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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  Lexus - 2007 Lexus LS 460
  By jd - April 25 - 3:23 am

  I have had the 460 for about two weeks, and I wish I had more time to drive the car. Currently 721 miles. Great performance, exceptional sound system w/XM, and a very easy to use and intuitive navi system make this a luxurious and athletic performance sedan. The final straw for me at 64" with two boys at 63" plus was comfort and space for all!

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  Love My Lexus - 2008 Lexus GX 470
  By Renee999 - April 24 - 2:26 pm

  This is my first Lexus and I love it. I traded in my BMW 530 because I now have 5 grandchildren and I needed more room. I looked at the Volvo X90 and the 3rd row seat was not very accessible, Sequoia and Tahoe are too big. This LX 470 is just right. The third row seats are very easy to fold up and down. The ride is very smooth and luxurious. The bluetooth and navigation system are easy to use. I am very happy I bought this car.

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  One of the Best RWD Car you can get - 2005 Lexus IS 300
  By Testing123 - April 23 - 3:43 pm

  The styling of the car is very agressive and sporty. For a 3255lbs vehicle the car perform very well. The engine was build for import tune spec and respond very well to performance modification. I wish Lexus would have use a more agressive cam from supra engine to move the stock rear wheel horse power up to 188whp. My IS300 AKA Altezza has gone through couple of performace Mod, like a stage1 turbo kit from inovative turbo and fujitsubo high flow exhaust, which boost the WHP to 323whp. The stock clucth will take this mod without any problem. This is one of the best vehicle ever build and it will surely out performed a BMW series 3 with a small modification to the intake and exhaust system.

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  My DreamCar - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By jutz - April 23 - 10:00 am

  The moment I had myself holding the steering wheel and drove it on the highway for a test drive, I knew on that moment that RX330 is the car I dreamed to have. My very first luxury car..and really very very proud to own it. One regret I have, is not taking the ultimate optional package. I settled for Premium Plus Package. Overall, it is still the BEST CAR!!!

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  Fabulous ride - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By Tony - April 23 - 5:06 am

  Ive been driving a Mercedes ML350 which Ive loved and have honestly always disliked the soft look of the Lexus RX. Always considered it an SUV for soccer moms. However, after test driving the 2010 RX350 I was so impressed with the acceleration, smoothness and overall quietness and quality, I went back to Mercedes to test drive the 2009 ML350 and it drove like a truck in comparison. I am now a very happy owner of the 2010 RX350. Yes, it still lacks visual muscle in terms of exterior design with Lexus obviously not wanting to scare off the soccer mom fan base. The dash is somewhat confusing and not the prettiest but the mouse navigation is terrific and the ride is just plain fabulous.

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  2006 lexus gs300 - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By chuck otto - April 23 - 4:50 am

  Smooth ride, good handling, fun to drive. All of the features are functional and easy to use. Many positive comments from others about the styling and color.

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  Lexus 470 2005 - 2005 Lexus LX 470
  By brddog-pheasant - April 23 - 1:26 am

  This is my 8th SUV over $50,000 and my 1st Lexus. It is so much nicer than any of other vehicle I have driven in this class. I actually look forward to being in this vehicle.

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  Better than any malibu - 1999 Lexus ES 300
  By jdm699 - April 21 - 4:27 am

  After my head gasket blew on my malibu, and I was broke as a joke I had to buy a reilable to and from work car. With $600.00 I was super suprized I found this Lexus. It is decently fast at the drag strip runs in the low 12s. Better build quality then any Ford, Mercury, Chevy, GMC or Honda! Thinking about giving this car to my sun but it is to fast. I believe it will keep up with any Turbo Honda on the road.

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  Love this car - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By drbalboa - April 17 - 2:00 am

  I sold my 99 RX300 thinking that a BMW X5 was the perfect car. While the performance was outstanding, it made me drive too fast. I missed the RX quiet, creature comforts, 12 CD changer and quality (tho I never had a problem with the X5 in the year I had it I bought a 2001 RX with a Navigation system (which I love and use), heated seats, & Xenons, I added X5 Michelins and chrome mags. Now it handles nearly as good as the BMW X5 did. And Instead of 16mpg I am getting 21 (on regular gas). In short, I love this car, and it was alot cheaper.

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  True Luxury, Great Road Car - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By WilliamR - April 15 - 3:23 pm

  Everything one would expect from Lexus: the cabin is quiet and surrounds one in understated by unmistakable luxury. Very quick at all speeds and excellent braking. Cornering is OK, but this is not a "drivers" car. It is, however, outstanding on the freeway and on long trips and comfortable and capable if not exciting around town. GREAT highway passing ability. My actual highway mileage is 25+ mpg -- and I dont drive 55. In town, expect 15-17 depending on mix and how heavy ones foot is. The Mark Levinson sound system is magnificent. Back seat comfort is arguably better than the front seat. The shifter is extremely nice and can enhance driving experience and reduce brake wear.