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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  great car - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By Dave Iwinski - October 19 - 6:24 am

  I never keep a new car past 4-5 years. I have owned my 2002 SC430 14 years. I still struggle if I want a convertible again, what is better?? I have pampered it like a baby and it still looks new. If you can find a well kept one, buy it.

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  Lexus Quality Again - 2004 Lexus LX 470
  By Jerry053 - October 18 - 2:00 am

  I recently bought the Lexus LX 470 and WOW what a high quality, fun to drive, SUV. After driving all the competitor SUVS in its class. the Lexus stood out hands down. It is an extremely safe and well built SUV that holds its value over the years. It is absolutely loaded with standard equipment and very few options. The navigation system is redesigned for this year and works flawlessly. Extremely impressed with this vehicle and may just buy another one for my wife.

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  ultimate smooooothy - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By David Pugh - October 18 - 2:00 am

  When first shopping for a replacement for jaguar XK8 I never expected to end up with the LS430.I wanted something different, drove many different models. Finally drove Ls430 and came to conclusion for the money this was the best available. Bought the base model with perforated leather (A/C) seats, chrome rims, sunroof. Love it, great car, no problems at all. Dealer is superb, third car purchased there. Exterior is a little frumpy but excells everywhere else.

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  Eds Opinion - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By G.E Ignots - October 18 - 2:00 am

  Drove it to Cleveland and back to Orlando and it performed like a good car that it is.Had a Cadillac previously and I was more impressed with the Lexus 330 than I was with the Caddie

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  Just purchased 2010 ES350 - 2010 Lexus ES 350
  By James - October 18 - 12:30 am

  My wife and I have owned several Lexus vehicles over the years, but this is our first ES. Having owned an IS F, I was going to give our ES a lower number when it came to "Fun to Drive". Then I thought it all depends on how you define fun. The F is much quicker, but you really feel the road and realistically, forget about having any adults in the back seat for long drives. The ES, although not as fast, is so much quieter, smoother and comfortable to drive. Does this mean were getting old :)

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  Wonderful car - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Dave - October 16 - 8:46 pm

  Very comfortable and luxury. Quiet and smooth ride. Very good technology features. Very convenient. Very good performance in snow, ice, or rain.

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  True Value - 1998 Lexus LS 400
  By Red Cutter - October 16 - 10:00 am

  This car for under $30,000 is an unbelievable value. For the cost of a new Camry, you can sacrafice the "honor" of buying new and pick up a world class car that will do anything asked of it with style, comfort, and class. Im 33 years old and often people with $35,000 SUVs tell me that I "must be doing well" to be driving such a fine car...and I just laugh inside. This car, with low miles is truly the best vehicle value, period. Step up to class, comfort and luxury.

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  Wonderful Car - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By KTM - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Two weeks in and I love this car. I traded in my BMW 323i for this and have no regrets! This has more room, horsepower, and smooter ride. I love hatch-backs...owned a Saab at one time...good car--but not even close to Lexus in any aspect.

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  95 Lexus LS 400 - 1995 Lexus LS 400
  By lazarus629 - October 16 - 5:43 am

  Comfortable, luxurious, quiet, absolutely reliable with excellent brakes and so much power that it just isnt an issue -- one never feels the car straining. Just a remarkable car.

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  Good older car - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By craig - October 15 - 10:49 am

  You may pay what is a slightly higher price, but the car runs and runs and runs!