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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  Not worthy for the money you paid! - 2008 Lexus RX 400H
  By Jacobs - October 30 - 12:56 am

  Driving this car is fun and comfort. Operating the functions are most difficult certain times. No voice activated dialing. Cannot dial phone numbers on the move. No override function.

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  Nothing but love - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By SCDVR - October 29 - 2:53 pm

  I bought this car today and am nothing short of ecstatic about this vehicle! Its fast, fun, and looks great. Has one of the most amazing sound systems Ive ever heard from the factory. If youre buying and have the choice to get mark levinson upgrade, just do it! You will be very happy with your choice.

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  Best there is! - 2001 Lexus LS 430
  By 01LS430 - October 29 - 10:00 am

  Amazing. Currently have almost 130k on car. Owned for 3 years with no issues whatsoever. Great for trips. Get 25-30mpg on hwy. City is 14-18mpg. Wish I could have splurged for the 05-06 with the newer styling. Would def do it all over again.

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  Jerky Auto Shift - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By Jerky Auto Shifting? - October 29 - 10:00 am

  I love this vehicle. I replaced a 2001 RX 300 with this model because the Lexus RX had been so reliable and low maintenance. I love this vehicle (hate the location of cable plugs), but am worried that I have had the vehicle just over a month and having issues with auto shifting while in Drive. With in town driving, sometimes when I press the gas coming from a stop, it takes a second to do anything and then it revs the RPM with a quick jerk as it if is auto shifting. Other times when coming to a stop it jerks as if a rough down shift. So frustrating because I love the vehicle! Anyone else having this problem?

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  FUN RIDE! - 2017 Lexus CT 200H
  By CMH - October 28 - 2:33 am

  It is low to the ground with low profile tires, so one needs to be really careful to watch out for potholes or anything at all in the road. It takes a bit to become accustomed to the electric noises. One might think they are hearing a siren when the cars slows down.

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  RX rattles - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By khoffman - October 27 - 11:53 pm

  My RX has rattled since day one. I have had it in several times for rattles in the back seat, the door and the glove box. I love the way it drives and rides. The quality of the basic stereo is only fair. The CD player is poorer than the radio. I have had two parts replaced on my back hatch door. My dealer has given me great service and Lexus has fixed everything, but I have had my car worked on too many times!

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  HIghly Recommend - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By carol - October 27 - 10:20 pm

  This is a great vehicle. Rides very smoothly. Does great in winter weather. Very reliable, just normal maintenance. Only problem - would like to get the same vehicle in a newer model, but hard to justify spending the money when a 7 year old vehicle is still in great shape.

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  Heres the skinny on the ES 350 - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By tomselina - October 25 - 5:20 pm

  This is my first Lexus, and now I understand. Beautiful car with a great balance of upscale comfort/technology and power/performance. In only a few days worth of mixed driving, Im averaging 26.5 mpg. The Mark Levinson DVD/nav system is incomparable, and the Bluetooth system works great. It plays telephone sound out of drivers front speaker on the dash with microphone near the rear view mirror. People dont know youre on a speakerphone. Plenty of room for 4 adults, possibly 5. Like the backup camera, front and rear backup sensors, and the keyless entry and push button start.

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  Lexus is the best - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By LexusCruiser - October 25 - 12:26 pm

  Researched them all and bought a used RX with 150,000. Confident because its a Lexus. No problems at all. Had several Lexus models LS 430, LX 470 and ES 300, all been rock solid. This RX has same motor as ES, Camry, etc. With AWD gets from 17-24 mpg. Seats nearly as comfortable as my LS 430 due to higher seating position and easy in/out and strong seat heaters. Nice size, ground clearance, visibility, comfort, reliability. Sold on Lexus, cant go wrong.

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  Lexus es350 - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By the2007es1 - October 25 - 5:39 am

  My dad bought a 2007 es350 and all i have to say is good job Lexus. This car is the best bang for your buck because you get the great gas mileage when you need it but also you got the power when you need it. After owning this car for a little while we had to get the transmission replaced. That is the only problem we had with this car. This car is very fun to drive and great for long trips. This is the best car for trips because you have the quiet ride and the great gas mileage. After driving this car across country twice i would not buy any other car. If you own a Lexus es50 and you could either fly or drive across country if i were you i would drive.