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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  Excellent - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By Melanie Charmichael - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I thought tat tis vehicle was marvelous. It rode wonderfully and it was just like heaven drving it.

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  Absolutely Perfect - 2007 Lexus LS 460
  By Lexus Loyalist - November 2 - 3:53 pm

  This is the perfect car! Beautifully styled, luxuriously outfitted, strong performance, and incredible finish and reliability. I have owned 10 Lexuses, including the previous generation LS 430, but this one is the pinnacle of perfection. The worries and stress drain from me when I sit behind the wheel, glance at the elegant wood trim, tune the Mark Levinson stereo, and sink into the cushioned leather of the most comfortable drivers seat in autodom. The interior is whisper quiet, with a faint engine noise as the car effortlessly accelerates to freeway speed. I am in heaven.

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  Fab Car! - 2017 Lexus RX 350
  By Kara Lee Rusy - November 2 - 10:21 am

  I absolutely LOVE the car- the comfort is amazing and the ride is fantastic. Well worth the proce. The technology is a bit daunting- but that may just be me!

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  Whats not to like with the IS-300 - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By Runner26 - October 30 - 10:00 am

  Its a fine typical well built Japanese car and its what youd expect from Lexus. Ive driven BMWs and was not impressed with the quality or reliablity...for the $$. The IS-300 is soft, smooth, and quiet. The audio package is really fine too!

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  Love it more each day - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By LIONLADY - October 29 - 4:53 pm

  At first I didnt like the performance, but after driving it for three years, it seems to know my heavy foot and quick response I need. Now, it suits me to a T and my husband (a BMW) owner loves taking the Lexus on long distances.

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  BabyLexus - 2005 Lexus IS 300
  By Tony Santini - October 29 - 8:56 am

  I bought the IS300 5 speed back in June 2005. The experience so far is excellent. No complaints aside from the poor reception from the radio; specially when you turn the rear window defroster. The suspension makes this car to stick to the ground at higher speeds. Everyone has complimented me on the great looks of the car.

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  Best Car Ever - 2003 Lexus RX 300
  By Luann Butcher - October 26 - 12:13 pm

  I have never owned a more reliable comfortable vehicle before. I would recommend to anyone.

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  Great machine! - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By Al - October 24 - 12:23 pm

  Have been most impressed by the GX470. Very solid feel, excellent performance and good safety features. Just the right size for me, kids grown with only grandkids to haul now. Would recommend this vehicle to anyone, usual Lexus quality, no problems after 9,000 miles.

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  lexus 430 - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By wavhgm - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Car is excellent..perhaps the best in the world

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  Never a problem - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By E.L. Dawkins - October 24 - 10:00 am

  This my fourth Lexus of this series. The first was a 1992 model. I have never had a reason, other than normal maintenance such as oil change, to have any of them put into a repair shop. Lexus continues to make improvements each year. My 2003 is the best yet.