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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  Not the mileage that was promised - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Lee Jennings - August 21 - 1:20 pm

  Although the 400h is very comfortable and fun to drive it, is not as promised as far as the mileage is concerned. Im getting 21 miles a gallon and I do mostly city driving. I use my car for work thats why I got a hybrid to save money. Unless they correct this I would not recommend if your goal is to save on gas.

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  We liked the car so much we bought two. - 2016 Lexus RX 350
  By Charlie B - August 20 - 7:12 pm

  My wife has red and I have beige. Love them both. These are our fourth and fifth Lexus we have owned. We tend to keep our cars a long time. These are probably the best cars we have owned. We have had them for four months as of mid-August, 2016. This is in spite of the weird grill, which is an obstacle to overcome. At least the 350 is not as bad as the F Sport, with the really hideous grill. Looks like a monster going down the road with its mouth open and teeth missing.

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  Lexus LX 570 - 2013 Lexus LX 570
  By rjb12 - August 19 - 8:33 am

  I purchased this vehicle on July 30, 2013. Nothing but problems. First day tire pressure warning light came. Took it back to the dealer and they repaired it driving home 8 miles later came on again. Took back to dealer and they replaced sensors. On Thursday September 12 car completely shut down very scary moment. Lost all power SCRA light came on, warnings lights, engine lights on. Couldnt restart no power, head lights stayed on locked in park couldnt do anything even lock doors to call Lexus. Lexus service sent out a tow truck and they had to put the car on dollies in order to tow it back to dealer Newport Lexus Sales Manager explained that vehicle is dangerous refused to replace it.

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  Better than expected - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By docet - August 19 - 2:00 am

  Just had the car for over a week, but cant believe the silent smoooth ride. A class act

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  Transmission is Dangerous - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By jrat - August 19 - 2:00 am

  Do yourself a favor and read all of the boards on the web that discuss the awful and dangerous transmission. There are severe hesitations and failure to engage when accelerating. There are also reports at www.dot.gov of this problem. Just do a search on the vehicle.

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  Lexus For Life - 2012 Lexus GX 460
  By pipes3 - August 19 - 1:03 am

  Bought 2012 white with sepia leather and could not be happier. I owned a 2012 4runner for a year prior and upgraded to the GX...there is no comparison between the two vehicles...the Lexus is superior in every way...baffled how others say they are the same vehicles! Mine came with the F-Sport package with upgraded rims. Totally changed the look of the GX. Very rare option that sets the SUV apart from others. Interior is top notch but that is what Lexus does. Smooth as butter ride, decent acceleration for a heavy SUV. Main reason bought is for the reliability..Bulletproof...Benz, BMW, Audi...all will be in shop with expensive repairs..enough said...

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  perfect choice - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By traumadoc - August 18 - 10:00 am

  I compared many cars and came to the conclusion not only was it a geat buy for the price but that it needed very little if any upgrades or customizing everything came standard and out of all the dealerships I visited ( some which I walked away from even though they had my car there due to rudeness and unwillingness to bend on the cost) Tustin was profesional courtious and a down right pleasure to purchase from both the sales manager (Mike) and my salesman(Eddie)went out of there way to make me happy including driving to palm springs himself to pick up my car so I could have it sooner

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  rx300 - 2000 Lexus RX 300
  By RX300RN - August 17 - 9:20 pm

  I only service my RX300 at this dealership based on their reliability and quality of work. In addition the personnel have been gracious and professional over the 10 yrs of ownership As an RN I know from experience the importance of qualities such as these in providing reliability and confidence as well as a level of luxury. I have driven this vehicle in treacherous driving conditions, including weather and traffic situations and marveled at the performance. Urban conditions are also more manageable because of the improved visibility from the drivers seat. Great Vehicle, Lexus!

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  Right Choice of SUV - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By CO - August 17 - 3:46 pm

  Researched and test drove the Acura MDX,Toyota 4Runner and Lexus RX 350. Purchased the 2010 FWD RX350 and could not be happier with my first RX 350. At 63,I was worried about comfort, especially on long trips but after making two 500 miles trips, no problems. The ride was quite and very comfortable. The RX350 has more back seat room than my 2007 4Runner and everyone loves the reclining rear seats. Have averaged 19 MPG city, 22 MPH Hwy. Only complaints so far are a weak stereo system and the black/gray screen for the nav/comm control panel. Needs to have some color in it. Surprised at all the negative comments about this vehicle. So far I have very pleased at my choice at a entry level SUV.

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  Very Good MPG on RX 450h AWD - 2010 Lexus RX 450h
  By Rod - August 16 - 4:26 pm

  We traded in the 2009 Chevy Traverse after 7500 miles and 3 times in shop, for a total of 7 days on warranty work. So far on the Lexus no problems and twice the MPG the Traverse got. Average 30.5 in the city 28 highway. The ride is comfortable and feels like its well built. I just hated to buy Japaneses but what can you do when a new vehicle breaks down 3 time in 10 month. After 10 month on Lexus I will write another review.