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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  Floating Heaven - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By Maazoo - June 25 - 10:00 am

  I am experiencing the privilege of owning my dream car. Its amazing that so much power comes from such a quiet engine. From the superb handling to the exquisite design, I am thrilled each time I get behind the wheel. She turns heads and drops jaws! Loving it~

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  New Lexus Fan - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By ajwells - June 25 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Lexus after four happy years in a 2001 Acura CL coupe (now discontinued)... I found the redesign of the Acura TL to be appalling so I looked at everything from BMW to Mercedes to Volvo to Subaru to Saab to Infiniti... was about to settle on a Volvo S60 when I drove the ES330... as soon as I closed the door I was sold... the quality, design, finish and drivability that was missing in almost everything I tested was here in spades... every move is silky and sure and the driving experience is wonderful, albeit more "adult" than some of the cars in this class... other than being slightly light on power I would say this car is close to perfect.

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  Love it... so far? - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By bobm - June 25 - 4:50 am

  Absolutely no problems so far. But reading some of the other reviews and forums, I wonder if the other shoe is about to drop? That said, my 2010 RX 350 is everything that I thought that it would be -- quiet, comfortable ride, decent performance, great build quality, and an exterior design that makes the prior versions look like Ugly Betty. Getting ready to go on a 2k road trip, so I will update after that.

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  Second Lexus... more to come - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Lexus fan - June 23 - 9:03 pm

  This is our 2nd RX, 1st was 2000 also bought used, now with 120,000 miles passed down to son. These are great cars, great company to work with even if there are issues; the perfect car. Crossover sits higher, easier to enter/exit, safer on road. Great in winter, fun to drive. Two recommendations: buy Certified Preowned from a dealership you trust. 2nd recommendation: do not scrimp on tires as they make a huge difference in road noise and handling. Recommended: Michelin Energy LX4. We compared the RX with a 2005 Acura MDX, which felt cumbersome with a boring exterior.

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  Love love love my Lexus! - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By amyb19xx - June 23 - 6:49 pm

  This is my second Lexus SUV. Reliable. Purchased used with higher mileage. Have had no repair issues just basic maintenance like oil changes. My SUV is now 11 years old but looks new and rides like new. We get compliments frequently. Stylish and luxury at is best. Planning to buy my third Lexus SUV soon.

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  The little lexus that could - 2005 Lexus IS 300
  By radardodger - June 23 - 3:13 pm

  This car is a blast to drive! It feels so light and nimble on twisty back roads its just plain fun! It never feels like its going to get away from you, even when the front tires are pushing into a turn. Little "step outs" from the rear end are easily corrected on dry roads. The only thing this car needs to be the ultimate entry level "luxury sport", in my mind, is another 50 hp. Very quiet inside, even with 19s. The tiptronic auto works well, although 2nd gear could be a bit taller. Traction control is a bit intrusive, but does its job, even if it stays on to long when it kicks in. The motor, although lacking power, is silky smooth! And thats an understatement.

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  My 5th RX350 - 2016 Lexus RX 350
  By SLL - June 21 - 12:49 pm

  What a big disappointment in the new RX 305. I loved all of my other cars and did not have a major complaint other than the navigation system. The 2016 is even worse. I just dont get it at all.......very difficult to use, the whole radio/navigation is so delicate to the touch and difficult to figure out. I also do not like the loud sound of the air conditioning system. Another issue I have is when I start the car it makes a loud knocking sound in the engine, which I am told is "normal" for this model. One very big problem we have is the odor in the car. It does not have that new car smell that we all love but rather a musty mildew smell......the dealership advised us to use Frebreeze!! So all in all I wish I could get out of this lease and am so unhappy that is is nothing like my previous 4 Rxs that I loved.

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  suspension system - 2000 Lexus LX 470
  By lexus lx 470 - June 21 - 3:36 am

  Purchased new in April of 2000 .I drive this Lexus very little, has been garaged all its life. Now has 79,900 miles. At 66,780 suspension went out,,cost to repair $2600 + in 2005. Now after 13123 miles suspension went out again (Feb 2010).Service department says this is going to happen about every five (5) years no matter how few miles it has been driven (13123). Cost to repair now $3350+. It looks brand new inside and out but now rides like a gravel truck, this will be my last Lexus

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  Excellent - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By seth - June 21 - 2:00 am

  There is nnothing I can say except for excellent in every way!

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  too much money - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By j Quist - June 21 - 2:00 am

  Thought this car was a must have so traded my 99 Corvette for it.This is an ideal car for a women but it sure is not a Corvette. Its a look at me type of car that should cost maybe $39,000.00 not the almost $70,000.00 I paid. The roof leaks when it goes thru the car wash,thats not good.Sometimes it just wont start,deal service is good