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 this car - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By Steve - February 5 - 9:43 am

  Just put my first 1000 miles on the vehicle and as my 2004 RX330 and my 2007 RX350 this car is a pleasure to drive. It seems slightly wider then the previous versions which adds to the new sportier look and feel.

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  2005 Lexus GX 470 - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By 2005 Lexus GX 470 - February 4 - 11:56 pm

  I just traded a 2002 Toyota Sequoia and I really didnt know the meaning of a luxury driving feeling before I got into the GX 470. I love it!

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  Great Car - 2016 Lexus RX 350
  By Henrietta English - February 4 - 6:00 pm

  This is my second RX 350. I traded my 2010 for a 2016 and received a great trade in value. I would not have any other car.

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  Loving This SUV - 2007 Lexus RX 350
  By linda in pittsburgh - February 3 - 1:10 pm

  I just purchased my Lexus RX 350 AWD in September. It is a pleasure to drive, extremely quiet. Love all of the safety features and creature comforts. Only one small complaint: steering could be a bit more stiff. Still getting used to all of the features. Driving is such a pleasure in this vehicle.

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  STILL an excellent Certified SUV - 2013 Lexus RX 350
  By Robert - February 3 - 4:10 am

  People always impressed with this SUV for looks and comfort. Now have 69k_runs and looks Great! I bought this Certified with 36000 miles. Fuel economy about 23.4 hwy, With V-6 and Fantastic acceleration with smooth shifting. Breaking: great. Sound system: great. Comfort: seat adjustment, ride, steering... great! Turn radius: Excellent! Excellent service at Lexus Clear of Lake. Would buy another Lexus over other luxury brands.

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  GX 470 is awsome - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By AWESOME GX - February 3 - 2:00 am

  I just purchased the GX and LOVE it. It is a mini LX with all the luxury and more. We purchased the fully loaded package with navigation and dvd, they are both wonderful! The car drives like a dream and you can actually park in a real parking spot with out a problem. LEXUS is one nice ride! It handles great. I dont know why anyone would choose the LX or any other luxury SUV. I tried to give the LX a shot, I just couldnt justify the 10K price difference for the same SUV that is only "inches" different. I also tried every other new and improved SUV on the market, the GX blows them all away....unless, of course, you dont need the luxury...then go for a truck.

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  Excellent Luxury SUV - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By cclewis1 - February 3 - 2:00 am

  This car has it all, and with Lexus great leasing program the cost is kept down. The only downside is the on board computer system, which requires a couple of hours of studying the manual to learn.

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  No Satellite Radio? - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By agroveton - February 2 - 6:36 am

  Love the new European styling on the new RX330... great head-turner! Cant wait to tryout HomeLink with a new bluetooth cellphone. Navigation system and Lexus sound system is adequate but not wonderful. The automatic rear passenger door is great. Mileage is exactly what was promised. Only complaint is that satellite radio should have been an option as on the larger Lexus SUVs.

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  No Satellite Radio? - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By agroveton - February 2 - 6:36 am

  Love the new European styling on the new RX330 ... great head-turner! Cant wait to try out HomeLink with a new bluetooth cellphone. Navigation system and Lexus sound system are adequate but not wonderful. The automatic rear passenger door is great. Mileage is exactly what was promised. Only complaint is that satellite radio should have been an option as on the larger Lexus SUVs.

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  Best of the AWD cars - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By joe - January 31 - 7:06 pm

  Bought car in Feb. 05 - took all other AWD cars for test runs (several times) -- Audi a6, Infiniti M, Acura RL-- there was no comparison in comfort and handling. May not have the power of the M or RL but there is plenty there. had previously owned an A6 - good car but nothing like the GS 300. Articles say not a fun car to drive? Cant believe this -- maybe because its so quiet - but this car handles great on a country roads plus its stylish.