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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  RX 400h the super car - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Richter - August 11 - 9:30 am

  This is our 6th Lexus and the RX 400h is better than anyof the previous ones we have owned.; Wow, is the word on it. The designers have though of everything and it is the best driving machine we have ever encountered.

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  ES 330 Sport Design - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By michelle - August 11 - 3:30 am

  This is my second Lexus. I first had the IS 300 and was looking for a car that handled the snow better. So far my ES 330 has not been a disappointment. I feel safe in this car and I also feel that due to the superior braking ability that this car had saved my life. The fuel economy is great considering the weight of the car. The car is also very quiet and solid with no loose parts that rattle when driving. I also love my rear sun shade that keeps the sun glare out of my car when sunny it also keeps my car cool on hot days.

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  Excellent except..... - 2016 Lexus RX 350
  By Mike - August 10 - 6:58 am

  The exterior of the car is beautiful. Hip and aggressive. Interior is rich and beautiful. Attention to details is evident. Safety features are great and affordable. Fuel economy is so so. Great value compared to Benz and Audi. My only gripe is with the fake and loud exhaust noise in the cabin and uncomfortable front driver seat. I bought the car for its comfort and quietness reputation. Unfortunately the new RX350 does not deliver either well. Spend some more and get an Audi :(

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  Perfect SUV - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By Ayyubov - August 8 - 4:33 pm

  Excellent vehicle. Performance is great. Fuel economy is a factor, but its V8 4,7 so its not that bad. Interior is luxurious, ride is fun.

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  Love My Lexus - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Steven Adler - August 7 - 1:46 pm

  This vehicle has what I would call "smooth power." It has the feel of luxury but with plenty of reserve power behind it. I love the new auto wipers. I never need to touch the windshield wiper control again. The individually controlled seat warmer/cooler was a pleasant surprise. Those are just a few little things that I like. Overall, I love the feeling of confidence I have in My Lexus.

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  Best Car Ever - 2008 Lexus ES 350
  By scott badeaux - August 6 - 10:30 pm

  I purchased my ES 350 with the ultra luxury package. This car is the model of refinement. The interior is top notch with quality material throughout. Its one of the quietest cars Ive ever driven. You cannot hear wind noise or road noise. The car has no rattles and is silent at highway speeds. The car rides very smoothly, but still handles very well. While its no sports car, it handles better than most people would expect. With the 3.5 liter V6 you have more power than you could ever need. The car merges into trafic with ease, and passing on the freeway could not be easier. Even when you punch the engine, its silent and does not intrude into the cabin.

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  Very Happy! - 2000 Lexus LS 400
  By UncleSean - August 5 - 7:53 pm

  I absolutely fell in love with this vehicle on the test drive! It has the perfect balance of power and comfort. If you need to pass someone you can do it as easy as the wind blows, and when you want to cruise along comfortably, this car will make you feel like your hovering on air. The interior as well as the exterior are absolutely timeless in design, the car turns heads! If you can find a deal on one, GET IT!

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  GS 300---WHAT A GREAT AUTOMOBILE!!! - 2001 Lexus GS 300
  By Jack Burke HHI - August 5 - 10:00 am

  The GS 300 is a solid, reliable, stunning car which is extremely comfortable and fun to drive. Exterior styling is supurb, a real "Head Turner". It drives beautifully, and I feel totally safe driving the car. Plenty of head, leg, and trunk room. I love the car!!!

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  Best suv on earth - 2000 Lexus LX 470
  By kevinrphkv - August 5 - 10:00 am

  This suv is king... it is the best of the best in all areas. It is in a class of its own.

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  The Lexus Dream SC430 - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By Kent Smith - August 5 - 10:00 am

  This is a LUXURY sports car. Dont be fooled by reviews that think this needs to be a Ferrari in the corners, but it certainly holds its own. There is so much automation in this car, you have to do very little to drive down the road. Everyone I show the car and give rides to is in awe of the fantastic look, feel, ride, and comfort provided. I have the run-flat tires, but only 1000 miles so far with no complaints so far. It is as fun with the top up as it is down. If you need to move 3 or 4 our people a lot, this is not your car. It is good for the occasional short run to lunch with 3.