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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  My LS430 - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By MichaelR18 - May 15 - 10:00 am

  The car is simply the best car I have ever had. It is impecably built. It is impecably designed. I is just a flawless automobile. I love it.

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  Hwy Luxury, Backroad Performance - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By IndyEric - May 15 - 10:00 am

  The GX470 is deceptively spacious and capable, yet maintains the quality and luxury that you expect from Lexus. I purchased a 2003 GX470 the first week that they were available in December of 2002. I recently traded that one in for a 2004 model. The ride is wonderful and the Nav/sound/ and entertainment systems make the long family trips easy while the ride is smoother than our Acura TL sedan. The biggest surprise is how much room they have. Where does it come from?

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  Great SUV!! For the money!! - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Joe Ra - May 15 - 10:00 am

  always had Jeep up to 5 years ago in 1999 luxus name suv of the year i start buying one every year very happy with them!They also treat you great when you go back for service !While waiting for your repairs they that you to the mall or where every you like and pict you up so you dont have to hang out their or bother any one to pick you up or bring you some where ,they will!!!

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  Superb car - 2002 Lexus LS 430
  By Andrej Skerjanec - May 14 - 2:56 pm

  I bought it with 28K on the odometer. Now I have 130K. Car has been virtually trouble free. I do regular oil changes (every 5K) and standard maintenance as per the manual. I recently changed from 93 octane fuel to 89 and Im now getting between 24-25 mpg in mixed driving and 27 mpg on the highway at an avg. speed of 80 mph. I noticed a slight improvement in fuel economy with no change in performance. I had no problems with a car so far, not a single minor thing went bad. This car has been over designed and it shows; you feel like itll go forever. I moved to Lexus from Audi, which was a great car to drive as well, but it started falling apart after 35K. I use my Lexus as a daily commuter.

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  Gas Mileage a Fraud - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Kelly Turton - May 13 - 11:03 pm

  Touted as 31MPG City, 28MPG Hwy. We have around 1800 miles on ours and the very best it gets is 21MPG overall. Dealer said that it did not need a break in period. Now they say it could take 6000 miles to break in. Both dealer and factory said the RX400h is more about performance and less about MPG. Baloney! There are a lot of cars out there that get 21 MPG. The only reason we paid the $10,000 higher sticker price over the regular RX model was for the better mileage. Both dealer and factory have tried to blame our driving habits. We live in So. Cal. where the weather is good and the roads are level.

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  Buyers Remorse Gone Sweet! - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By mead300 - May 13 - 1:28 pm

  I bought this car almost a month ago and was ripped off by a flipper who committed odometer fraud. After kicking myself in the butt for falling for it, I realized this is one amazing car. Great handling, lots of power, stylish, A REAL HEAD TURNER! I estimated it to be at about 171,000 miles at the moment but you could never tell because it still hauls better than my 05 Accord with 115K miles. Very comfortable. Cant wait to take a road trip in it. Stylish as it comes but the aftermarket parts are all over if you feel the need. I am putting on a K&N cold air intake to hear that engine purr nicer. Already has a nice soft roar. I plan to keep this car until it dies!

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  First 300 miles - 2010 Lexus HS 250H
  By gigapocket - May 12 - 6:30 pm

  Just bought it last week and drove the all new hybrid for about 300 miles - city and hwy combined. Very comfy, lot of interior space. Pros: Awesome style inside and out. Cons: Not very powerful, but since its a hybrid.. cant really ask for more.

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  One fine machine! - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By bagman - May 12 - 2:00 am

  This is a very fun car to drive. It is extremely comfortable for both driver and passenger, possesses every amenity one could desire including a very functional GPS and a marvelous sound system from Mark Levinson. Added to that you get Lexus service which I have found to far above and beyond any other brand. My vehichle is silver with black leather interior and I do have the run flat tires on it to conserve trunk space.

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  Comparison of GX470, Cayenne and X5 - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By stonedesigner - May 11 - 7:26 am

  I just purchased this suv loaded. I compared the Porsche Cayenne and the BMW X5 and the Mercedes M class. There was no comparison in terms of overall comfort, status and value in the long run. My sister has had hers for about 4 months 2004 and mine is 2005. She loves it more every day and I am starting to love mine too! I know I made the right decision. THe Porsche had more of a wow factor but more time in the shop which I dont need, the mercedes wasnt up to snuff and the BMW was a close second but too trucky. This was MUCH more luxurious. I even was able to add 2 extra seats which wasnt available in the BMW or the Porsche. I am happy.

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  2001 Lexus GS 300 - 2001 Lexus GS 300
  By 2001 Lexus GS 300 - May 10 - 11:40 am

  Have been driving this car for 4 years and there are no issues whatsoever just regular maint. Very quiet ride inside the car, they used top materials to build it. Very impressed and dont want to sell. Definitely would buy again.