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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  GS300 SportDesign GREAT VALUE! - 2003 Lexus GS 300
  By eckool - March 7 - 10:00 am

  This is my 3rd lexus. I have been in love with this car since year 2000 (Platinum Series), but I didnt have an opportunity to get it at that time. Now I have a chance to own it. All I can say is SWEET. 0-60 in 7.8 sec, graphite wheels, new tail designs, etc.

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  Id buy it again, definitely. - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Jack Straw - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Fast and stylish - much better than the other five brands I looked at. This car (not really a truck) is underpriced!

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  Outstanding Automobile - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Very happy buyer - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Contains outstanding overall features - combination of luxurious features with excellent space and high seating position. Meets almost any requirements.

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  A joy to own - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By Vssc400 - March 6 - 5:46 am

  Bought with 71k on odo. now 103k on the odo. I decided to buy the RX 300 AWD w/LSD because I have been a happy owner of a 92 SC 400 and it was such a pleasure to own so buying the RX 300 was a no-brainer choice for me. My car pool guy who has a 2000 Grand Cherokee LTD w/40k miles who made fun of me drove it for a week and 3 weeks later he sold the Cherokee and bought a 99 RX 300 AWD. I didnt like some of the remote key functions and the dealer re-programmed the CBEST settings for and washed the car for free (I didnt even buy the car or serviced it from them). Awesome performance on snow, ice, hills. I cant believe a 1st year of a new model lineup could be this good.

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  excited for my new RX!!! - 2017 Lexus RX 350
  By Stephanie - March 6 - 12:22 am

  Theres no words to describe how happy Im to buy my new RX. Thank you Andy E. for helping me in everything!

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  A New Driving Experience - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Garyeth - March 5 - 7:06 pm

  After 10 months of driving the RX 400h I am sold on this car. I previously owned a non-hybrid Lexus RX 300 and the hybrid is so much more powerful and fun to drive. I am averaging 26 mpg which is more than adequate for the size and weight of this car. The challenge is to see how far you can coast on battery power in order to increase your mileage. This takes a light foot on acceleration as well as easy breaking. As with my 6 previous Lexus automobiles, this car has required no servicing to date and should prove to be very reliable. The acceleration is more like a V8 due to the combination of electric motors and gas engine. Weve been to the mountains and had no problems on the hills.

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  The perfect most styled sedan - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By Eddie - March 3 - 2:50 am

  this car is near perfect. it looks as good as it drives. the inside very well done. all leather. the controls for A/C is great nothing too confusing. the snow mode is way cool up in the mtns. gauges are well designed and very accurate. and let me tell you this car moves for an inline 6. i got it up to 120 no problem on the freeway. if youre looking for something thats top of the line luxary but is fast and fun to drive and handles similar to an EVO, hook it up with this car. it will not dissapoint.

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  Very Pleased - 2010 Lexus LX 570
  By Tom - March 2 - 1:13 pm

  Almost purchased another G55 AMG but am glad I didnt. The Lexus is far better for on road comfort then the Benz,and the off-roading is about the same. Its also far better looking in and out and boast more amenities. Very Glad I made the switch.

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  Incredible Car (even ignoring the MPG) - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By SBonnie - February 28 - 4:20 pm

  This car has a certain aspect of guilty pleasure. It is looks beautiful, is incredibly designed, has amazing pick up and performance, and is one of the most advanced technology infrastructures that I have seen. Then you get to that fact that I dont feel guilty at all, it is a hybrid, gets mileage of around 30 MPG, and has incredibly low emmisions. I am still trying to figure out what the rub is.

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  2007 SC430 Pebble beach Edition - 2007 Lexus SC 430
  By Kevin Flanagan - February 23 - 2:30 am

  Purchased this car used with only 7000 miles. This car has exceeded my expectations in all respects. The engineering, fit and finish are beyond reproach. The only concern is the run flat tires. I got the P.B. Edition and love it. I doesnt compare to Porsche, but wasnt designed to do so. A great car for me at 66 yrs.