstanding with no rattles or blemishes of any kind. The Mark Levinson stereo is one of the best I have heard. Althoug this car is a heavy vehicle it still has plenty of power when needed and handles very well on the road. The car has the feel of a well built automobile. This car reminds me of a better version of a 93 Mercedes 300E I owned. (The new benzs dont hold a candle to either of these cars in terms of quality.)

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  My classy convertible - 2007 Lexus SC 430
  By bunnie - June 13 - 2:06 pm

  I really love my Lexus sc 430, it handles beautifully and I enjoy driving it. I have no problems with it at all. I purchased the car new and have replaced the tires at 25,000 miles which is to be expected. I hope they do not change the style, it is just a great looking vehicle.

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  Very nice car - 2005 Lexus SC 430
  By alexj123 - June 12 - 9:10 pm

  This car is as fun to drive as it is attractive. I love this car as it appeals to the right side of my brain. It is seductive, with nice lines and curves, and beauty to abound.

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  First new car in 12 years and I love it! - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Dianne - June 12 - 10:40 am

  I knew I wanted an upscale car with lots of luxury and comfort, I drove several in this class but this was the one - I knew as soon as I sat in it. The seats are luxurious, it is quiet, it accelerates well - in short, its great.

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  Retired teachers dream car - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By icirttu - June 12 - 2:00 am

  As a retired teacher, parkability, fuel economy, safety, reliability, capacity and comfort are important. The zippy performance and quick brakes get me out of tight spots. I can park it anywhere; the steering is responsive, and I can park in any compact space. Ive had the car for three months and Im still on my second tank of gas. I recently moved a couple of large boxes which fit in the SportCross just as easily as in my daughters RX300. Interior trim is great,lots of fitted extras. A great buy for anyone who wants a manageable, economical, safe vehicle with more than a bit of style.

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  What Can You Say? Its a Lexus - 2000 Lexus ES 300
  By 01dyna - June 12 - 2:00 am

  There are few cars in ones lifetime that one buys that you look back and say to yourself "Why didnt I do this sooner?". The ES300 is one of those cars. Unlike cars weve owned in the past, we enjoy the car *more* the longer we own it. The legendary quality of a Toyota is kicked up a notch with the Lexus. Dont be fooled, this is NOT a rebadged Camry. Having driven/owned both, the only things they share is the same parent company. "The Relentless Pursuit of Perfection". Well, I think Lexus is getting pretty darn close to the finish line."

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  First Lexus, Best SUV - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By Urbancowgrl - June 12 - 2:00 am

  I just leased this Lexus and plan on purchasing this vehicle. This is my 5th SUV and my first Lexus. This is, by far, the best one I have had yet. The comfort, size and features are perfect. As with other SUVs the fuel economy is to be desired. Overall, I love this car and it crosses the sporty and luxery style. It is sweeeeettttt!!!!

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  Lexus RX x 2 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By chiatjh - June 12 - 2:00 am

  This is the second RX (mines is the hand me down)The new RX330 is a sexy beast. Plenty of leg room head room and Vroom. Previously, we were Ford owners but this car is a real head turner.

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  everything is perfect!! - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By wildboyzz - June 8 - 10:00 am

  AMAZING, NOTHING WILL EVER BE BETTER, THE MOST AMAZING CAR I HAVE EVER DRIVIN, I WILL NEVER OWN ANOTHER CAR, BENZ AND BMW ARE OVERRATED, AND DONT COMPARE, CANT EVEN HOLD A CANDLE TO THE LEXUS LS 430

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  I Love Lexus - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By eny2 - June 8 - 10:00 am

  I love driving this vehicle. It feels heavy and safe and has fantastic pick up for passing. The only negative is the navigation system is a bit confusing and can only be reset when the vehicle is stopped.