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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  awesome - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By - April 9 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this car for a month. I test drove Audi 1.8T, but this car out performs Audi in every respect.This is is the best value for the money when it comes to luxury sedans. I love it

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  Love my Lexus!!! - 2000 Lexus RX 300
  By Norahs - April 9 - 10:00 am

  Always dependable. Very easy to get in and out, without having to CLIMB into, like most other SUVs. Maneuvers through the snow like a knife through butter!!!

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  2004 RX330 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By bs - April 8 - 12:06 am

  First Lexus - should never have waited this long for a Lexus!

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  The best and the rest. - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By tajamu - April 5 - 10:00 am

  Enjoyed the test drive and buying experience. The driving experience is comfortable and smooth. At the end of my trips I could continue driving with little effort. Thanks Lexus for taking the work out of driving and getting it right.

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  New SUV owner - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By gemajean - April 5 - 10:00 am

  I never liked SUVs as the gas mileage and stance was less than ideal, however, this RX has changed me. The ride is like a high end luxury car and youll never know you it that youre in an SUV. The fit and finish is impressive and the ride is unbelievably soft and smooth. Weve tried the BMW and the Touraeg and I must say that this is the best of the luxury SUV market. First Lexus car owned and most certainly not the last.

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  IS 300 5SP Drivers Car - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By Bryan Infantino - March 30 - 8:33 pm

  My wife and I bought this car just over a year ago. It is a drivers car. Great around corners and great on a long trip. It is very powerful although I wouldnt mind just a little more power. Navigation system is awesome, we use it all the time. The car is just big enough for taking another couple out but small enough to feel like a true sports car.

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  Best Vehicle Ive Ever Owned - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By O Comora - March 29 - 7:40 pm

  Fun to drive. Placement of some dashboard button Needs Improvement. Transmission shifting is hesitant sometimes but overall, its best vehicle Ive ever owned.

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  I love this car - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By Somebody - March 28 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car in 1999 and love it ever since. I recently purchased it after my 3-year lease expired. Overall great car, except for the fuel economy, though thats a problem with most SUVs.

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  I love this car - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By somebody - March 28 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car in 1999 and love it ever since. I recently purchased it after my 3-year lease expired. Overall great car, except for the fuel economy, though thats a problem with most SUVs.

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  lovely lexus - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By lexi - March 28 - 2:00 am

  Smooth,beautiful interior, reliable, extremely quiet. Best looking entry level luxury. Wish it used regular not premium fuel. Brakes are good, handling sufficient - no problems and dealership has been very professional. Liked it better than the Acura TL Type S and the G35. BMW 3 series too small and pricey.