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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  Fabulous - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By marlog1 - June 5 - 7:43 pm

  Great ride. Highy recommend it. Gas mileage is better than I expected. Very comfortable.

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  Absolutely adore my car - 2007 Lexus RX 350
  By em - June 3 - 8:50 am

  I absolutely adore this car. If feeling like royalty is what you want, then this car is it. It may not have the horsepower that other SUVs have, but Lexus is known not for power, but great interior and reliability. Ive only had this car for 2 months, and Im so happy! The nav is a little complicated, but very helpful. The voice recognition doesnt work very well, but I dont know of any cars with good voice recognition. I wouldnt suggest using the bluetooth with your cell phone; it is not very clear and I find myself hunched over and screaming at the steering wheel to be heard.

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  2008 Lexus RX 350 - 2008 Lexus RX 350
  By vonyani - June 3 - 12:46 am

  This unit runs like a dream. Everything not only works, things work well. The rain sensing wipers were set to auto when new, and I havent touched them since - they come on when needed, and go off when not. The AC was set to auto, 72 degrees, and I havent touched it since. The unit has understated elegance, very subtle. I couldnt be more satisfied.

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  Best Re-design EVER - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By M MCCOY - June 2 - 11:26 am

  We traded in a 2007 RX350 that was the third RX we owned. We have been very happy with the vehicles and the service. The new RX is a huge improvement. It rides much quieter and smoother. The features are easy to use, and the quality is top notch. If you want the best at a great price Lexus is the car for you.

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  LOVE IT! - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By Amar - June 2 - 10:00 am

  Unlike many drivers, I am a 23-year-old single male, but like everyone else I love it! The thing is like a portable amusement park. Also, I live in Georgetown and love getting eyed by all the hot girls-- their eyes light up. Though its not as good as my baby bulldog, the attention is incredible. But the best moments are when you are all alone, driving fast on the highway.

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  My SC - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By Cu - June 2 - 10:00 am

  I have owned 2 SCs. I have loved them both. The new, retractable hard top gives me the best of both worlds. There is little road noise with the top up. The stereo is high quality. The car is the ultimate if you want a convertable. I didnt look for a car with big back seats and a huge trunk. It fits me perfectly, as all the instruments are within reach. Wow. What a ride! Everyone who drives it, loves it!

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  gx 470 - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By N777KG - June 2 - 10:00 am

  feels solid and handles great. this is my 11th. suv as of 1973 and it is the best. I only wish the front passanger seat had better adjustments and also the cup holders were in better locations.

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  The Almost PERFECT CAR - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Edmond V. - June 2 - 10:00 am

  Great size Fun to drive

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  Great, reliable car. - 1999 Lexus ES 300
  By JB So Org Cty - June 1 - 7:30 am

  This is a great car with a nice ride. And the power is surprising for a V6. Very reliable and the highway mileage is great. In town mileage is good for a sedan. It has a smooth ride and is quiet running with just a little wind noise from the window at times. Large trunk space. Leather seats are nice and durable.

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  AS GOOD AS IT GETS - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By d.river - May 30 - 2:00 am

  Previously owned both MB E and S class. Lexus is a "no-brainer" choice for equivalent style, safety and performance to the S class with a five digit price advantage. Unequivocally recommend this vehicle