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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  Amazing Luxo-Sports Sedan - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Dave - November 21 - 2:00 pm

  Amazing looking car with sporty optional wheels and luxurious interior. Smooth and refine yet sporty to drive. Touchscreen system beats iDrive in the bimmer and is more reliable. It is faster than the BMW 530xi which felt heavy and slow and too pricey for its standard equipment. I love the bluetooth, smart access keyless entry system, etc.

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  Hopeful - 2008 Lexus RX 400H
  By VA Beach - November 21 - 11:16 am

  We purchased this vehicle in October, 2008. We love driving it. We are very disappointed with the gas mileage so far. There is something wrong with the regeneration. We are getting better gas mileage on the highway than in the city. We are hopeful that this will be addressed when we take it in. We were waiting until we had about 2500 miles on the vehicle.

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  2004 LX 470 - 2004 Lexus LX 470
  By Jerry in San Carlos - November 21 - 10:00 am

  Overall excellant vehicle.This vehicle does everything well.Materials and craftmanship are second to none.Ride is buttery smooth and very elegant.Mark levinson sound system rivals many home systems.The navigation system is very easy to use and is very detailed. The handsfree Bluetooth Phone system is excellant, every car should have this.Overall this car is highly recommended and would purchase again next time around.

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  Rajeevs Review - 2005 Lexus LX 470
  By goelrg - November 21 - 10:00 am

  I would rate this is as one of the best 4 wheels ever produced, luxury power and style. Lest say it is Beauty and the Beast togather.

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  LS430 - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By PH3226 - November 21 - 10:00 am

  I owned the ES300 before purchasing the LS430. I loved my Es so much that I moved up to the 430. It is a wonderful car, lots of leg room, very comfortable and is a joy to own. I wouldnt hesitate to buy another one once needed. Ive owned a lot of cars, but the Lexus is certainly the car to own.

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  Best car ive ever had - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By Alex N. - November 21 - 10:00 am

  Best car ive had and ive had an Mercedes-Benz E320 and a Bmw 540i but they cany compare to my lexus .

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  LOVE IT - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Felicia M. Curtis - November 21 - 10:00 am

  MY EXPERIENCE HAS BEEN GREAT ITS A VERY QUITE CAR. IVE BEEN AVERAGING 23 MILES TO A GALLON. I LOVE THE COMFORT AS WELL AS THE QUALITY OF THE GPS SYSTEM,MARK LEVINSON SOUND SYSTEM AS WELL AS THE EASE OF DRIVING IT. THIS IS A GREAT CAR I USE TO HAVE THE SC300 AND DECIDED ON ANOTHER LEXUS THE QUALITY AND CUSTOMER SERVICE IS SUPERB.

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  Lexuss Little SUV - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Hfaulisi1379 - November 21 - 10:00 am

  The fuel economy is good fr this size of this SUV. Its easy to repair after rear ends, easy to main and travel with people to long distances. One disadvantage is the passenger seat wont move up and down unless you order it as an option. Its fun to drive anywhere. Its a vehicle youll feel real safe in.

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  I love this vehicle - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By hollywood joe - November 21 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had this vehicle for two days but im already in love. The handling is great and the ride is extremely smooth!

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  Riding on the wind - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Woody - November 19 - 8:46 pm

  I had a Lexus RX 300. It saved my life in an accident four years ago in Florida. I had no second thought as to quality and safety when I traded in my RX 300 for my new 400h. It will take a little time to get use to turning the key and not hearing a sound like a regular gas powered RX. It will also take some time to get use to the backup camera and rear door that opens with the push of a button . Now if I can only find someone that will drive "Me" around in it so I can sit back in the rear reclining seats , and watch a dvd on the entertainment system !