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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  Exquisitely Fun & Beautiful - 2005 Lexus SC 430
  By TDT - January 14 - 1:53 pm

  Weve only had the car for almost a month and have driven over 1500 miles already, 90% of it with the top down. Our two kids, ages 6 & 8, still fit in the back seat, and they absolutely love it! The quality and finish are unsurpassed. This is our first Lexus, and after driving Mercedes and BMWs, nothing beats the Lexus experience!

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  My second Lexus - 1998 Lexus LS 400
  By Barney - January 13 - 6:36 am

  I bought my first an ES 300 in 2000 for my wife to be, she loved it but I loved it more. I sold it to my brother in law after we were married and got my wife a Mercedes and almost a divorce. Needless to say I bought her a 1998 LS 400 from original owner that was impeccable and I found my true love. This is the best motor car for price, comfort, reliability in its class. This is as good as it gets! Classic styling, smooth riding and dependability. I love this car almost as much as my wife!!

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  Wow! Amazing Car! - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By Jay Marino - January 11 - 2:00 am

  I purchased a 2002 IS300 with the 5 speed manual transmission. Let me just say that this is by far the most fun to drive vehicle ever. I have driven everything from the 3 series BMW, Audi A4, Acuras, nothing even comes close to this vehicle. Especially for the money. Definitly well spent. More reliable then the others too. That 5 speed manual transmission is the smoothes, creamiest gearbox ever made.

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  Best Car Great Value - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By TukuCheng - January 11 - 2:00 am

  I was looking for a BMW and have been following 530I and 745I for quite some time. I test drove both recently and finally decided to purchase a Lexus LS430. I am a technology guy and appreciate technologies that make sense. Lexus LS430 connects technologies with people perfectly. The ride was excellent even under aggressive driving that I enjoy. You can only admire Lexus for their extreme attention to details.

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  Ultimate Luxury Car - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By johnfsteph - January 11 - 2:00 am

  This is my sixth Lexus and it is the best one I have owned. From the interior to the way it handles (make sure you get one with the sports package) to the bluetooth technology. The LS430 drives so much better than the Mercedes E500 (which drives like a tank)... Buy the Lexus and with the money you save you can go to Europe!!!

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  Great Family Vehicle! - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Gail & Andrea - January 11 - 2:00 am

  I have a 17 & 18 year old. We took our RX 330 out with them for "winter driving experience". I tried to demonstrate how to recover from a slide, but we didnt have to do anything -- the car made the corrections! The RX 330 is a great, safe family car. The kids drive it when ever they get the chance. Its comfortable (my 6 tall son has plenty of leg room even in the back seat), responsive, peppy and can haul a lot of gear. Its also a great value -- compare cost per mile to similar vehicles.

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  Happy - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By markle - January 9 - 1:10 am

  Very happy overall, but just a couple (minor) strange things about the car. 1.) The center console latch arrangement is a loser. I routinely open the compartment by accident. 2.) The garage door opener is not lighted - after a month still difficult to locate at night. Also difficult to navigate the 4 switches for trunk, shade, gas, in the dark. 3.) I also, very occasionally, feel unexpected acceleration. Fit and finish are great. Unlike other reviewers, I like the look of the car. Dont feel it is stodgy at all. Very smooth riding and quiet, which along with reliability were the main reasons for my purchase. Love the back up camera and parking assist.

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  outstanding - 2006 Lexus RX 330
  By carol - January 6 - 6:50 pm

  My husband bought me the beautiful new 2006 RX 330 2 weeks ago. After waiting for its arrival for 3 weeks, I must report I am thrilled with its style, comfort and performance. Especially when two days into driving the car, a deer ran out into the road and I hit it. This car never lost control. Although there was considerable damage to the front and side, I was very impressed with how well the car handle the impact.

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  Outstanding Performance & Value - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Jon SF - January 6 - 1:03 am

  This car is everything you can ask of a comfortable luxury sedan: quiet, roomy, fast (0-60 in 6.8 sec), safe (12 airbags, traction control, stability control), comfortable w/luxury touches all over (smart key, real walnut wood trims, air cooled seats). All of this at a cost in the mid $30s with the gas mileage ratings unmatched by anything in its class. It is also the most reliable manufacturer as rated by Consumer Report Magazine. My wife and I had this car for over a month and we are very happy with it - it provided everything we expected and more.

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  2006 Lexus SUV RX400h - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Sandy Pringle - January 5 - 5:13 pm

  Probably the most powerful car Ive ever owned. The powerful feel of acceleration is just a bit scary at first as it is unexpected. This is a real luxury car with all the goodies. I wanted a hybrid, but declined the lightweight and somewhat flimsy feel of the other vehicles on the market.