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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  1st Lexus - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By miracle - June 8 - 10:00 am

  I have previously owned an Audi, and an Infinity. This is my first Lexus and I am thrilled. The comfort and smooth ride of this car is excellent. Quiet is a main concern of mine and this car is like no other I have owned in that respect. I did notice the shifting hesitation when I was driving slower. I think this does need to be addressed.

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  The Best Car Ive driven! - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Sam Consiglio - June 8 - 10:00 am

  I like the quiet and comfortable ride. Also the power is there when I need it for highway driving.

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  RX330 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By WBEnterprise - June 8 - 10:00 am

  Relaibility is of the utmost. This vehicle has been the most reliable vehicle ever owned. Will never buy any other kind.

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  My 7month old Son Loves His New Car - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By New Mom - June 7 - 7:43 am

  I love this car. Like they say once you go Lexus you never go back. The reliability, comfort, and customer service cant be beat. Like I said my seven month old son loves his new car.

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  makes you feel like the most interesting man in the world - 2013 Lexus ES 350
  By rapman1 - June 6 - 10:38 pm

  After 20 years of my own business, and driving an 03 Accord, I deserve this, baby! And I am so smart, I didnt buy a similarly equipped Audi for $10K more! (no, I dont need to take corners at 40mph with my 7 year old, and have my own driving shoes!), I wanted a car that said he doesnt need to carry a briefcase, and this was it. Quiet as a coffin, smooth as my head, this car says luxury. All the high tech stuff I like. Only gripe is that is sort of plain from the side, but very cool from front or back.

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  Linda Loves her Lexus - 2005 Lexus SC 430
  By Linda - June 6 - 8:10 pm

  I love my Lexus. Its more fun then my corvette. I started driving a Lexus in 1994 and I get a new one every 3 years. This last year I got a SC 430 it is by far the most fun to drive. Besides my grandchildren think its a cool car.

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  Great Blend of Sport and Luxury - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By lou tomich - June 6 - 7:03 pm

  Using this car for business and pleasure is a delight. Most of the tests Ive read in the car magazines critisize it for not being Porsche- like in the sport handling context. On Americas highways this car has all the smoothness and agility you could ask for. The interior amenities are numerous and very useful. I could drive it forever.

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  Awesome Vehicle! - 2007 Lexus RX 400H
  By Rockville1 - June 6 - 1:43 pm

  I love everything about this car. And by the way, I’m 5’11” and there is plenty of leg and head room for both front & rear passengers. I have been very impressed with how quiet the vehicle is, how easy it is to drive (parking is a breeze!), and how quickly & smoothly the car accelerates! I have been averaging 29.5 since temps have risen above 60. In the winter, I was averaging 25.0. On the highway you will get your best mileage if you keep the car at 65 (or less). Mileage drops a bit once you start cruising at 70 or above. Note that this car is designed for optimal performance and not optimal fuel economy. Dont buy if your main goal is to save money on gas.

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  Super - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By danpetrescu - June 6 - 10:00 am

  Excellent drive. Very quiet, powerful, luxurious. Ultra luxury packge is great.

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  the bomb!! the best car!!! - 2003 Lexus RX 300
  By kevin2002lexus - June 6 - 10:00 am

  this is the best car!!!