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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  The best car i have owned - 1997 Lexus ES 300
  By Moses - January 4 - 7:51 am

  I bought the 1997 ES 300 model in IL 2 years ago. I have driven to Dallas, Kansas and Oklahoma on different occasions and its simply the best. The engine is so quiet someone on the will find it hard to believe that you were driving. The fuel economy is about 20 mpg in the city and upto 28mpg on the freeway. Leather seats (heated) are an absolute steal.

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  Its definitely NOT a fancy Camry - 2008 Lexus ES 350
  By LXS LVR - January 3 - 8:50 pm

  I have been a Toyota fan most of my life and always thought a Lexus was a fancy Camry - Once I drove my ES 350 I knew I was so wrong. Interior fit & finish is flawless and the MPG is a consistent 27-28 in town and 34 on the hwy. Hard to beat this with 272 hp V-6. Problems Ive read about transmission and others simply are not true at least with this car. My wife and I have to fight over who gets to drive it. Its quick, safe as can be and with a spoiler, gold package, large tires its a real "head turner". It is truly a great car and the extras you get over a Camry XLE for example are well worth it. Resale value of a Lexus is awesome.

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  A perfect all around vehicle. - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By PJK - January 2 - 9:33 pm

  Took delivery on 05/25/05 noticed a thump (noise) in the floor by the drivers foot rest when you start up the vehicle (even in battery operation). I believe it is the engine starting when I go into reverse out of my driveway, more noticeable in the morning, cold engine. Live in Florida, I think it has to do with the A/C turning on the engine. I can also hear the engine engaging slightly at take off at stop lights. I have read other reviews & they said they could not notice this, when on the highway you dont notice it at all. Stopped by the dealer yesterday they said the noise is normal. This was from the hybrid trained technican.

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  Too good to ignore - 2006 Lexus LS 430
  By Marti - January 2 - 4:20 am

  It is quiet, luxurious, excellent responsive air conditioning, love the GPS, it is very comfortable to ride in, the sound system is great. Find the radio controls on the left just below the steering wheel get "accidently touched more often than I would like resulting in a change of the radio station.

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  Excelent SUV - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By Alex - January 2 - 4:10 am

  Ive had the car so far for about 3 month and put on about 3500 mi, switched from the MDX to RX. Absolutely love the car, very comfortable interior, great stereo, very responsive engine. Great body shape. At first I thought Id miss an extra room that I had in the MDX via 3rd row, but not really, I actually like that it is a bit smaller. The interior noise is practically nonexistent. Already trying to convince the wife to also switch to the Lexus

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  Lexus GS 300 by Vic - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Victor - December 31 - 2:26 am

  I traded in my BMW for this machine and let me tell you something, I do not regret it at all. This car is awesome. A lot of technology comes standard, unlike other cars that you have to pay extra. Very good experience.

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  Beauty is a SC 430 Lexus - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By Mina J - December 30 - 10:00 am

  It was love at first sight when I saw my Egyptian Sand Pearl Lexus. The interior is a rich saddle that looks perfect with the exterior color. I researched this car for a year before I decided to make such a major purchase. When I saw it, the money almost seemed insignificant. The ride is fabulous, the power is great, and luxury abounds. Its my retirement car. 2006, here I come!

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  Surprised Me! - 2000 Lexus RX 300
  By Dr.Kev - December 30 - 10:00 am

  I was all set to buy a 4Runner when my wife slyly suggested we drive an RX300. Wow, what a difference! I was very pleasantly surprised by the acceleration and ride compared to the 4Runner. This isnt a sports car, but its still a very pleasant vehicle to drive. It grows on you. You start to appreciate the competent, well thought- out features and the very high level of quality. Every time I use the turn signal, I appreciate the "feel" of it. Its a nice car and it does what I need it to do.

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  A true luxury car! - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By Tim - December 30 - 8:20 am

  I traded a 2004 LS 430 for a 2005 LS 430 - wanted the 18" wheels and a lighter color. Although the Black Cherry Pearl of my 2004 was beautiful, it was a nightmare to keep clean. Traded for the Crystal White. Much easier to maintain the appearance and I love the sportiness of the bigger wheels. They cause a slightly stiffer ride, but coming from a cloud to a lesser cloud...? One amazing experience: I traveled from York, PA to Williamsburg, VA on a business trip so I had the opportunity to check strictly highway gas mileage. Amazing - I got just over 30MPG! 271 miles on nine gallons. In a V8, rear-wheel-drive car. Unbelievable if I hadnt done it myself.

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  We Love It - 2008 Lexus GX 470
  By Lexx777 - December 30 - 8:03 am

  This is my 5th Lexus, had two ES 300 sedans, and this is my third GX 470. We love the luxury ride, the look, the amenities, the comfort, and the regular mountain driving is superb. I trade every two years, and dont think I would ever consider another car as nothing I have seen matches the quality and the Lexus service.