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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  Eh...not so great - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By ashillington - May 26 - 12:06 pm

  This is my second Lexus. Had a 1997 ES300 that was really reliable. Got another newer model in 06 and was never happy with the quality. There were somethings that were just down right cheap and the car was built so that even minor repairs required 18 hours of labor to reach the places that need fixing. Fuel pump went out quickly (replaced under warranty). Flimsy plastic headlamp connector broke when changing a burnt out bulb ($800 to change a light bulb, really?). Final straw was a $250 AC condenser coil went on what was still a "young" car. $1800 in labor later decided enough was enough. Traded it in for a BMW 5-series as my wife has had great luck with her last 2 Beemers.

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  Best of the Class - 2007 Lexus LS 460
  By Jackie - May 26 - 9:43 am

  I have tested S550, BMW 7 series and Audi A-8. Lexus has the best engine, drive train, interior quality, options and dollar value. Put the Lexus dependability on top of all these, I cannot see how people can justify the other German products.

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  Great - 2006 Lexus GX 470
  By Francis - May 26 - 1:16 am

  I purchased a 2006 GX 470 with the navigation/Mark Levinson package in Nautical Blue Metallic with dark gray interior on 3/25/06. The vehicle itself is beautiful inside and outside. The interior is a little dated however still very classy and functional. Fit and finish is impeccable and to Lexus standards. The ride is very smooth and stunningly quiet! The Mark Levinson system is excellent. The navigation system is a little too fussy: you have switch from region to region if you are going to do any traveling between states and require assistance. The V8 is silky smooth and more then adequate to power the vehicle. Overall the GX 470 is a great SUV that I would highly recommend to anyone.

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  Lexus Quality? - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By alex - May 25 - 3:36 pm

  Been owned 01 mdx, 05 rx, 07 ml350,08 x5, and 09 gl450. Right now Im leasing 08 911 turbo and have 07 Prius. Ive been owned so many cars from all models of Honda to Ferrari f430. What happen to Lexus! They are increasing price with low-end quality material! Feel and look cheap plastic interior, uncomfortable seat (Im 510" n 185 lb). 2005 rx was much better! Thank god were leasing this car.

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  good looking car - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By cholodeperu - May 25 - 9:03 am

  Bought the car brand new back in January 04. Got it in black and when I first saw it, I loved it. Now the paint is kind of dull and some scratches are starting to show. I say my favorite color now is the white one, the charcoal and red color is nice too. The car is fast every now and then and very uncomfortable in long trips. The mpg is not so bad if the gas prices stay low. If the car came with 18" or 19" wheels it would be a 10 in looks.

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  satisfied - 1996 Lexus LS 400
  By lexus guy - May 24 - 2:00 am

  I traded a 98 Bonneville for a 96 Lexus and have been extremely satisfied with the trade. The car has a build quality beyond anything else I have ever owned. The ride quality is excellent and the overall build quality is outstanding. The sound system and interior comforts are first rate. I feel the used LS 400s are really a good value on the open market. I was a little concerned because there is not a Lexus dealership close by, but the cars are so dependable it doesnt really matter.

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  Great ride - 1999 Lexus LX 470
  By lexus guy - May 24 - 2:00 am

  Upgraded from a minivan and love the vehicle. Lexus is it as far as build quality and ride. A few minor problems but overall a really fabulous vehicle. Mine has nearly 80,000 miles and rides better than any other new SUV you can name.

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  Great SUV - 2003 Lexus RX 300
  By SHOTSY - May 24 - 2:00 am

  Ive had it for 1 1/2 years and have loved every minute of it. This is the 2nd SUV Ive owned and the other one didnt come close to this one. So far Ive I had great gas mileage for an SUV (22.5)-thats almost as good as my last CAR! It is worth the price.

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  Kevins review - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By Kevin714 - May 24 - 2:00 am

  Ive only owned my LS for a few weeks but I cant find and problem, and I have looked! The ride is fantanstic! Smooth and comfortable. The interior is nicely done and the seats are comfortable even with long drives. The power and acceleration of the LS is surprisingly quick, and this comes from a sports car fan. In addition, the service I recieved from the dealership and my sales person was 2nd to none. All this, and I have found that the LS has the best "bang" for the "buck", when comparing similar cars in its class, such as the BMW, Mercedes, and Jaguar.

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  Best in Class - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By AJ S. - May 24 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this vehicle for about 6 months now, and enjoy it more than my 2002 BMW 530i. I have never experienced any problems with this car, and do not expect to. The quality, comfort level, silent drive, and sound system is the best when compared to a BMW, Lincoln, or Volvo. I will never step into a different dealership again. Test one out for yourself.