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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  LX470 experience - 2004 Lexus LX 470
  By Ricardo Carter M.D - April 13 - 2:00 am

  THis is my 6th lx470. It is a wonderful vehicle to drive and the low hp240 is not a factor for every day driving. The comfort and the quality of the vehicle is great. Using the current gear shift system and taking off the overdrive on climbing hills or passing, you wouldnt know it has a low hp. This is a luxury car ride in an SUV. If you are towing something the it may feel a little underpowered. How often does the average 470 owner have something in tow? You wont get me buying anything but a 470. An upgrade in the cargo space and hp will be great in the new model, but for now this baby is the cream of the crop.

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  2004 LS430 TEST DRIVE - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By John McLean - April 13 - 2:00 am

  I compared the test drive to the drive in the LS430 2003 model. There is a huge difference. Here are the points:- The 2004 Lexus LS430 is:- 1. Much tighter than the 2003 model. 2. Much better braking - stops faster. 3. Faster 0 to 60 (You can feel it) 4. Does not lean on bends. 5. Quieter - All noises are gone. 6. Feels much more comfortable. 7. Gives me much more confidence. 8. Looks better!! 9. Navigation Better. 10. Interior quality much improved.

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  Great First - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By GavinJuly3 - April 11 - 11:10 am

  This car is great but would have suggested to G35 or GS or Ls for a more smooth luxury feeling. But Ive enjoyed this car so far and hope theres many more years to come.

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  It doesnt get better than this - 2002 Lexus LX 470
  By rxpc - April 11 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is the ultimate SUV on the planet. It has all the bells and whistles, has Lexus reliability and build quality, and styling that is unmatched by any of its competitors. Its one of those few vehicles on the road that tells the world, "youve arrived."

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  Does it worth $10K over the RX 330? - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Les - April 10 - 4:36 am

  Disappointed with the interior of the dashboard and steering wheel--the RX 300 looks more impressive. The Navigation screen is hard to see during sunny days due to glare (at nights it is wonderful). Overall gas mileage for the first 1,000 miles is about 26mpg, even though we drove more in city thn on the highway. This figure is about 35% better than the RX 300, but not what Lexus claims.

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  Happy RX owner - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By mightyduck - April 9 - 10:00 am

  Lexus did a nice job with this ride.

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  Awesome Car - 2005 Lexus SC 430
  By Dr. Bob - April 7 - 5:46 am

  The best car Ive ever owned, and Ive owned 14 over the years including a corvette. Build quality and reliablity is the best of any car maker regardless of price. Beautiful looking, very fun to drive, top down is a breeze, comfortable, incredible sound system. Im getting 25 mpg on highway. Not one problem in 2 years. Nav system is fun to use on trips. Plenty of go power, less than the vette, but as to build quality and reliability, no comparison. Rides smooth and quiet, yet screams if I step on it. This ones a keeper.

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  Best ES By Far - 2008 Lexus ES 350
  By J Parsons - April 6 - 9:30 am

  This is my 4th ES, the last being an 04. The 08 is a vast improvement in performance and design - best car Ive ever had. Ultra Lux pkg with all options except dynamic cruise control. Levinson stereo is outstanding. Answers to some problems of other reviewers: 1. Mirror tilt can be deactivated by keeping mirror adjust swith in the center position. 2. Unlock button on key fob can be linked to memory system so seats can adjust pre-entry. 3. Glove box is lit, but only when tail lights are on. 4. Regular fuel is OK, but performance is better on premium. 5. When entering destinations in the nav system, be sure youre in the proper map zone for the address - not your present location.

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  A little underwhelmed - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By LongCommute - April 5 - 3:10 pm

  This is my first Lexus, although my family has owned many. In my opinion, this is the best looking crossover but the interior is underwhelming. The doors are plastic and the center console in the front seat is not user friendly. The power outlets are way down in the bottom of the console and I have to remove everything to add or remove my cell phone charger. The backseat has made an awful squeaking noise since I purchased the vehicle. Five trips to the dealership have not fixed the problem. The light tan leather is beautiful but every time I wear blue jeans, they leave blue dye on the seats. This model does not have exterior door guards and although it looks great, this car is a ding magnet!

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  sporty and reliable - 2004 Lexus GS 300
  By jarrett - April 2 - 10:00 am

  my experience with this vechile has been very fun. Style Power And sport all names this performance sedan. I also have to say that the trunk has made bigger improvments in space leather is more rich. And the vsc is wonderful in the winter time. Its pricing is very good to because its not as high as bmws 5 series and not as high as mercedes benz E Class.