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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  Wonderful - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Dave Bogues - September 24 - 2:00 am

  What a joy to purchase a vehicle that brings back the joy and pride of a new vehicle. My wife hasnt slept in two nights from her joy.

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  Improvement from the RX 300 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Chuck R - September 24 - 2:00 am

  I had the prior model, the RX 300. I liked the prior model so well that I contemplated buying another one just prior to the introduction of the RX 330. I am glad that I did not. The 330 is a big improvement: more power, better gas mileage, smoother ride, smaller turning radius, more features such as the power rear door opener.

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  Good Value - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By JEK - September 22 - 10:50 pm

  Currently own a BMW sedan. Looked at 2011 BMW X5 for our second car. Great driving machine, but expensive when add up options for what it is. Looked at RX350 and though not nearly as high performing, provides a higher level of comfort and luxury feel, and quality is great like BMW. Have been driving it for a month now, and I am very impressed. Not nearly as fun to drive as a BMW, but I believe it is an all around great choice and solid value. For those who like the rear lights on the old RX 350, I find the new design much more appealing. Overall look is less round and top heavy, and more sporty. Eye of the beholder.

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  Love my ES-300 - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By Donn - September 22 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had it for one week. This is a great car. I purchased the fully- loaded, Mark Levinson sound and Navigation package. Quiet and smooth driving. A pleasure to drive. Although it seems to have the same engine as the Toyota Avalon, which takes 87-octane gas, the ES-300 requires 91-octane gas, but I dont know why. But this is a minor matter. Im very happy with this car.

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  Outstanding - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Lexus RX 400h - September 20 - 2:56 am

  Vehicle is a delight.

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  LEXUS OWNER FOR LIFE! - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By polarbear11 - September 19 - 5:14 pm

  SIMPLY PUT THE CAR WAS BUILT TO LAST! I now have 171,000 miles and counting. M any of my passengers cant believe that my es 330 is 10 yrs old, they say it rides like a new car. I have owned 2 bimmers they are very well built and reliable cars but the cost of repairs is just crazy. I will only buy Lexus vehicles from now on.

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  Lexus has out done itself - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By maria hall - September 19 - 10:00 am

  its the best luxury suv on the market. it purres like a kitten. it owns the road. WHAT A RIDE!

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  300,000 Miles! - 1995 Lexus LS 400
  By Jake - September 17 - 8:13 am

  I bought this car with 336,000 miles only because every mechanic I took it to said I couldnt go wrong buying this car. The deal I got was amazing and this car feels brand new even with all these miles. Only regular maintenance done on the car, engine and tranny are original but run like new. Definitely recommend this car to anyone.

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  get one - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Goddidit - September 13 - 10:00 am

  Its a stylish, comfortable and affordable vechile. The experience of driving this car so far has been wonderful.

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  Fantastic SUV - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Lisa245 - September 13 - 10:00 am

  Cant say enough good things about this car. Its fantastic!!!!!!!! Lots of luxury inside and out. Thanks Lexus!!!!