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 Ride - Great Car - 2008 Lexus ES 350
  By Texas Buyer - May 30 - 8:50 am

  Bought the 08 ES350 over the 08 C-Class , 08 new Accord, & 08 TL. Very happy with the car. Extremely quiet and luxurious. Very large interior. A bit larger car then I wanted, but that is a personal preference.

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  Worth every penny spent! - 2004 Lexus GS 300
  By Fooshe - May 29 - 2:00 am

  This car has been flawless. I think a couple extra ponies under the hood would be nice, but not really all that necessary. The GS430 is TOO much engine for everyday use. Ride is silky smooth and my 100 a day, round trip commute is not so bad anymore. I look forward to my drive now. No regrets!

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  Performance a bit disappointing - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By Andrewky - May 29 - 2:00 am

  This car has the mushiest transmission shift I have ever experienced. The car lags annoyingly when attempting to accelerate for passing at highway speeds, and never seems to select the appropriate gear for optimum performance. The fit, finish and luxury of the car are beyond reproach. Unfortunately, driving pleasure is marred by the transmission characteristics for which Lexus has no cure. Ive had two Mercedes sedans recently and the ES300 just doesnt measure up to the performance standards set by the Benzs.

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  1st Time Lexus Owner - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By KingRein - May 29 - 2:00 am

  The comfortable ride, safety features and warranty helped us to choose the ES 330. We looked at the high end Toyota Avalon & found that we were just about on par price wise with the ES 330. So, we looked, we drove, we researched & we bought. The step up which included a more refined automobile & the 4yr/50K basic, 6yr/70K power train was well worth it. I look forward to many enjoyable years behind the wheel of my ES 330.

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  First time Lexus buyer - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Cebron - May 29 - 1:03 am

  The GS 300 is a lot of fun to drive. There is not much difference in feel from the 300 to the 430. Navigation system is a little clumsy to operate and the XM radio has poor reception compated to other XMs Ive had, but overall the creature comforts of the car are very good. The look and feel of the car overall is great. I have owned Acura, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz, but Lexus is a better car for the money. Lexus just has a different feel that I have not experienced with any other. Great car!

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  Great road car - 1997 Lexus LS 400
  By Jack - May 28 - 4:43 pm

  Bought this 97 on eBay for less than $8500 -- only had 81,000 miles at time of purchase. Ive made two road trips of 1,000+ miles round trip and it is the most pleasant vehicle Ive ever driven. Smooth ride, comfortable seats (seats same leather as Coach purses). Didnt realize it required premium fuel until after purchasing it, but it gets 25+ on the road. I plan to drive it at least 9 or 10 years.

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  Beats a Range Rover - 2000 Lexus LX 470
  By Hunter - May 28 - 10:00 am

  I owned a Land Rover, Range Rover for four years prior to buying the Lexus. Had all the bells and whistles. My 470LX is so much more of a car. Accelleration is much better, gas a little better, Lets face it, hardly anyone takes either car "off road". Absolutely no comparisons when it comes to comfort, luxury and ride. Ride comparison: 9 vs. 4+ (RR) Going on 40,000 miles on original set of tires, RR was luckly to get 20-25,000.

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  prefecto - 2010 Lexus GX 460
  By jpbates - May 28 - 7:26 am

  I was very skeptical about buying this car, mostly because of the exterior looks, but it grew on me and I just had to have it. It is absolutely THE BEST suv i have ever owned. I have owned land rovers, mercedes, bmws, and even a spyker crossover. they come close to the gx, but no cigar. It has excellent quality, i have driven it from Texas to Minnesota twice already, and not a single problem. There really is no competition out there for this beast.

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  Super Car - 2005 Lexus SC 430
  By John - May 27 - 12:26 pm

  Outstanding car - best I have owned or even driven. Handling is excellent, contrary to some of the commentators. Good value for the type of car. Any real comparables are much more expensive and not as good quality.

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  54 mpg!?!? - 2012 Lexus CT 200H
  By ernbon - May 26 - 3:11 pm

  My wife got this car (2012 model) two weeks ago as a birthday present. She just came home from a luncheon and advised me that she is now getting 54 MPG! After telling her she was crazy, I went down to the garage and checked for myself. Remarkable. She is very satisfied with the car so far.