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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  Awesome Used Car - 2001 Lexus ES 300
  By W. - March 9 - 3:43 am

  I bought my ES300 back in Oct. 2009 after reading over Edmunds and various other websites. I finally caved in and traded my old 1997 MB C230 (210k mi, saggy headliner, expensive to maintain) for a more reliable car. While looking for cars like newer Accords & Camrys, I lucked up and this appeared locally on a car lot. For an older car, the ES300 feels right at home and better equipped compared to a newer Accord or Camry. I compromised and bought it with 98k miles (kinda high mi), and Had to recently service it for new belts & water pump at 105k miles. My mechanic stated "its basically an expensive Toyota," which is exactly what I wanted: Everything works well, and it starts every time.

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  Very Happy!! - 2016 Lexus NX 200t
  By Frank Merritt - March 8 - 2:07 pm

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  Wow. - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By spacedude86 - March 7 - 11:30 pm

  If youre looking for a small luxury SUV, I high recommend the RX 330. The AWD allows maximum traction during all sorts of weather. The interior is beautiful, the polished wood steering wheel feels amazing to control. The sound system is hot, the style is hot. If youre also looking at the Acura MDX, let me tell you what the differences are: MDX has more power, more towing capacity and more storage space. It isnt as luxurious, refined or reliable as the RX 330. So it depends on what youre looking for. If youre looking for a hot SUV, take the RX 330. If youre looking for something to camp with or tow with, pick the Acura MDX.

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  awesome car - 2006 Lexus ES 330
  By stan - March 5 - 6:16 pm

  Bought the 2006 black diamond edition with all options. Car is quietest, smoothest riding vehicle I have owned. Fuel economy seems to be ok- 23/24 city so far. Interior is first rate and radio sounds like you are in a concert hall. No evidence of trans problem others have had.

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  Great car to own! - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By Birgit - March 5 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this car for 1 year and 10 months-not one thing has gone wrong with it. Excellent service at the dealership! Very comfortable to drive! Pleasure to own!

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  Relentless Pursuit of Perfection - 2009 Lexus ES 350
  By connoisseur1 - March 3 - 3:55 pm

  I was fortunate enough to find a 2009 Lexus ES 350 with 35,000 miles on it that was in mint condition.It is silky smooth and whisper quiet.I have no issues with the steering,and it handles well even around sharp curves.You have the feeling you are controlling a precision instrument. The biggest surprise is how fast it is.It has awsome passing power,and it is also fast off the line. My only minor critique on the car is that although the front seats are decently comfortable,there is room for improvement in that area.

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  Changing from an RX 330 - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Kane Bieri - March 2 - 5:40 pm

  the difference is remarkable. better performance, excellent response, and the rest is the same.

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  Strictly Awesome! - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By Joe Weiland - March 1 - 5:20 pm

  The most awesome ride on wheels. Tremendous spunk when passing, smooth acceleration and great gas mileage. I went from Green Bay, WI to Omaha, NE on one tank of gas (594 miles).

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  Lexus GS 300 AWD - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By R Goren - February 28 - 4:10 pm

  I like the Lexus feel and have driven the ES 300. This car is that and better. the engine while not a rocket is silky and forceful when needed. I get about 23-24 MPG. I love the Lexus interior and this is no different. The redesigned exterior is quite sleek to me. Terrific handling, hit my favorite curves with ease. The keyless entry is great; just grab the door handle and it unlocks.

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  Outstanding - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By DarLee - February 28 - 1:56 am

  We were already a Lexus owner (2004 ES 330) and looking for even more luxury and performance. The GS 300 provided that and more in a beautiful red exterior (Matador Red) that turns heads!