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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  The Best Brand New Used Car - 2000 Lexus RX 300
  By mzelenz - January 5 - 2:00 am

  After searching for months for a new vehicle to replace my aging 91 Previa, we finally decided on a CPO Lexus RX 300. Couldnt be happier and more satisfied as the qualities and amenities we desired have been found in this SUV. Wanted Fun and Functionality and this delivers. AWD, Luxury interior, Sun Roof, Stereo, Heated Seats, Trunk Space, Roof Rack. And the key, best financing available on pre- owned which includes 3 years or 100K. Love this vehicle.

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  My 2006 Lexus LS430 - 2006 Lexus LS 430
  By Pat & Mike - January 4 - 9:33 am

  Wonderful! Power when I need it. Very comfortable. Only wish 3 things; one, that the compass were visible on the rear view mirror and second, that the screen on the dash could be more protected from the sunlight and third, that it could use regular gas. Hoping the 2007 has this.

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  Dependable SUV - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By Tim Farrell - January 4 - 9:24 am

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  Our First Lexus - 2007 Lexus RX 350
  By Gnu892 - January 4 - 8:30 am

  Whenever you hear about a Lexus, its about how quiet the interiors are. The RX is not as quiet as the Lexus sedans and not as isolated, but is still very refined. Yet, all the salesmen say, "Look how quiet." Blah. The engine growls under acceleration unlike the new ES or GS, but it is a classy rumble. The car is a magnificent touring vehicle and should be considered if youre looking at MBZ and Caddy crossovers. Be sure to test drive the vehicle at 75-80 MPH or you will be stunned at the road and wind noise on the drive home. The navigation system is excellent and knows when you are making illegal U turns.

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  My Mileage has been great - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Patrick - January 4 - 2:23 am

  I have read plenty of the consumer reviews, and seen plenty of people disappointed with the MPG. Not me. I live in Chicago and do a fair combination of highway/city driving combo to to/from work, and I have got no less than 29 mpg per tank. I can usually get 450+ miles out of every fill up. Granted I have changed my driving habits a bit so that I can utilize the electric motor more, but I get to work at the same time, so I am not going any slower. I am really pleased with the vehicle since I have a VW Passat as well and this gets about 5-6 mpg better with more room (a lot of baby stuff), the higher driving experience (see the road better), outstanding features, and more oomph (for passing).

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  Simply superb - 1998 Lexus LS 400
  By dzajic - January 3 - 1:46 pm

  I think all the other reviewers have made it clear: this is a phenomenal machine that will change your idea of what a car can be. The engine and transmission are incredible. The brakes are breathtaking. The comfort and quietness are sublime. The audio system is magnificent. The quality is unparalleled. It would take several pages or a whole book to accurately describe the superiority of this work of art, but reading all the reviews here is a good start. My favorite story about this car is that just after I bought it, I AVERAGED 33 mpg over a 253 mile stretch of Interstate. This is simply unbelievable for a car with a 290hp V8 engine. I LOVE this car!!!

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  Awesome - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By two187form3 - January 3 - 10:00 am

  Awesome car, well worth the money, very sleek but fun, just amazing car inside and out!

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  the real best car - 1997 Lexus ES 300
  By K Leung - January 3 - 10:00 am

  this is the best car Ive ever drove, I bought this car at 2002 in its only 44000km...so its kept in really great condition and everything is just perfect...guess I wont dream about any other cars since I think Ive got the best in this planet....

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  Creme de la Creme of its Class! - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By Lexus50 - January 3 - 10:00 am

  I recently purchased a 2002 Lexus ES 300 with the Navigation Package. This was my first dealing with a luxury dealership, and I can definitely say the experience _much_ more pleasant than with other manufacturers. Overall the car is superb. The new exterior styling compliments the stunning interior. The Lexus DVD Navigation system really gives the car a hi-tech feel, and the suspension absorbs nearly all the bumps the road can throw at you.

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  Love My 01 RX300 - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By kshouser - January 3 - 10:00 am

  Bought this car last Sept. brand new -- and I couldnt be happier. Very smooth, great acceleration & handling, awesome brakes and sound system and comfort... Love sitting up higher and great cargo space in the back. And this is AFTER owning a 98 Mercedes E320 sedan - No comparison!! And yes, Im a chick , and its definitely a chick car!!!