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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  the greatest----PERIOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 1998 Lexus LS 400
  By tebook - May 11 - 10:00 am

  My first Lexus,a LS 400, 98 model. Absolutely the finest car I have ever owned. Smooth, quiet and fast. Nothing short about this car!

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  I love my Lexus - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By Shannon Kates - May 8 - 10:00 am

  I love this car....Ive wanted this car ever since it first came out and finally went out and bought one. I love the design, comfort, and I have fun driving.

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  2004 Treat! - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By KKN - May 8 - 10:00 am

  Excellent customer service car manufacturer! Reliable, classy, and fun vehicle. We are thrilled with our purchase and will enjoy it for many years.

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  The First 200k Miles... - 2000 Lexus RX 300
  By jonesiam - May 7 - 10:40 am

  Purchased it pre-owned for an individual and it has been excellent with only a couple of small problems. I am at almost 200 thousand miles and it still drives great. Aside from regular service, Ive only had to replace a rear wheel bearing and washer fluid pump. Both together were less than $600 which is not bad for a nine year old car. I did make the mistake of trying to upgrade the spark plugs to Bosh IRs which burned 3 coil packs before I went back to the original Toyota plugs. So I would suggest to stay "factory" when it comes to tune-ups.

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  2010 Lexus ISF Review - 2010 Lexus IS F
  By robenjake3 - May 6 - 10:58 pm

  The Lexus ISF is as good and maybe better than the BMW M3, it is an every day car, great handling and the gas mileage is great 21mpg, average, up to 26 hwy, The 8 speed transmission works well, and the car is tight, first tire change went to Mich AS all season, handles great in all weather

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  Sharp lookin vehicle - 2007 Lexus RX 350
  By Sabrina - May 6 - 10:50 am

  Merry Christmas, my husband surprised me on christmas with this wonderful vehicle. Its been a week now, love the drive, the beauty of the vehicle. Negatives: based upon the cost, beauty and name alone - this vehicle should come with a much better sound systems, softer leather seats, and among all things the rear backing feature (this feature is standard in the Nissan Murano) where you can view backing up without having the standard navigational system. I love Lexus vehicles, this is our 3rd lexus - first SUV. Would I trade it for something else??? NAWW.... Though the new Acura MDX did catch my eye!

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  Fine Car - 2008 Lexus ES 350
  By brad - May 6 - 1:16 am

  After 8 years with my volvo S-80 it was time for change. I looked at the new S80 and the Toyota Avalon. The S80 was much like my 2000 and too much money considering the questionable quality of my old car. The Avalon was a good driving car but seemed a bit boxy. Driving the ES 350 was the clincher. Fun, quiet, responsive and comfortable. The Lexus trunk is a better shape than either of the others and the opening much larger.

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  Best Car I have ever owned - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By Eric Bosak - May 4 - 6:26 pm

  Not had one problem with my IS 300. Once I get in, it is hard for me to get out. Love it so much I could not get rid of it to get one of the new 2006 IS 350s. No matter if it is the gas station or a stop light people are complimenting me on it all the time. The only negative thing I have to say about the car is that the back seat lacks room. Over all I think it is one of the best cars out today. Love the car more then life itself.

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  Great car to switch to from sedan - 2003 Lexus RX 300
  By DmitriyK - May 4 - 2:00 am

  If you are like me and always drove a sedan then Lexus RX300 is an excellent choice to try the SUV arena. Its not as large as full-size SUVs and it handles as well as a Sedan while providing the comform and security of a larger car. Aside from all the excellent drive/comfort/design/etc this is really a great car, solid build, and costs thousands less then overpriced BMW X5, while offering all the amenities needed and expected in a luxury SUV.

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  Absolutely Awesome - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By heather - May 2 - 5:23 pm

  I have owned 2 other Lexuses and never bought new but I saw this car about 3 wks prior to knowing I was going to need a new car and I just about fell over! The body style blew me away! After looking at the pre-owned, this car won hands down with all of the changes and upgrades that have been made and worth every extra dollar! They are pkg. the car different then the brochure and give you great features std. and in the upgraded. I upgraded plus nav... all of it a must. (Didnt do the Mark Levinson system - the std. sys. seems is great!) The power is excellent and the interior is very comfortable and quiet. An outstanding car for "entry level" luxury.