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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  Lexus SC430, My Opinion - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By Eddie Varnadore - December 27 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my SC430 in March, 2001. One of the first delivered in Marietta, Ga. I enjoy the car. Styling is great, Its a head turner. Overall I rate it an excellent automobile. Problems Ive had are as follows: Clunking sound (metal to metal) in rear of car over rough bumps.) Road noise from no-flat tires, wind noise from rear seat belts when top down. Also, car bottoms out over bumps.

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  Not sure but hopeful - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By Genia - December 26 - 10:06 pm

  Bought the car around 60K miles; very nice looking interior and exterior. Very comfortable ride and heated seats still get hot at 179,000 miles. However, transmission had to be replaced last year since it would not go in rear drive. Lexus assisted a bit, perhaps because this is our third Lex. Still had a $3000 bill. Recent repairs $800 and now ABS axle broke so looking at another $1000 repair. Must say our 97 Lex Es300 has 300,000 miles and rides very nice still with only minor repairs. Our 05 Lex Es 330 is roomier but still ride was better in 97. Paint superior on all three cars. In the market for a newer car, just not sure if I should get another RX. A bit formal style vs. casual.

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  My second SC430 - 2006 Lexus SC 430
  By WARREN T. ROBBINS - December 26 - 8:20 am

  The 2006 is my second SC430. I traded my 2003 for the newer model. I have owned many proformance cars including Porches, BMWs, Mercedes,Ferrari and Corvettes. It is not the quickest or the fastest, but is definately the most comfortable to drive, especially on long trips. I enjoy owning this car.

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  Very impressive vehicle - 2010 Lexus RX 450h
  By dorene - December 25 - 11:06 pm

  We are so impressed with our 450h. The handling is excellent; it glides and flies down the road. The steering is tight and the car responds with little effort. We took a trip with our two adult children and a 14 year old; the middle seat is a bit tight, but it handles full capacity comfortably for the most part. Tech features are fun and mainly intuitive. The mouse is fun and useful. Voice navigation has limits but reads well. We love the heated/cooled front seats and classy interior; love the interior lights. Dont like the park assist; it over reacts and is annoying; other downside is it tends to be a little underpowered at times, but nothing major. Overall a total winner!

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  Awesome and reliable - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By llrinco - December 25 - 10:45 pm

  I have owned this SUV for 5 years and no real problems. It has over 110,000 miles but keeps running.

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  This is no Camry - 2001 Lexus ES 300
  By Lexus Forever - December 25 - 5:10 am

  I bought this 2001 ES300 on eBay and am impressed with the car even with relatively high mileage of 78K on it. There was a rear main seal leak so I spent $1300+ to get it fixed plus a 90K maintenance service (changed timing, drive belts, trans flush, coolant flush, new front crank seal and cam seal, new O2 sensor, etc). Now the car drives beatifully, quiet and powerful.

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  I LOVE WHAT LEXUS DO TO US.! - 2004 Lexus LX 470
  By jo-ne - December 24 - 10:00 am

  THE ONLY THING THAT I REGRET TO THIS VEHICLE ARE PAYMENTS AND GAS MILEAGE. BUT COMFORT, STYLE LUXURY ARE THE BEST SPECIALLY THE SUSPENSION.IT LEVELED TO ANY ANGLE YOU PARK THE LX470. AMAZING! HONDA SPECIALIST 2001.

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  Comfort and Class - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By Robert M. Beggs - December 24 - 10:00 am

  My SC430 is silver and provides an increcably quiet and smooth ride, and jumps with acceleration when needed. The engineering is superb and I appreciate all the details, as well as the great Levinson sound system and fabulous interior. I enjoy having what is both a great sedan and gorgeious convertible -- its definitely a "babe mobile."

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  Would love it more if it got 30 mpg - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Marc - December 24 - 5:20 am

  Have had my 400h over a year now and I have found it to be truly a comfortable, fun to drive luxury vehicle! We were sorely disappointed when it only got 24.5 mpg both in town and on the highway. I didnt expect the advertized 31 mpg, but I did expect to get 28. But, even 24.5 is 50% better than the non-hybrid. It does have different engine and transmission sounds; a gear sound and the engine goes faster or slower at unexpected times. But this is my problem, not the cars, after all, it is different technology. My father tells me that he didnt like fluid transmissions when they came out either.

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  Lexus RX - 2003 Lexus RX 300
  By Kenny Ken - December 22 - 10:00 am

  Just a little disappointed. I think if I had to do it over I would buy the Hummer.