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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  Lexus-Finally Mine! - 2001 Lexus GS 300
  By lhester - December 27 - 12:23 am

  This car has been a treasure to drive. Ive not had a bad time in it. The only downside is I couldnt afford the 8 cylinder GS430.

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  Near Luxury Near Perfect Car - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Fireice - December 24 - 2:00 am

  Whatever reasonings behind your purchasing decision, you wont regret. A very comfortable car with great workmanship. Well done Lexus.

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  My GS300 - 2000 Lexus GS 300
  By Yellow Rock - December 23 - 10:00 am

  Great luxury car for the money. I work at a Mercedes Benz dealer and knows the comparisons between the GS and E-class. I purchased the Lexus because its comfort, value and reliability. And with my time and schedule, I dont have time to return to the dealer to have it worked on every month (even though I work at one). By far, the Lexus is a great buy. Very luxurious.

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  2002 lexus 430 - 2002 Lexus LS 430
  By jeff novak - December 23 - 10:00 am

  the quality and workmanship are supurb and the ride and handling beyond belief the technology rivals anything on the road today

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  A Baby LS 430 - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By bobl - December 23 - 10:00 am

  Best car I ever owned and it just seems to be getting better each day.

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  True Luxury Sport Sedan - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By John M - December 21 - 4:23 pm

  Consistent, reliable, fun to drive. Manual shift requires open space to unwind. Eats mountain and coastal roads for dessert.

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  Lexus GX470 - 2006 Lexus GX 470
  By Dave - December 21 - 12:13 am

  Traded a 2001 Sequoia for the GX. Need something to tow a 5200 boat & trailer, and the GX470 does the job with ease. This vehicle might be pretty, but its a real truck. Even though the Toyo and Lexus both have the same 4.7 liter V-8, the horsepower and torque upgrade in 2005 is very noticeable. It pulls like a beast. Love the backup camera, I can put the hitch ball right under the trailer coupler without looking over my shoulder.

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  Better than Mercedes and BMW - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By LexxChik - December 19 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love this car. I sell cars and get to test drive all sorts of vehicles. This is by far the best bang for the buck.

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  great car - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By jfdoug - December 19 - 10:00 am

  this drives like a dream.. I had the rx300 and was completly happy.. the RX 330 is even better !!! great ride. nice inteirior. faster.. I like it..

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  Great All Around Vehicle - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By jgamo - December 19 - 10:00 am

  Ive always thought the RXwhatever was designed for female drivers. However, this redesigned RX from Lexus quickly dispelled that. From the clean, sweeping lines to the 18" tires, this was one sporty vehicle that both genders can appreciate. The ride was very comfortable - - - better than some luxury cars. Performance-wise, it was very agile and quick. The engine is very responsive and smooooooth! My wife and I are contemplating getting another one so we each have our own.