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 RC-F is a 9.5 out of 10! - 2015 Lexus RC F
  By Joel Alberto - October 1 - 12:31 pm

  Lexus did well with their "racing coupe". The sheet metal has a flowing sexy shape that doesnt look like other cars on the road. Aside from the unique styling cues, the engine sounds as awesome as it performs. The technology inside is overflowing from the infotainment system to the instrument cluster that changes from Economy- Normal - Sport - Sport + (or "beast mode"). Who knew that Lexus had an aggressive side?

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  04 is300 - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By d-squared - September 30 - 2:00 am

  great automobile...smoooth and quick acceleration. most fun to drive on the highway, with its quick response and go cart-like handling. exhaust has a nice growl. this is not a tall person automobile however, 6ft+ will have a difficult time feeling comfortable (being short does have some advantages.)

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  Love this vehicle - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By MCK - September 30 - 2:00 am

  The only thing Lexus missed was adding a rearview reverse camera for the navigation screen or at the very least a reverse sensors...other than that, this is a GREAT vehicle!

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  Great, tranny leaves much too be desired - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Happy - September 29 - 11:46 pm

  The car is wonderful in every aspect, however, we had to trade-in our 04 rx330 b/c of MANY problems. Transmission seems to be the MAIN weakness because of the "un-sure" gear position. The car doesnt seem to know what gear to be in to provide maximum response.

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  I love my car! - 2000 Lexus GS 300
  By Dj - September 29 - 10:46 am

  This is my second car and I love it. I have changed very little things to it such as 3 tvs and the IS 19 inch chrome rims. I also have a spoiler on it. The car has a quiet ride and has a very smooth ride also.

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  Lexus ES300 Review - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By atoews - September 29 - 10:00 am

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  THE BEST OF THE BEST - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By Daddyo - September 29 - 10:00 am

  WE PURCHASED OUR RX300 IN MARCH 02 IT HAS THE BEST PAINT , AND A VERY QUIET RIDE. SEATS ARE VERY COMFORTABLE, AND THE INSIDE IS GREAT. YOU CAN SEE THE QUALITY INSIDE, BEFORE THE BIG L. IN FRONT AND ON THE REAR GO ON. IM 58 I LOVE TO DRIVE AND POLISH IT. AT J.M. LEXUS THEY GO WAY OVERBOARD TO GIVE YOU YHE BEST SERVICE YOU EVER HAD. KUDOS TO (OWNER) JIM MORRAN THE COURTESY MAN FROM CHICAGO, FOR OPENING SUCH A FINE DEALERSHIP.

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  Awesome car - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Debbie - September 26 - 3:53 am

  Im a repeat Lexus customer. Love the new GS 300 for many reasons including the ride, comfort, smart key and gas mileage. Excellent car for highway travel with regards to quiet ride and comfort. In my opinion, Lexus has a winner in the new GS series. Dont listen to the critics, go try out this car for yourself; youll see why Im pleased with my decision to purchase another Lexus product.

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  99 LS400 - 1999 Lexus LS 400
  By tripole - September 24 - 3:33 am

  The vehicle was purchased as a Certified Pre-Owned, and has been flawless over the past 50K miles. The acceleration, and great fuel economy, are fantastic. It also stops on a dime. The build quality is excellent.

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  the best car i ever owned - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By Teri?tqueenfroggy - September 24 - 2:00 am

  I really love my Lexus IS 300! It is a great car, the best I ever had. The interior is so neat. I have the sport and it is really cute. It rides so smooth.