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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  Perfection - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By display? - March 24 - 2:46 am

  I bought a 2002 lexus 430 and after driving this for 3 years and 18,000 miles, I thought nothing could surpass it but in Jan I sold it and bought a 2005 430 and found out they had actually been able to improve the ride. This is the ultimate, the gas mileage is 27-28 mpg on the highway. The nav system! well Im still working on this, but getting there. An unbelievable car.

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  Love our Lexus - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By Jim&Michelle - March 21 - 10:00 am

  We had a couple of BMW 3 series before this car and have been extremly pleased with the quality and conveniences of the Is300. I would suggest to those looking for an alternative to the BMW and Acura to test drive this car!! The reliabilty, along with the unreal pampering of Lexus has spoiled both my wife and I.

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  Worth the Money - 2005 Lexus LX 470
  By jl culberson - March 21 - 10:00 am

  The Lexus LX470 is worth every penny. Like the Landcrusier in looks ,but not ride. We have a Landcruiser as well and I have to say the Lexus rides so much smoother. There is also a difference in service when I take my car in for maintenance. Toyota has nothing on Lexus for their service department.This is a suv worth every penny..

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  Changed my allegiance - 2000 Lexus RX 300
  By True Lexan - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Im a recently converted Lexus fan. I thought it would just be a dressed up Toyota, but Lexus really got it right. This car does everything!

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  04 LS430 Bang for the buck - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By bob G. - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Smooth, extra quiet, 16-18 MPG around town. What a car. Maybe not as fast or as nimble but who cares when you are riding in the utmost of quiet comfort. Not much out there like it.

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  The Best Car on the Road - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By Rosemarie Welding - March 21 - 10:00 am

  The Lexus is by far the best vehicle on the road. It is a joy to drive and is also very pleasing to the eye. Being the former owner of a Jaguar, I can say unequivocally that this car is so much more reliable, so much more comfortable and last but not least more quiet than a Jaguar. Kudos to the design genius that kept women in mind while designing this car. You thought of everything from the seat adjustments to the vanity lighted mirrors. Just pure enjoyment!!

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  Everything youre looking for! - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By KareGal - March 21 - 10:00 am

  The minute you get into the car youre floating on clouds. The ride is unbelievable. I previously owned a Toyota Sequoia which was also a great vehicle but I felt I didnt need to drive around in a car that big.Its the perfect size, gliding ride, and luxury style

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  Great Car - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Michael Smyth - March 21 - 10:00 am

  This car is great. The feAtures are outstanding. the power rear door and the XM Radio are O My GOd theyre just awesome

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  Second Lexus RX - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By picventure - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Excellent changes from the RX300 which I also loved

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  My Lexus RX 300 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Christina Moritz - March 21 - 10:00 am

  This is the second Lexus we purchase3 after trading in the Mercedes which was in the shop more than two times in one Year. We love everything about the Lexus and will purchase another in 2 years. We hope to get the new model of the 430 sedan.