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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  For the price, you cant do better. - 2005 Lexus IS 300
  By 1SickLexus - July 17 - 4:53 pm

  The Lexus IS 300 is probably the nicest looking car from the inside and outside. It is a blast to drive, and for the money, it is pretty quick. Luxury, style, performance, and reliability make this car the best I have ever owned.

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  Mamas Car - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By Chase - July 17 - 9:36 am

  My dad and my mom bought this car after my mom had been looking for MONTHS! When i first saw he car i thought it looked decent. We happened to be at an away game for my school, and I could not wait to get to ride home in the car, But then the second i got in the car I was SO disappointed! I could hardly fit in the back seat! There is absolutely no room! also, another problem that we had was the navigation screen. I mean my family was so confused cause, you run the climate from that screen, the radio, the DVD player, and everything else that would have been a lot easier just to make buttons for. My family has not liked this car at all! I mean 16 mpg highway, I mean come on. Just dont get this car!

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  Get Something Else - 1999 Lexus ES 300
  By Al - July 16 - 9:36 pm

  I have owned many different cars and heard nothing but wonderful things about this model. The truth is, the Oldsmobile Aurora and Lincoln Continental both outmatched the Lexus hands down in both creature features and driveability. The Lexus has been a major disappointment and I will never own another one. Buy the Toyota Camry and save some money... or better yet buy an Avalon and get more room. Also, for what its worth the check engine light has been on more than off for the last 50k miles. This car has annoying (expensive) problems with its emissions/fuel vent system design that Ive never had with any other car owned.

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  Favorite car Ive ever owned !!! - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By connie sandlin - July 16 - 11:23 am

  Getting ready to let go of my Lexus 2001 RX 300 - I must say it has my favorite car that I have ever owned. It has been fun to drive, comfortable and most importantly, dependable!! Getting quite a few miles on the car so I felt its time to move on. I have just purchased the new 2008 RX 350 to replace my previous 2001. Because I enjoyed my first Lexus SUV so much I decided to go ahead and get another!

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  Not too thrilled - 2006 Lexus RX 330
  By miami1 - July 16 - 10:20 am

  The car handles beautifully and the ride and acceleration is good. I was in a VW Toureg before and miss the weight. It is too light for me.

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  Total Class - 2005 Lexus SC 430
  By eric - July 16 - 8:03 am

  This is simply the best car I have ever had. It rides beautifully, the levinson stereo is amazing, the new wheels are much improved, and retracting the roof is quick, simple push of a button. The interior is absolutely gorgeous.

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  Best Sport Ute Ever - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By Tim Swinney - July 15 - 9:33 pm

  After surviving a near-fatal 50-mph rearend accident as the driver in a sports car, I wanted something more substantial behind my body. The GX- 470 gives me all the security I need and more. I cannot imagine feeling safer in a vehicle yet the ride and comfort baby my damaged back and neck. The short list is what to change--more cup holders, uhh, dash input for digital player, maybe 4 inches longer for more room for cargo? Its damn near perfect!

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  Not bad... - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Geo-Green - July 15 - 8:36 am

  I own a 2005 Prius too. Obviously, the Lexus is much more luxurious, $$$, with impressive acceleration and space. I am pleased with the quality of this hybrid and am averaging about 27 mpg in day to day driving that is a mix of highway and town. I have to admit, however, that I actually prefer driving the Prius. Why? There is just something remarkable about its "hybrid" combination of fuel efficiency (48mpg), fun, its real time message: CONSERVE. With two teenagers the Lexus provides the room that the Prius cannot and its terrific that a SUV type car can get decent mileage, but, truthfully, its just not the same as my little funny-looking, fun-to- drive Prius.

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  Ultra lex. - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By Ultra Lex. - July 14 - 2:36 pm

  The look, the feel you get when you drive this car. The ultra luxury Lexus has all the gadgets. Heated/cooled seats front and back, massages, reclining back seats. And dont forget the cooler in the back for your drinks. Wow, this is just the beginning.

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  NEVER DO AGAIN!! - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By WILSION - July 14 - 2:00 am

  This car proves Lexus cut corners, I have been in service 4 times for simple stuff that continues to go wrong, no power, I should have bought a G35 and now to trade I will loose $8500 in 2 months time..... very unhappy