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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  good car - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By sidewinder - July 3 - 10:00 am

  the car is everything advertised by lexus. handles beautifully and turning radius is tight. Very easy to handle in traffic oron the highway. not many cars can match thisone

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  2004 lexus gx470 - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By jsse - July 3 - 10:00 am

  A great vehicle for someone who wants a true SUV with the capability of a comfortable ride and handling. After trying quite a few SUVs, this one was by far the best for the money.

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  Great Choice - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Beanerpilot - July 3 - 10:00 am

  My experience is limited, thus far, but very pleasing. I researched and drove both BMW and Mercedes SUVs, but found the Lexus the overall choice winner. The Mercedes drove the best of the lot, but the frequent quality and service complaints drove it to the No. 2 selection. The BMW X-series is attractive on the outside, personally unattractive on the inside. That, combined with a truck- like driving feel, drove it to No. 3 selection. Lexus sales and service are excellent in my neighborhood, and with the strong Consumer Report endorsement, the decision was a no-brainer.

• 

  Poor gas mileage - 2008 Lexus RX 400H
  By jfinley - July 2 - 5:00 pm

  This is a very nice car, but I challenge anyone out there to prove they are getting better than 22-24 mpg. Better, I challenge Lexus to prove it. My fiend with a V8 truck gets better mpg. Shame on you Lexus, shame on me for buying.

• 

  TOP WORK/FAMILY CAR VALUE - 1997 Lexus LS 400
  By Phil57 - July 2 - 10:10 am

  For reliability, performance, comfort, impressing clients and safe transportation for children (son & buddies are now 7) my 97 LS 400 is unsurpassed in value and stress-free driving despite the premium you pay for driving and servicing the best car on the road. I purchased it used for $35K with 45,000 miles, qualified for a new car 5 year loan with my insurance company, now has 97,000 miles, would not hesitate to buy a used 97 model. Expect typical parts turnover as car ages, my experience so far is 1) new starter $1,600; 2) replacement valve for power steering $1,000. Lexus service is excellent, expensive, you get another Lexus for loaner, worth every penny!

• 

  disappointment for 40k - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By cfeaton - July 1 - 10:00 am

  Too many rattles, squeeks, creaks and little stuff to worry about -- very un- Lexus-like. Dealer talks a good game but usually does not fix problems on first try. Two service occasions have required me to return car to fix problems that they created during service! Hmmmmmmmm. Superb ride and suspension. Great drive. Velvet drivetrain. Beautiful styling. Great traction. Very good utility. I would try something else next time. Sorry.

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  Nice Ride - 2003 Lexus RX 300
  By Uzair Munis - July 1 - 10:00 am

  This is an amazing car! i love the ride and handeling!

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  Thumbs Up to IS 300 - 2005 Lexus IS 300
  By Richard Frazer - June 30 - 1:30 am

  My use of this car is for daily commuting. It is fun to drive , has sporty handling and performance(5 speed manual transmission), has classy features and is built with quality materials and workmanship. For my purposes it is just the right size but this would not be practical for those with larger needs. Its positive attributes overshadow the plain styling. The mileage is acceptable (25- 27 mpg mountain driving conditions) but could be improved, maybe to around 30- 35 while maintaining the performance.

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  Lexus quality, not so great gas mileage - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By r1509 - June 27 - 6:13 pm

  I have had this vehicle for about 4 weeks. I have put about 4200 miles, mostly highway, on the 400h and this is my experience: The 400h is a pleasure to drive. Lots of power when you need it, and rock stable on the road at speeds (by me) up to 105 mph. All systems (air, power, etc.) are flawless. Now the not so good news. The highway mileage is about 26 mpg, excellent for an suv of this weight. In town, where I expected it to shine, Ive been getting 22-24 mpg, and that is with careful monitoring of the fuel consumption, and attention to light acceleration. I have talked to other drivers who have the same 400h experience. I have to admit that I am disappointed. Perhaps it will improve.

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  my experience - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By srtinc - June 27 - 10:00 am

  great auto. Does not beat you up.