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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  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.

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  Batmobile - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By opbjr - March 27 - 5:53 pm

  I have waited for a car like the GS for many years. I love the LS but it has always been a little too big and reminds me of an old man/womans car. The old style GS was close to the right size, but I never liked the styling. The 2006 GS has it all great styling, great engineering and comfort. The V6 is quick and at the same time gives the owner great gas mileage. It is well equipped, even the "base" car has all of the luxury item that one would expect. When I am in the cockpit I feel like I could go to the moon! WHAT A CAR!

• 

  OMG - 1998 Lexus ES 300
  By karyn - March 27 - 12:43 pm

  I have 143,000 miles on this car, keep all maintenance appointments, and treat myself to deluxe detailing at the same time. I will keep this car for many years. I still cant come up with a good reason to buy a new one. I still get compliments because people think its a newer model. Comfort and reliability. Id only improve upon the cup holders as a previous reviewer stated. I am a very content 1998 Lexus owner.

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  Loving the Lexus - 2010 Lexus RX 450h
  By S Hodgson - March 26 - 3:45 pm

  Ive been driving my RX 450H for around 4 years and love it. I spend a tremendous amount of time driving for work and wanted something nice/comfortable. We purchased the extra maintenance plan and at 125,000 miles, so far Ive done nothing but the scheduled oil/maintenance, covered under my plan. More importantly, I love driving it. I concur that milage is contingent upon driving style. I average 28 mpg even hitting 80mph with highway driving, by avoiding quick acceleration and taking my foot off the accelerator when I know Im braking soon. My only frustration is the USB port location is inconvenient which theyve changed in newer models. I leave the connector plugged in so rarely have to access it the port. My Lexus dealership couldnt be more accommodating during maintenance, with a loaner if reserved beforehand, shuttles to the mall across the street if desired, and a nice set up at the dealership where I can work or watch TV in designated lounges. (Johnson Lexus, Raleigh NC) I highly recommend this car and wouldnt hesitate to buy another lexus after this experience.

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  Very Nice - 2010 Lexus GX 460
  By Jim - March 25 - 3:30 pm

  The interior is first class and the electronic features are sophisticated yet easy to use. The ride, handling, and power on this suv is incredible. An average sized person will be cramped in the 3rd row seat but there is more room in this suv than the other luxury midsize suvs. Im not thrilled with the exterior design but I also didnt care much for the other models out there right now.

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  Great car-----except for..... - 2002 Lexus LS 430
  By carbuff - March 22 - 10:50 pm

  I have owned every luxury car known to man. This is the best. This is the second LS that I have owned. It is dealer certified with 28,000 miles and was almost $20,000 less than a brand new one. You cant go wrong buying a certified car. I dont think that there is a better car made at any price -- including the Mercedes S model. You might find more features -- but not a better car.

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  best car - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By good guy - March 22 - 10:00 am

  I got a good car. Its a fun to drive. excellent handling, nice design (rear), and perpect audio system are best of this vehicle. Also you drive fast in freeway, you feel attraction of is 300.

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  Best car I ever owned - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By d wilson - March 22 - 10:00 am

  Those people who say they want more power are pretty stupid They should be driving a Infiniti G35. Everyone needs to know; This is a luxury car folks!, not a race car! I drove every car in the luxury class and this is absolutley the best car I drove for the price. The ES 300 is awesome!! Drove to Vegas and it was like sitting in my family room chair.

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  Getting Spoiled by Lexus - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Allan - March 20 - 2:50 am

  Have a dressed up RX330 with navigation. Have been very impressed with quality, comfort, quiet ride, performance, handling. Have talked with friends whove driven Lexus for 20 years and never needed a repair. Dealership was great, service is great, car is fun to drive. My wife is primary driver, and I thought I would never get her out of her Land Rover (she has a phobia about running into a deer). After one day in the Lexus, shes never gone back to the Land Rover, and will probably buy Lexus from now on. Only complaint: not enough storage bins in front (no place for parking/toll change). Could take a lesson from the Toyota Sienna XLE. Could use parking sonar, too.

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  A Legend... - 1997 Lexus LS 400
  By LS 400 - March 19 - 1:26 pm

  I purchased this car from my brother 3 years ago. Its got 200k miles and every time I put it on the highway, it has already paid for itself. I got 500miles from a full tank! This car is classic. I only hate I didnt get a 99 with the xenon headlights. Still is so quiet and smooth you think its not even running. Someone is constantly trying to buy it from me. I cant wait to try the LS430 or LS460l