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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  Disappointed - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By LP - December 8 - 1:30 pm

  Lots of rattles, the brake pedal makes a constant irritating thumping noise everytime I even tap it. Windshield wipers get frozen to the windshield and rip off and inevitably scratch the windshield before Ive had a chance to replace them. A heated windshield would be appropriate. The most astounding thing that shocked me was that I had to purchase 4 expensive snow tires for this AWD SUV. The all season that came with the sale of the vehicle did not perform at all in the snow. I was literally sliding all over the road and had no choice but to spend $1000 to buy "snow blizzaks".

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  Couldnt be Happier - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By MobileDandA - December 8 - 10:16 am

  I purchased my RX300 as a certified pre-owned vehicle with 36000 miles on it from a Lexus dealer. Finally, after 245,000 miles, it had its FIRST breakdown. The transmission went out. So, instead of putting a lot of money into a vehicle with almost a quarter of a million miles on it, I purchased another 2002 RX300 exactly like the one I had except for the exterior color and it had about 190,000 fewer miles. Couldnt see buying anything else because you cant get the reliability and service you get from Lexus. I cant recommend this vehicle highly enough!

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  What are you idiot reviwers smoking? - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By KFranklin - December 7 - 2:00 am

  This is easily the best automobile known to man.

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  lexus gx 470 - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By peterm - December 7 - 2:00 am

  This is an outstanding vehicle in almost every way. Not as pricey as the Lx 470 but every bit as good. I was looking for a V-8 with decent gas mileage and this is it. The ride is pure comfort and you get a host of luxury features. The interior is like a living room.

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  lexus 101 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By mattpeterson - December 7 - 2:00 am

  fun to drive good quality

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  Lexus RX 330 review - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Phil M - December 7 - 2:00 am

  Good purchasing experience, dealership loaned us a car when vehicle arrived one week late. Peppy engine nice. AWD plowed through recent snow with no problems. Interior dash good looking and easy to use. I expect this to be a relaible car for years to come. The 2004 price didnt budge much from 2003, yet the overall looks and improvements are substantial.

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  This is the best car Ive ever owned - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Jim Cowan - December 6 - 11:13 pm

  I get 29-31 mpg of regular gas when I do mixed city and highway driving in this five-seat luxury SUV. Im driving at posted speed limits. 29 mpg using the A/C or with a window open - its amazing how an open window increases drag. The mileage is great - but I also get an extremely quiet, comfortable ride and when I want to pass a truck then I put my foot down and this thing really flies. Its more powerful than the gas version. The combination of fuel efficiency, comfort and power is the way all cars should be. People whove ridden with me have been very surprised when they got out and I told them, "Youve been riding in a hybrid." Its just a great car.

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  bad transmission - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By X-Redhead - December 6 - 10:20 pm

  Poorly shifting transission. It can not find next gear easily. Almost like the transmission is slipping and then takes hold and my head snaps back. Service manager says "you will get used to it". Huh?? For $37,000!! Tires, according to info that came with the car "may not last 20,000 miles". Bridgestone Turanza. Instruments hard to read in the daytime. Next time I will buy the Acura. Cant wait for the 2006 model Acura. This is the third Lexus I have owned and the first time I have been disappointed with my purchase. Also own a 2003 Mercury GM LS and at this point like it better.

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  Tough to buy anything else - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By Jeff - December 6 - 8:40 pm

  This is my 2nd LS430. I put almost 90K miles on my first LS and never had one problem. Ride, interior are excellent but what keeps me coming back to this car is the quality and features. Outstanding car

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  Many issues for luxury car - 2003 Lexus RX 300
  By rx300hater - December 6 - 5:06 pm

  96K miles and trans is shot. power door locks do not work, power window works sporadically, had numerous check engine light issues, replaced sensors many times, dash light went out, steering wheel squeaks, these "luxury" cars will nickel and dime you to death, Never had so many problems with a non-luxury car.