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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  Solid vehicle for under $20K - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Dirty McNasty - November 27 - 1:23 am

  This is my first Lexus and most certainly not my last. Its funny how people dont understand how nice a Lexus is until they actually own one. They do so many little things to their vehicles that others dont. When you finally own a car thats made in Japan, youll understand. Yes, there is a known transmission jerk that you learn to avoid, trust me I own one. Plus, the dealer has a flash for the ECU to almost fix it.

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  Way to Save on Gasoline - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Jane Vogel - November 26 - 11:20 pm

  I live on Kauai and gas is super expensive. Ive learned to coast while driving my lexus using the electric engine efficiently. Ive gone 200 miles and hardly used any fuel. This car is a dream in comfort and a real fuel saver... it pays in the long run for economy... go get your own !!!

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  Lexus LS 430 - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By Niels Stenhoj - November 26 - 7:26 am

  This is my third Lexus 400/430 and it the best. Lexus has an understanding for what the consumer thinks is luxury. They do not load up the car with fancy technology that you do not need. They focus on making your ride as safe and comfortable as possible.

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  YOU GO LEXUS!!!! - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By TDJ - November 25 - 9:33 am

  Ive only had this vehicle for a little under 3 months and I must say, I LOVE IT!!! It was everything I was looking for and some... More bells and whistles than you could ever think of. Needless to say, I purchased the 400h, and am very satisfied with the TOTAL vehicle!!

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  Smooth Ride but Some Issues - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By niteflite - November 23 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned this car for 15 months now and have put around 15,000 miles on it. I replaced the stock run-flats with bridgestone turanza serenity after a blow-out. The car feels great on these tires. However, the car has been at the dealer several times. Grinding noise at cold start-up. Theres a TSB out for this but the dealer turned me away the first time. Called lexus corporate then the dealer invited me back and fixed it without questions. Now theres a recall on the brakes.

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  BEST LEXUS EVER - 2016 Lexus RX 350
  By dan.ki - November 23 - 3:44 am

  Not to many car and SUVs catch your eyes these day they all kind of look a like not RX350 it look completely different you know when you see one coming for a mile away really awesome to drive Buy one.

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  Unfair knock on the looks - 2016 Lexus RX 350
  By C Evertsz - November 21 - 11:35 pm

  We bought our AWD version in silver and the grill integrates well it that color. We came from an 07 MDX, a car also criticize for its looks. Eventually it grew on everyone. In time, the RXs styling will be considered right in line with what everyone else offers. About the rest of the car,,, It exceeds our expectations. The ride quality is unbelievably smooth, so much more than the Mercedes we were considering. And acceleration is more than adequate unless you like drag-racing at every light. We are very happy with the value of RX compared to the Benz and 2016 MDX when you get most of the bells and whistles. Even though the gas mileage was far lower (18mpg) than advertised no regrets about our purchase.

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  Broke - 2008 Lexus LS 460
  By Fred - November 20 - 12:13 am

  Car has been in the repair shop three times in less than 2 years. Brake problems. What a pain for a $75,000 Car.

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  Exceeded our expectations - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By Joe D - November 19 - 8:26 pm

  We have only owned it for a week, but we cant get enough of it! It is by far the most quality vehicle we ever owned, and blows away the 5 SUVs weve had in the past. It is such a smooth ride, the interior amenities are great. You truly feel "different" when you drive this car. Even though it is 3 years old, it looks and feels brand new. Sorry, I have to make this quick so I can go back and drive it somewhere... anywhere.

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  Driving "Heaven" - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By VMacE - November 19 - 2:00 am

  I spend a lot of time on the run and the LS 430 eases the roads wear and tear on my body! This car is like a small piece of "heaven" on the highway.....