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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  A Dream Automobile - 1998 Lexus LS 400
  By Dr. J - April 11 - 12:00 am

  The LS 400 is unbelievably comfortable and quiet. Trips of 3 or more hours are a piece of cake. It handles well for a luxury sedan and gets surprisingly good gas mileage for a V8. As others have said, the workmanship is unparalleled. This is far and away the finest automobile I have owned. My wife has an Infiniti that I thought was top shelf until I bought the Lexus LS 400 - there is no comparison.

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  Premium plus package - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Scott S. - April 8 - 6:13 am

  Love this car. Have only put 2000 miles on it so far but I really love this car. I am a very big guy (wide not tall). I was tempted to buy a used LS to get the size, but have found that the ES 350 accomodates me very nicely. I did not want the panoramic roof, dont find it very practical since I drive alone most of the time. I sat in many vehicles with and without Mark Levinson sound system and could not hear a difference between the premium and ML systems at all using XM radio, iPod, CD classical music, jazz etc. I read over and over the ML radio is fantastic but I must say the premium w/nav etc. is a pleasure to listen to for about $2000 less.

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  Great car - 2008 Lexus IS F
  By Vik - April 7 - 6:16 am

  This is by far the best car I have ever driven in my life. Its not too expensive compared to a mercedes or a higher end bmw. This has 400 horsepower and is an amazing sports sedan. I recommend this car to everone. The suspension and torque on this car iss uncomparable to others.

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  Everyting I thought it would be and more - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By Leo De La Rosa - April 6 - 2:00 am

  I had always wanted a nice car for as long as I could remember. When I went to buy my new car I had never even been inside a Lexus. I loved the test vehicle that I used and when I actually got the vehicle I wanted in the color and extras I was in shock. It didnt hit me til a couple of weeks that I had actually purchased a Lexus IS300. This car drives incredibly, fast, comfortable, and it turns heads. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone who wants a nice car and doesnt want to pay overcharges for a tag.

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  Pleasure to drive - 2001 Lexus ES 300
  By jasok - April 4 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Lexus (coach Ed.), and I have to say, definitely not the last. I have had the car over a year, and have not had one problem with it. Acceleration is superb, as well and the steering and ride. All interior controls are well thought out. Excellent car!

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  GREAT LUXURY SUV - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By J. Davenport - April 4 - 10:00 am

  This LEXUS RX300 is worth every penny...purchased used and is a pleasure to drive.

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  Luxury at a reasonable price - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By Ed Howard - April 2 - 7:43 pm

  This is the most quiet vehicle I have ever been in. Not good in snow because of the rear wheel drive. Other than snow the handling is excellent. The controls should be simplified. My wife hates the confusion which is OK with me as she prefers to drive the Ford Explorer! I just replaced the brakes, rotors and tires. This is the first money spent in the 2 years I owned the car.

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  AWESOME ES330 - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Judy - April 2 - 3:10 am

  The ES 330 is wonderful. I sold my SC 430 because I found the ES 330 to be a better car with more options and certainly more room. If its a Lexus its fun and reliable and oh so quiet

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  the best ever - 2005 Lexus IS 300
  By emily - March 31 - 7:00 pm

  i got my car for my birthday and its awesome it is really fun to drive and soo sleek looking how can u not love it!!!!!!

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  loving my gx470 - 2007 Lexus GX 470
  By nithu - March 31 - 6:56 am

  Just bought my GX470. Its much roomier than my RX. Loving the car. The SUV hugs the road, drives great and Lexuss comfort is unmatchable to any other car.