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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  2003 Lexus ES 300 - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Sunny - December 4 - 11:40 pm

  I have 160k on my 2003. I bought this because I was tired of my Xterras hard suspension. So I wanted a reliable and comfortable car. I thought the reliability would be bullet proof. Ok so it is reliable. Except at about 90k my battery died. So I immediately bought a new one on the same day. Next day battery died again. So I did recharge and never had prob again. I also had to replace the A/C at 90k. Other than that, the rear right window wont go down. So I guess you may say that Ive been fortunate.

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  This is a great vehicle! - 2006 Lexus LX 470
  By Patricia Sacks - December 4 - 1:20 pm

  Ive had my LX 470 since late March, 2007 and have driven SUVs exclusively for the last 10 years. While Ive never paid close to what the LX 470 cost me, I must say it is worth it! A great ride. Excellent sound system. Incredible on road trips, but runs through $70 of gas more quickly than Id like.

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  improvement of the perfect car with awd - 2013 Lexus ES 350
  By mitchellrowe - December 2 - 9:59 am

  how does the factory improve the best? 1- they made it 4" longer : smooth quiter ride , more legroom in the back 2 - kept the same price as the 2012 and 2011 when new 3- same engine and tranny thats quite perfect 4- added lane assist as option ------------ - -NEGATIVES " NO SPARE TIRE ( a donut) ------luxury package worth the $ -------- MY DEALER , LEXUS of CHERRY HILL (nj) , AS ALWAYS , DELIVERED THE CAR PERFECTLY. BEST SALES MGR. IN THE BIZ : MICHAEL C... ***** ( 5 STAR GUY )

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  Love it! - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By geno - December 1 - 10:00 am

  We use our vehcle both for extensive highway as well as dirt road driving. With the number of options avaiable for ride, vehicle height and severe driving condition contingencies, this SUV has it all. Its ruggedness and durability, coupled with incredible interior accoutrements make for the perfect "country gentlepersons" all- purpose vehicle.

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  Lexus GX470 - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By KCS - December 1 - 10:00 am

  Beautiful car, easy and comfortable to drive. Should have put in the back up camera and given additional color selections. I am sold on Lexus and if I traded it in, it would only to get anything new they add to the newer models. It is a beautiful vehicle.

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  Perfect driving machine - 2003 Lexus RX 300
  By str9 - December 1 - 10:00 am

  Its a fun SUV that drives like a car. You cant beat this luxury car.

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  RX 300 - 2003 Lexus RX 300
  By dlsjetta - December 1 - 10:00 am

  Good suv, but would of rather of had the 04 330 model. The 04 has more of what I want. WE averaged 15.8 in the city and 16.0 on the highway in gas milage. I could get the same gas milage with a V8 and more power too!!! When the sunroof is open you get a bad wind like nose with the wind defector down and/or if one of the windows opened. It buggs!!! Service is way to exspenseve, but you atleast get a free rental car. You should for the price they charge! Other than that it is a good suv. I would recomend it to anyone. Every car, truck and suv has its downs sides! As my dad would say " It is a 100 times better than an American SUV"!!!

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  1grt SUV - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By lexpro - December 1 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I have really enjoyed or RX. The vehicle runs really smooth, very comfortable, very car like. The traction of the AWD is excellent as well. We used it in the snow last winter without a problem. We are moving up to the larger Lexus...

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  My 3rd RX...THIS IS CLEARLY THE BEST!!! - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By mjkravitzlaw - December 1 - 10:00 am

  The 330 is longer, higher, faster, wider, more fuel efficient, and very luxurious.The Levinson sound is an immense improvement on the old sound system. Storage area is larger too.

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  Improves upon the Rx 300 in Every Way - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By No_Motiv - December 1 - 10:00 am

  Everything about this car is better than the old RX 300, which I considered a great car. I have the Mark Levinson package installed in mine and the luxury features are outstanding. The dashboard itself is beautiful. Everything about the car is fun to look it. The car itself rides much quieter than the Rx 300. There have been many reviews complaining about engine noisehowever i find that car runs virtualy silently, the only engine noise you hear is when you approach 4000+ RPMS, and even then its only a hum. This is the most luxurious SUV i have ever ridden in.