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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  Love The IS - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By mario navarrete - February 23 - 2:00 am

  Amazing to drive. There is only one thing that I would improve on this wonderful vehicle and that is its horsepower. Fortunatly the IS430 will be here soon enough. If everyone drove an IS I think the road would be a lot safer; sincerely. It feels like I have a less margin of human error when I drive my IS.

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  Great Ride, Mega Fun - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By ClarkWC - February 23 - 2:00 am

  We went to the dealership looking for the suv and came away with this beauty. As soon as we test drove it we had to have it. The handling is great and the comfort level in the front 2 seats is wonderful. We have received a huge amount of compliments and an even larger amounts of looks will driving around in it and as it sits alone.

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  Fantastic - 2006 Lexus LS 430
  By GK - February 21 - 6:40 pm

  This vehicle is amazing. The ride quality, performance characteristics, and creature comforts make this easily one of the finest automobiles ever made. Smooth acceleration, with the ability to change driving modes, and a stunning ride that is both ultra-quiet and heart-pounding when necessary. The faster the car goes on the highway the smoother the ride gets, until you seem to be literally floating over the road. One truly has to be behind the wheel of this car to believe it. I purchased a 2002 Infiniti QX4 in 2004 for the same price I paid for my LS 430 in 2009. That car was a refrigerator on wheels compared to the LS 430. Talk about affordable luxury.

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  Lexus hybrid is the BEST - 2007 Lexus RX 400H
  By Jess - February 21 - 4:26 pm

  Looking for a SUV that offers luxury was hard to find. Lexus certainly has the market cornered when it comes to combining luxury, sport and fuel economy! The best purchase I have made yet!

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  Smooth as butter - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By HMS - February 21 - 10:00 am

  I am coming to the end of my lease on the vehicle. It has been a pleasure to drive. Ive owned Mercedes and a BMW, but the ride and quality of this SUV can compete with either of the marque names. I do which the turning radius was tigher as well as a larger fuel tank. I have the Nak system which sounds great, but I find it a hassle to open the glove box to and change cds.

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  2002 ES300 - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By Dwayne - February 21 - 10:00 am

  Truely a wonderful car mid luxury car, but it needs more power. That is the only thing that detracts from its "fun to drive" score. Interior is very comfortable and the Nav system is great. Except for power it is a very major improvement over the previous model.

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  Truck in a Tuxedo - 2007 Lexus GX 470
  By KB - February 21 - 5:43 am

  Just traded my 04 GX for an 07. Very reliable vehicle. Love the new generation NAV and Bluetooth. After shopping most of the lux brands, I still think the Lexus Nav is by far the best. I ski and the old GX was a great performer in the white powder of Tahoe. The drive is very comfortable and balanced no matter what the outside road conditions are.

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  Lexus for life! - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By L. Simmons - February 20 - 2:36 pm

  This is my 3rd lexus and I cant say enough good things about it. Everyone who rides with me is so impressed with the smoothness of the ride; even Mercedes and BMW owners! I cant wait to get my next Lexus.

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  2015 NX200t Owner Review - 2015 Lexus NX 200t
  By lexowner - February 19 - 8:21 am

  Wifes falling in love again after 15 yrs with the original RX300. Purchased new NX200t on 12/8/14 for wife with certain packages to exactly fit her needs and wants. Exterior style is quite polarizing (hate it or love it). I personally think its an acquired taste. White seems cute while black appears cool. Interior design is simple yet elegant (a minimalist approach). Averaging 24-25 mpg mix, driver can change the vehicle dynamic to fit his/her mood. The turbo really kicks in around 2000 rpm, and you can really feel it. Handling is sporty for an CUV, firm but not harsh. Steering response is quick but light. Sum it up. A tall sedan, good mileage, nimble, sporty luxury.

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  I miss my Lexus! - 1998 Lexus LS 400
  By drblptq - February 19 - 7:09 am

  I once told my close friends if I ever sell this car to please take me out and shoot me! I did sell it, and to my dismay, few cars could come close to the refinement, ride quality and overall durability of this fine automobile. I bought it used with 32,000 miles on the clock, it was a one owner car. I kept it for 4 years as a second car ( I also have a company car), and traded it when I thought I needed a larger (silly me). It would avage 29 mpg, in mixed drive from a 290hp 4 litre V8, simply amazing! The sound deadening is superb. If you ever have the opportunity to own one, do it, but hold on to it, they last forever.