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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  worth the added money to get the lexus - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By newlexusowner - March 19 - 2:00 am

  When looking for a mid size SUV - we originally thought we were going to purchase the MDX - but all of that changed when we test drove the RX330. Although the MDX and Toureg are with out a doubt more capable off road than the AWD Lexus, I decided that I would be spending nearly 100% of my time in a concrete jungle, not the rain forest. We decided the ride of the Lexus gave us the best of both worlds - seating height and a smooth car like ride. Another factor was the price - right in line with the VW. I like VWs but in my mind could not justiy the cost for a VW in terms of the quality rep of the Lexus vs the VW.

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  Love to Drive this car - 2007 Lexus RX 350
  By Joanne - March 18 - 11:26 am

  I really enjoy driving my car, it fits my body. Not too big and overwhelming. It feels luxurious. I would recommend it to everyone.

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  Nav Voice Needs Help. - 2006 Lexus LS 430
  By Leo LoFrisco - March 17 - 7:13 pm

  My 2006 Lexus LS 430 is my fourth Lexus and tenth Toyota car. I have nothing but praise for the 2006 Lexus with one exception. The voice activation portion of the navigation system is not up to Lexus standards. Most of the commands are not understood which becomes frustrating when you want to enter a command. Some commands are fully understood, but most of the commands Lexus publishes are not understood. It surprises me that Lexus would put a less than perfect product on the market. Other than that, the car is a dream.

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  Smart Choice - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By Lexus guy - March 15 - 5:00 pm

  Downsized from an LS 430 and love both cars. Seats just as comfortable with just the right height and strong seat heaters. Good stereo/CD. Mileage ranges from 17-18 running errands to 23-24 on the flat highway. Great car for realtor/inspector and practical for bad weather, bad roads. Keep oil/trans fluids changed though. I switched to K&N filter and 0/30 Mobil-One oil and get 1-3 better MPG. Mine has 161,000 and looks/runs like new.

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  IIt capped off the 4 Runner - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By SilverGX - March 13 - 3:16 pm

  Have a 05 4 Runner Ltd. The GX takes that platform and tops it off. They may have the same meat but you can certainly tell the difference and to me worth the price. If a Bells and whistle person you got to give the vehicle a look. soft leather, power steering wheel, 14 speaker Audio, better overall interior. Nav system thought it was high well once have one they are neat. Nice wood accents.

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  the car for people who want their car to work - 2016 Lexus RX 350
  By Clifford Hersh - March 13 - 7:30 am

  I tested many crossovers. Lexus has the most comfortable seats, quietest ride. Dont get sports wheels; its not a sports car. Ride better without them. Get the seats that dont get hot in the sun; best invention ever (except antibiotics and vaccines). Get third party car play and skip any built in software. Google and Apple are better. According to my research, it is the car least likely to be in the shop during your lease.

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  Lexus Fan for Life - 2005 Lexus IS 300
  By hmntafiel - March 12 - 2:23 pm

  Not only does it have an attractive body style, but it is lots of fun to drive! The handling is GREAT around those curves--smooth and very responsive. I traded in a Celica for this baby and am not sorry I did. The interior is stylish and comfortable, with a sporty-feel, and attractive instrument panel/gauges. The E-shift option comes in handy when you want to have a little more control over the gears. Gas mileage is also pretty good. Lexus has once again produced another excellent quality car. I love this car. Lexus has definitely won me over as a customer for life!

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  Drive it, youll love it - 1998 Lexus ES 300
  By RDL2AEL - March 12 - 10:00 am

  Drive it,youll love it! The quietness, the smoothness, the reliability, the 6 CDs in the glove box I would buy another one.

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  cool suv for females - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By shiny s varghese - March 12 - 10:00 am

  before i bought the rx 300 i drove the bmw x5 and acura mdx, they both had very bumpy ride and truck type.

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  my 1st SUV - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By jed / david - March 11 - 7:43 pm

  Great ride, good looks, good gas millage with regular gas, and plenty of room for my 3 kids.