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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  A lot to like - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By Bill - December 16 - 7:40 am

  Having owned Mercedes Benz, BMW, Acura, and Cadillac, the Lexus is without a doubt the most smooth riding and quiet vehicle of all. Performance is excellent although handling is not quite on par with BMW. The emphasis is on comfort and luxury with the Lexus and they hit the mark with near perfection. The only gripes have to do with the blue tooth phone which is less user friendly to use than my wifes Acura and with fewer voice commands. The navigation system also prevents making changes or inquiries once underway - their lawyers must have the last word in product design. Overall, Lexus is truly an outstanding vehicle and offers excellent valu as well.

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  WOW - 2004 Lexus GS 300
  By Philips - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Just a beautifully designed vehicle. Sales experience was excellent, not pushy. Service is unbelievable. For a bigger car handles very well. Features are well thought out and very intuitive Lots of space for passengers and great sound system. Highly recommend this car

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  Super Sedan! - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By jordicheng - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Absolutely no complaints about this car. It is always fun to sit behind the steering wheel.

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  My 2005 Lexus ES330 - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Robert Lemberes - December 14 - 10:36 pm

  Drivability, interior comfort are the best. I absolutely love my Lexus. The idle is so smooth and quiet I have to look at the tachometer to make sure it is running.

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  Review 2002 Lexus ES-300 - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By Renouard Sanders - December 14 - 7:03 am

  A true luxury car for less than a luxury price. Lots of options that are truly useful. Safety features galore. Fun, fun, fun to drive and handles flawlessly. An excellent sound system and climate control. Unbeatable at the current price. Interior very tastefully designed.

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  Outstanding vehicle - 2007 Lexus RX 350
  By Tim - December 14 - 3:53 am

  A very comfortable ride with plenty of back seat room. I also own a Lexus sedan. My next vehicle will be a Lexus also.

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  Review of RX 350 AWD - 2009 Lexus RX 350
  By Paul Williamson - December 14 - 1:13 am

  Purchased the Lexus a two months ago and to date we have enjoyed the vehicle. Have owned MBs and Volvos for years and decided to try a Lexus. Doesnt handle as well as European vehicles. It appears to be solid and I suspect will be more reliable than the European SUVs in the long run. With only 4,000 miles on the vehicle we are averaging around 19 MPG city and 24 MPG hwy which, I think, is excellent for such a heavy vehicle. Exhibits excessive body roll in curves and to much wind noise with sun roof in tilt position. Navigation system is not as intuitive as my Garmin. Excellent sound system. Seats are form fitting but not up to par with Volvo seats. Excellent cruising vehicle.

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  Its a blessing - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Vasche - December 13 - 11:36 pm

  This is my first brand new car, and to drive it is so much fun, its very comfy and looks good too. The only problem I have with the car is that there are too many of them around now. Copycats! Also, I use to drive like a racer before, but this car definitely calms you down and encourages you to enjoy the ride. Absolutely love it.

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  Impressive - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By JayC - December 13 - 8:16 pm

  Having test driven an IS300,I can attest to the high-quality and sporty appeal of this car.The engine being equipped with a 3.0-liter inline six put a smile to my face when I mashed on the gas.The chassis was remarkable delivering stability and control.The interior makes this a great road car without losing the sporty look and feel.Quijote–The reason your friend smoked the IS300 with a BMW325 is because the person driving the IS300 cant drive!The 325 has 189 hp while the IS300 has 215 hp.

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  Love this Hybrid - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Joyce - December 13 - 7:16 pm

  This is my first Lexus. I have had a Caddy DeVille, Acura, and Honda Accord in a previous life. This SUV seating is so comfortable and the navigation system is a joy. Its fun to drive and handles very well. My husband loves the 400H also. We are getting over 25 mph combined fuel and hybrid and we just got the car earlier this month. We expect improved mileage as we break her in.