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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  Great car. - 2014 Lexus ES 350
  By MA - February 19 - 12:19 am

  Just get it, you wont regret.

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  Smart and classy buy - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By Elena - February 18 - 7:23 pm

  Looked at many other suvs, but loved this one! I have had it for almost a year and an very happy with it. I have just reached 12,000+ miles and the car still looks brand new! It drives very comfortably and is spacious! The trunk is a bit small when the third row is down, but i love the third row option. People tend to complain about the trunk door, but it has not bothered me once! Its a great car and should last a good long time, both the interior and engine! :)

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  RX 400h - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Kevin Scherer - February 18 - 2:40 pm

  The vehicle performs well is comfortable but the mileage is not near the numbers that Lexus indicates. We get about 22 miles per gallon overall (we have not checked highway verses city but drive city about 60% of the time). Also, they should provide the wood interior as an option as only the silver was available so we had to pay for wood trim to be added (Lexus installed an aftermarket wood kit).

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  The perfect car for us. - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Hawaii Quayles - February 18 - 10:06 am

  After reading all the low MPG ratings every one was getting we were very happy to see that its all in how you drive it. We average arround 27 mpg per tank. On freeway trips of around 30 miles we can get over 34 mpg. You have to learn how to save some gas when you drive this car and it will be worth every penny. Our models here in Hawaii are a little less money because we dont have a NAV system and cant even order it. Aside from lacking the back up camera, we have had no problems with visibility as some have mentioned. The quality materials used in this SUV are amazing, we will definitely be buying another Lexus.

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  Good Luxury SUV - 2001 Lexus LX 470
  By llrinco - February 18 - 4:06 am

  Smooth ride, luxury features. After 110K miles it has needed some repairs (ignition broke, suspension wiring went berserk).

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  Love My LS430 - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By JDR122 - February 16 - 2:00 am

  What a treat to drive - Supremely comfortable, absolutely smooth ride, listening to CDs even if I dont particularly want to because of the amazing sound quality. Ended up with the ultra-lux package, and my kids tell everyone at school about all of the cool rear seat features.

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  Dream Car - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By hjnicholas - February 16 - 2:00 am

  This car is unbelievable. The ride and luxury is better than BMW and Mercedes. Lexus has only been around since 1989 but has won more awards than its German competition and now I understand why.

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  Great SUV - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By smgebg - February 15 - 3:36 am

  I have have been extremely pleased with this SUV so far. Very comfortable interior design (still getting use to the mouse for navigation), excellent safety features, and the car just feels extremely well built and solid. Dont expect a BMW or Audi-like drive with sports suspension tuning etc., but it is quiet, sturdy, and nimble enough to handle most road situations. The first recommended scheduled maintenance has been changed to 5k (not 1k). I find the seats comfortable. At close to 2k miles so far and not one single problem.

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  Art on Wheels - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Dewey - February 15 - 2:23 am

  I love this vehicle. It fits like a designer suit and is lots of fun to drive. Many SUVs drive like a truck. Not the Lexus RX 330. Its all about comfort and luxury. When I see it from a distance I have to pinch myself to realize that I really do own this piece of art on wheels. The RX 330 is one of the most beautiful vehicles on the road. I think Im in love.

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  Art on Wheels - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Dewey - February 15 - 1:16 am

  I love this vehicle. It fits like a designer suit and is lots of fun to drive. Many SUVs drive like a truck. Not the Lexus RX 330. Its all about comfort and luxury. When I see it from a distance I have to pinch myself to realize that I really do own this piece of art on wheels. The RX 330 is one of the most beautiful vehicles on the road. I think Im in love.