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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  Fun to drive - 2005 Lexus SC 430
  By joe - June 28 - 10:26 am

  This sports coupe is so much fun to drive. From the minute I get behind the wheel my heart starts to race. This SC is a real winner, whether on the highway or just driving local. If youre looking for a convertible this is it.

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  The car is a beast. - 2000 Lexus LS 400
  By Northern VA yuppie - June 28 - 12:46 am

  This car is exactly what it was designed to be: a Cadillac killer. Its a rear-wheel drive highway luxo-cruiser, not a BMW M3. Those who complain about this car being unexciting obviously didnt do their homework and should stick to German sports coupes or Miatas. That said, this cars V8 has enough power to rocket from zero-60 in about 6.5 seconds, and the acceleration from 40-80 mph is even more heinous. I cant help but grin like a jackal when I pass people in this beast. And the other 99% of the time you cannot hear the engine! I cannot say enough about this car. The fit and finish is amazing. Even the smallest details are overengineered for wide margins of error and flawlessly done.

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  Perfect except for a few minor items - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By Scott Michael - June 26 - 10:00 am

  i wish that the voice control system for the NAV and climate would learn my commands a little bit better. I also wish that there was a options package level between the custom and luxury setting that would sacrifice some of the backseat improvement and still leave some of the performance features. But, these are pretty picky items in an almost perfect car. If yourre having a mid-life crisis...get hair plugs and a Ferrari...If you want a wonderful ride in a car that is very comfortable, fun to drive and reasonably prices, buy a LS $#)

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  Best on the Market!!! - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By sds59 - June 24 - 10:00 am

  Theres a lot of sporty cars in this class, but this car is by far the best! Its the greatest combination of FAST, FUN sports car with complete LUXURY fully expected by a maker like Lexus. Youve GOT to get one of these!!!

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  Lexus RX300 - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By Jonathan3215473 - June 24 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned it rides great and it is verry nice.

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  GREAT CAR!!! - 2004 Lexus GS 300
  By KevinTran - June 19 - 10:00 am

  Great car, reliable, smooth, and very sleek compared to rival German and Domestic Cars.

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  EXCELLENT - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By HZOUDA - June 19 - 10:00 am

  EXCLLENT CAR, WOULD PREFER MORE CARGO ROOM FOR 7 PASSENGER CAR. FUEL ECON, COULD BE BETTER. OR 6 CLIN MODLE

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  LOVE THIS CAR!! - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By smashingk - June 18 - 11:10 pm

  I test drove several cars including Mercedes S class, BMWs, Jaguars. etc. I chose this car because of reliability, price and the whole package. I bought the ultra luxury package which comes with a massager in the back seat, navigation, sound system, smart key, parking sensors, back auto shades, etc. The handling is great in this car. I have left my keys in the car twice at the shopping mall cause I couldnt hear the engine running. This car also gets great gas on the highway. I can drive from Atlanta to northern VA on a full tank of gas. I was very impressed. I never had any problems.

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  SC430 A GREAT, FUN CAR - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By gagdds1 - June 17 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned several sports cars and other fun cars, but none compares to the fun and exhillaration of driving the SC430. The quality of this car is the defining trait---from design of interior and exterior to the engine and transmission. Then there is the aspect of it being a hardtop coupe changing to a convertible in 25 seconds. Give it a try when shopping for porsches, bmws, mercedes, etc!

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  Cant Beat the RX300 - 2003 Lexus RX 300
  By Fun is back - June 17 - 2:00 am

  Lexus is the benchmark builder of the small SUV. The RX handles like a car and provides the utility of an suv. Performance and road feel are very good. Its hard to switch brands after driving one of these.