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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  Best Car Ive Owned - 2010 Lexus HS 250H
  By Marty - March 13 - 11:36 pm

  Despite the reviews, the car handles well and the brakes were easy to get used to. I got the technology package and the navigation. Both are awesome and easy to use. I am getting over 40 mpg in combined city/highway driving. The seats are very comfortable. The acceleration is fine. I purchased the car for $2000 below the sticker price. I am thrilled with this car!

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  Everything and More - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By dpant00 - March 13 - 7:11 am

  I bought it new. It now has 110k hard driven miles. Never had an issue. The Eshift is awesome, I use it almost always. When its in normal automatic, the shifts are super quick and clean- great for getting off fast and even. Interior is sweet with chrome details and comfortable leather. If Im really nitpicking, the trunk is small, but it has a cool pass-through feature into the backseat that helps. Ive never had a car this long, but I just cant bring myself to sell it because I feel that the value for this car is unsurpassed. Very satisfied, I highly recommend this car even if its used with alot of miles. I wish the rest of my life was this consistent...

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  GREAT CAR - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By IVAN MARIO - March 12 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE THIS CAR.. I LOVE THE WAY IT HANDLES.. I LOVE THE PERFORMANCE.. AND I LOVE THE LOOK

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  2005 GX 470 review - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By Hank - March 11 - 12:00 pm

  This vehicle is one of the best vehicles we have ever owned...maybe the best, but we have only owned it for 1 month, so we will need more time to evaluate it. The only better SUV will be the hybrid GX470H(?) to help fuel economy. The GX has every option we were looking for and more. The navigation is tremendous! It does everything for you. I am a car buff and do not really care for Japanese imports, but the GX470 is the benchmark in all catagories for the USA to strive for. Buy it...youll like it!

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  1st Hybrid, previous Lexus owner - 2010 Lexus RX 450h
  By Jim M. - March 9 - 1:30 pm

  Had my previous 03 RX in for an oil change and drove the 2010 RX350. I went ahead and placed the 1st order with money and got the exact car I wanted on the 1st delivery. What a technological marvel !!! I truly dont believe there is any competition in its price class with this much performance, luxury, safety, features, and economy. I plan on keeping this car till the batteries fail, probably about 10 years.

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  A Prius with a whole lot of style - 2011 Lexus CT 200H
  By mscottie - March 9 - 12:53 pm

  This car is not a rocket, but its got more than adequate pickup when you need it (especially from a stop). Handling is great for a non-AWD vehicle, even with the mediocre OEM tires. The seats are fantastic with large bolsters (dont know what the heck the Motorweek folks are talking about!). Absolutely no complaints about the layout of the controls, although the navigation system is unnecessarily awkward to use (I much prefer the Navigon & TomTom apps on my iPhone, but its not built into the car). About 2K miles in and were averaging over 45MPG of mostly city/suburban driving (but we still get about 45 on the highway, too).

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  love my lexus - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By drjulie - March 9 - 11:36 am

  I just got this 4 days ago, and I already love it. I traded a sedan that "REQUIRED" the highest octane fuel and love this gas effeciency - much better than my sedan, and loads better than my friends with SUVs, plus you dont have to give up luxury.

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  Perfection - 2010 Lexus LX 570
  By Betty - March 8 - 10:33 pm

  Very Happy with my purchase. Test drove Range Rover, LR4, and H2, none of with could come close in any category. Center Consul Cool Box is convenient.

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  2012 RX 350 - 2012 Lexus RX 350
  By desiree3 - March 7 - 5:42 pm

  I vowed to never buy another car brand new, I drive a lot and it just made since to trade in my car for a new one. I was so in love with my first 350 that I new I would stick with this car. The upgrade has been very accomodating, I still feel like im driving my other car, the upgrades are perfect but not overbearing. I would recommend this vehicle anytime

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  I Love This Vehicle - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By G Conti - March 7 - 10:00 am

  This SUV is the best! The NAV system is awesome. Interior and exterior are flawless. I am so happy with my purchase!