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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  2006 Lexus GS-300AWD - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By HJ Grand - March 7 - 10:50 am

  This is one outstandingly built automobile. The overall quality, fit, finish and ride are wonderful. Acceleration is certainly more than adequate, and the gas milage has been a nice surprise at about 26mpg. Handles extremely well. Everything works as it should, and not a rattle or squeak to be found. It simply does not get much better than this car!

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  BEST car Ive ever owned - 1997 Lexus ES 300
  By Lexus Guy - March 5 - 2:00 am

  I love this car, is gorgeous, springs to live whenver you touch the gas, and has the smoothest ride Ive ever experienced (compared to Audi, BMW, Merc, etc.). Ive NEVER had a problem with it reliability wise.

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  Exactly what I wanted. - 2001 Lexus IS 300
  By JBusy - March 5 - 2:00 am

  Not as tight as a BMW, but thats not the kind of car I wanted. Having owned Lexus before, a few amenities are missing that I would have liked (programmed seats, arm rest) but I definitely live without and am happy. 15 months after the purchase and Im amazed how much I like the car. Definitely a cross between a sports car and a luxury car,

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  Great vehicle - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By Gerryusa - March 5 - 2:00 am

  The ride on the Lexus RX300 is unsurpassed in this class. Ive seen reviews where the ride is compared to a minivan and listed as a "con". This is ridiculous. I dont live in the mountains. I dont need a truck that rides like a semi. This vehicle is a car with everything an SUV delivers. And you never have to worry if it will start or breakdown. Which is definitely a worry with Acura, Mercedes, BMW & any american "truck".

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  check it out! - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By N Dwyer - March 3 - 6:40 pm

  I love this car. I can stash the kids, the bikes and the dog and yet it isnt WAAY too big to drive like some of the other SUVs. It drives like a car and turns on a dime. EASY to park and a very comfy ride.

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  A car to love! - 2008 Lexus LS 460
  By xman - February 28 - 5:40 pm

  I love this car! Very comfortable and smooth. Quiet on freeway and car just cruises. The 8 speed transmission keeps car even more quiet.

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  Go for it - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By rx_fan - February 23 - 10:00 am

  I have been a happy and satisfied owner on the new RX 330 for about a month. Most of its interior features have exceeded my expectations. The exterior features are also very classy. I had never expected an SUV to drive so smoothly and so quietly. It handles curves very splendidly and i feel negligible body roll.

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  Researched them all, bought the best - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Byran - February 21 - 7:13 am

  Before buying the GS 300, I researched every other competitor, save the Mercedes. They all had their redeeming qualities, but the Lexus had the best combination of all of them - style, creature comforts, build quality/reputation, and pure driving pleasure. I kid you not - I LOVE this car. I previously had a 1999 Porsche 911 Cabriolet, and thought I loved that - Im sorry Porsche, but our love affair is over. The Lexus emotes luxury - from the welcoming lighting, to the softness and comfortability of the seats.

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  a super experience - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By lee olshan - February 19 - 6:30 pm

  My AWD GS 300 holds the road as though Elmers glue was on my tires. The rear camera make parking a breeze. The nav system is a pleasure... but it is the driving experience that sets this car apart from all others.

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  dream car... - 1998 Lexus LS 400
  By james medlin - February 18 - 2:56 am

  i bought this car in 2003 with 70,ooo miles on it...I now have 224,000 and have had 0 problems!!I keep thinking i want to trade it in but then i always end up asking why..great ride,great realiability and unreal gas mileage from an 8 cylinder...I get 26 plus on long trips...you cant go wrong with this car..!!