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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  RX300-Whats There Not to Like! - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By TengPresby - November 28 - 10:00 am

  This is my second RX300 (my previous was a 1999), and if Lexus keeps it up, I may never switch to another vehicle! It rides comfortably and drives instinctively. The gas mileage is superb for a SUV its class--19mph. On REGULAR gas! This is for around town in the Washington Metro area! The styling is appealing and the High Intensity Discharge Headlights are great.

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  Loving It! - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By J&K - November 26 - 6:40 pm

  I am a repeat Lexus owner. I loved my 1997 LS 400 and now the improvement of perfection is shown in my new LS 430. I intend to enjoy it for at least the next 7 plus years. Driving the car is a joy, its ease of handling and speed is incredible. Its almost as if the moment I think about it - Im doing it. There is no hesitation in its performance and it LOOKS good too. Thanks Lexus.

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  Wind noise from drivers outside mirror - 2007 Lexus LS 460
  By Bill - November 26 - 1:53 pm

  Coming from a BMW and I liked the styling and competitive pricing in this LS 460 luxury auto. After two visits to the dealership, they have no answer for the very annoying whistling coming from the drivers side rear view mirror when reaching speeds over 40 mph. Had to do my own detective work - seemed to be coming from the drivers window, but after some painstaking effort on my part, I narrowed it down to the mirror housing. Have to turn up the radio to drown out the intolerable whistling noise. Only time it stops is when it rains. Only disappointing problem. Other than that, a great luxury car that gets constant compliments from admirers.

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  wonderful gas hog - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By mary e burns - November 25 - 2:10 pm

  My only wishes are for more storage space in the console, and better gas mileage. The ride is superb, and the heat/air vented seats, stereo, voice- activated travel guide, and overall comfort is non-parallel to any car I have owned, including Cadillacs and Lincolns. I have owned 12 GM luxury cars. Lexus has the best car for the price, and is more reliable.

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  Great Car- Bad dealership - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By Rudy12 - November 23 - 2:00 am

  By far the best buy in my life! I have been leasing new cars, but decided to purchase. This being the oldest car by far- Still stands out over the new cars like Nissan and Volkswagon(not that there bad cars, b/c their not) But this ride is so smooth is sick!

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  Expectations - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By chrisKY - November 22 - 10:00 am

  Meets or exceeds all expectations of quality and driving experience. Fantastic roading handling and comfort for a car of this size. Dont see many of these on the road (at least where we live) and brings a lot of positive comments. Agree with other postings: FUN to drive.

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  rx300 review - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By runner1 - November 22 - 10:00 am

  excellent vehicle. rates very high on power, comfort, quality. only bad point is less than anticipated gas milage, but still OK. 14-19 - city-highway.

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  7 years later still up to date - 2000 Lexus RX 300
  By toy4two - November 21 - 11:03 am

  I really think the RX 300 is the best deal going in used cars. I test drove a 2006 Lexus GS and I found out the only feature missing in my 2000 RX 300 is cooling seats to go with my heated seats. Everything else is there, and being a Lexus, its all in the same place, HomeLink, seat heaters, wonderful ergonomics, great leather. It did have an in dash CD changer which was also a nice add on. But for the money, my 00 AWD is basically the same. Power was close, smoothness, quietness. About the only upgrade would be more wood on the interior. This car is boring though, I wont lie, its rock solid reliable but its like a reliable washing machine or some other appliance, not exactly sporty.

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  Great Car! - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By remiller - November 20 - 5:53 pm

  Safe, reliable, comfortable and fun to drive. The small turning circle is a great unheralded surprise. I have had absolutely no problems with this car.

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  Best choice I ever made - 2013 Lexus RX 350
  By snowman22 - November 20 - 8:54 am

  From day one I knew I bought the vehicle I always wanted. Everything is perfect with this vehicle. Looks,Ride,Comfort,quiet,refined and safe. Also lots of storage and plenty of room to haul just about anything when the back seats are folded down. Just fantastic. Plus-- the re-sale value is there when your ready for another quality vehicle from Lexus.