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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  Lexus LS 430 ultra - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By Tom - June 13 - 7:36 am

  You ride on a magic carpet when driving this car. Luxery and performance envelope you whether driving or riding as a passenger. I love the black cherry color and fabulous sound system.

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  GREAT VEHICLE - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By larry - June 13 - 4:06 am

  This is by far the best vehicle I have ever owned. I am now hooked on Lexus quality. Vehicle is luxurious and is a great ride for such a large vehicle.

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  2017 rx 350 - 2017 Lexus RX 350
  By dee - June 13 - 1:06 am

  i was so excited about finally getting the rx 350..and im so disappointed with it..3 weeks old,and it had this vibration sound,which gets very loud and annoying.i mean this is a lexus,you pay so much money and this vibration noise is not acceptable,the more i read,seems like everybody has the same issue with no fix..i cant recommend this car to anyone and ill have to trade it in eventually..so disappointed with lexus

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  LX 470 - 1999 Lexus LX 470
  By BFB - June 12 - 3:13 pm

  I have owned 12 SUVs and this vehicle is hands down the best. It handles like a much smaller 4x4 but with unmatched amenities. I have become a repeat buyer of the Lexus 4x4. The quality of the vehicle coupled with the management style of Lexus and its dealership simply blows away all of it competition. Although I like the lines of the LR slightly better the ride and reliablity of the LX 470 will keep me coming back time and again. BFB

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  A Good Way to Spoil Your Wife - 2005 Lexus SC 430
  By David Mac - June 11 - 1:33 pm

  This is my third Lexus and it is every bit a Lexus - which is a good thing! (Previously owned 96 ES300 and 99 LX470) My wife is short and petite, and although this is not a performance car like my 99 Vette Convertible or 97 911 Carrera S, it fits her perfectly and she likes it much better. Having a manual top in the Vette, the automatic top is great - especially as we age! And for the price, any performance shortcomings are easily forgiven. If you want to win points and spoil your wife, this is the car!

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  Unsurpassed Quaility and Off Road Capabilities - 2008 Lexus GX 470
  By LC Prado - June 11 - 11:50 am

  I traded up from a FJ Cruiser to this. In short, its an amazingly comfortable SUV that excels at off road performance. Based on the Land Cruiser Prado sold pretty much everywhere else in the world except the US (think sand dunes and the bush), this truck is NOT a pimped out 4Runner. The full time 4WD, V8, rear air suspension, build quality, comfort and reliability combined make this rig unsurpassed for those who venture beyond the mall. These trucks are often referred to as out of date dinosaurs, and are compared to their unibody competitors who may outperform in terms of drivability and road manners; but this truck is built for towing, adverse driving conditions, and off-road capabilities while maintaining superior daily driver comfort for the whole family. If that’s not what you need, then look elsewhere. If it is, then look no further, spend a little extra up front, and drive it for another 200k miles. The KDSS version will decrease road body roll and improve off-road capabilities, as well, but they are hard to find. Not so great features include: limited 3rd row seating space and comfort, high (but rare) repair costs, fuel efficiency, styling (face it, its ugly front most angles), and rear door.

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  Great car!! Beware of wheels with respect ride - 2013 Lexus ES 350
  By scottl66 - June 10 - 7:35 pm

  Great car, but beware of the wheels w/ respect to the ride. Most ES come with the standard 17" wheel and rides like a dream. Quiet and smooth. If you buy the Ultra Luxury (UL) version it comes with the 18" wheels, or you can purchase them as an option. the 18" take a low profile tire and the car rides much differently. On the highway at speed you will feel a lot of the road coming through the cabin and may hear it too. Tires can help. Get the Michelins over the Bridgestones regardless of wheel size. the Michelins ride that much better! If considering the 18" wheels make sure you drive a car with them. dont drive a regular demo and think it will drive the same. learn from me :)

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  2006 ES 330 - 2006 Lexus ES 330
  By BERNIE - June 10 - 1:13 am

  I have owned the ES330 for 2 months. I think it is going to be the finest auto I have ever owned. It did take two trips back to the dealer to get the steering right. Two front tires were replaced & a full alignment. Finally, it steers like a new car. I have driven the car only 1400 miles so far, but Im looking forward to our first long trip...A chance to get used to all the nice features & enjoy the comfort. I love it.

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  Perfect allaround - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Ron Overs - June 9 - 8:20 am

  Typical Lexus -- no problems, blemishes or engineering faults. Dealer makes me want to come in to visit & have coffee. My german cars may be more fun but I know I will get where Im going and back with "no worry"

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  Classy little car - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By oops - June 8 - 10:33 pm

  The navigation system makes this car really fun to drive... It was difficult to trust at first, but its absolutely awesome. I can always get home.... and its a great feeling.