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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  Truly Exceptional - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By apar72 - December 27 - 11:23 pm

  Having owned a 5 series, (2) 3 series convertibles, and an 2003 Lexus Es300, I felt compelled to write about the 2007 Lexus ES 350. On to the good stuff, the 350 engine has all the power you need, much better than the lackluster performance of the es300. it does have significant body roll and a slight delay in throttle response (drive by wire). Than again its a lexus not a corvette. The fit and finish quality is outstanding, the ride is very soft, no rattles, drives like a smaller version of the LS 430. Extremely quite interior and well appointed at that. If you like a real "luxury" car than there is no better. This is not a Camry and anyone who says it drives like one does not have a clue.

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  Lexus needs help in some areas - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By don skaggs - December 27 - 9:13 pm

  The remote start on the 2010 RX is a nuisance as when it is remote stated and the door is opened to drive, the engine dies. It should be like the domestic remote start. When the door is opened the engine does not die on the domestics. Also, this vehicle should have dual exhaust to make it more sportier.

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  Just a bit better than outstanding!! - 2007 Lexus LS 460
  By J C Falter - December 26 - 12:03 am

  I have never driven a nicer car in my life time. It is so perfect, I dont know how they can keep up with the production of such a fine automobile. Everything about the car is quality. I dont know what they could do to make it any better, that is why I say that it is a little bit better than outstanding.

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  Best value for the money - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By nonlinear - December 25 - 3:10 am

  Exceptionally quiet and refined ride, way above in ride quality compared to cometing vehicles. Excellent interior, with great fit and finish, and high quality materials, including genuine wood. Handles well in the snow. Nice Mark Levinson sound system (if you get the Nav package). Legendary reliability and dealership experience.

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  review - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By brewsterfl - December 24 - 10:00 am

  best car out there

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  Lexus LS430 - Good Car-Bad Tires - 2001 Lexus LS 430
  By CBP - December 24 - 10:00 am

  I am leasing this car for my wife who loves it. The car is very luxurious and drives better than a full sized Mercedes. The only problem with the car is the tires. They are completely worn out at 16,000 miles of city driving. We had another Lexus car which had the same problem - premature tire wear.

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  Love my car - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Jolie Fleming - December 23 - 9:53 pm

  Overall, I really enjoy the car. It offers luxury, durability and flexibility for both a family as well as a night out on the time. I can not say enough good things about Lexus in general-- and our dealership is top notch!

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  More or Lexus! Awesome! - 2005 Lexus SC 430
  By MJK - December 23 - 5:16 am

  The SC 430 drives MUCH quieter than any other sports car I tested on the road, yet it is still fun to drive. It surprised me how comfortable this car was; I didnt expect it at all! I like a car to envelop me, and this one certainly fits the bill. The sound system is phenomenal, the navigation system easy to use. The hard-top convertible opens and closes with a simple push of a button! Nothing to latch or forget about unlatching, etc. Rear seats might as well be non- existent; I suppose they are there for insurance purposes. Not a big deal if you are the only one driving this car. Its great for two people, and maybe someone you hate in the back :)

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  My 99 RX 300 Performance - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By chev769 - December 22 - 11:20 am

  No major problems. 90,000 miles. Change oil EVERY 3,500 miles. Minor problems: one seat belt, mass air flow sensor, rear trunk latch (asked for fix from day one; it broke after 8 years); am radio poor. Biggest repair has been starter contacts. My wife would never have driven any other car nine years (and counting). Perfect for her, and for two old folks with children gone. I am trying to hold off till 2010 for the next one I MUST buy for my wife.

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  Overall, best bang for the buck! - 2001 Lexus IS 300
  By HIGHAUDIO - December 21 - 10:00 am

  This is my third lexus; had an ES300 then went to the GS400 -- AWESOME!!, and now stepped down to the IS300 because I wanted a stiffer, smaller car. Its been EXCELLENT and with its track record, id recommend nothing else in the price range (except for an older GS -- i love them.)