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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  What I expected - 2006 Lexus GX 470
  By FerrariDad - September 5 - 9:40 am

  Wed owned an LX 470 for 5 years before trading on the GX. The flawless quality of the product brought us back. Where you notice the smaller size from the LX is in the back seat and to a lesser extent, the cargo area. Its not quite as quiet at the LX, but close. Slightly more powerful engine than our 01 LX and much lighter makes it a great performer.

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  No Competitors - 2000 Lexus LX 470
  By Lexus - September 5 - 2:00 am

  I bought this LX470 for $30 grand, at the time the mileage was 77k. i thought this was kind of high but when it comes to a Lexus, mileage doesnt matter cause the car can run forever. anyways, the LX470 i bought came with chrome wheels, chrome bumper guard and the tail lights guard, with a gold package. It is awesome, the paint is unbeatable and it is even better than my 98 ES 300. I used to think of SUVs are bumpy but when it comes to the LX470, it is quiet, smooth, it feels as if you are floating on a boat when travel at high speed on highways as well as bumpy roads. i love this suv!

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  Very Satisfied - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By RX400h AWD - September 5 - 1:16 am

  I have a 2006 RX400h AWD with 53,000 miles on it. I do 80% of my driving in the Seattle Bellevue area and 20% on interstates (mostly between Seattle and Portland). Depending on the season, I get 22-25 mpg in combined city and highway driving and 28-31 mpg on the Interstate. I consistently get 30-31 mpg between Seattle and Portland. This is my 3rd RX and am waiting to see the 2009/10 model. I havent had any major problems and service at the manufactures recommend intervals.

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  A Wonderful Luxury Experience - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By Sam - September 3 - 11:46 pm

  This is my 4th LS car. Normally I like to change brands when a buy a car, but I’ve owned a Lexus since 1992. (Still have the original LS too.) I had a 2002 LS 430 with only 25K on it, but the new toys and styling changes made me get one. This is a great car pure and simple. The interior is wonderful and the leather is better than my last one. The Backup Camera is great along with the Bluetooth. It has a solid presence to it on the road. Based on my prior Lexus experience I have no doubt about the reliability. My 1992 has not caused any problems despite its age. My 98 and 02 LSs were also trouble free. The only concern is the effect of the 18-inch tires on the ride of the car.

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  Very nice luxury car, but a little bland - 2001 Lexus GS 300
  By Dallasguy - September 3 - 10:00 am

  I have a Mystic Sea Opalescent 2001 GS 300 with Navigation/Levinson package, chrome wheels, spoiler, and tint. Very sharp car. The Levinson stereo is top shelf, and I love the navigation system. Its very user friendly, and extremely accurate. Car is very reliable and runs well. Nice, cushy ride, and ample power. I would recommend this car to anyone, unless they want high performance, or more of an exhilerating ride.

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  I like mu lexus - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By GFW - September 3 - 10:00 am

  fun to drive , handle like a car, good view, quiet,look small outside, but roomy inside.

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  2002 RX 300 - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By Hall - September 3 - 8:00 am

  I drive, sell and study all types of vehicles. We recently bought a 2002, 4 year old RX 300, with 44k miles. It is excellent in every way. My wife loves the "fit", not too large, and not too small. The instrument panel, the mileage, the ride, and the overall performance is excellent. We are leaving next week for a 2000 mile road trip, and look forward to going in the RX 300.

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  What more could a fellow ask? - 2000 Lexus LS 400
  By dan hitt - September 3 - 3:33 am

  This is the third of four Lexus vehicles Ive owned since 1991 and the second LS. "Buy a really good car and maintain it," an old friend advised me many years ago. Well, this is a really good car that requires very little maintenance (aside from the regularly scheduled kind). A battery, tires and a tail light about cover it.

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  1997 Lexus LS400 - 1997 Lexus LS 400
  By Fran Heraty - September 3 - 2:00 am

  Excellent performance. Reliable. Not costly to maintain.

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  IS 300 - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By Johathan - September 3 - 2:00 am

  I love this car! I had to replace my last BMW 328i and with the reviews of seen of the IS 300, I just had to buy it. I love the handling of this car. Its a great combination of style, performance and luxury! I would not hesitate to buy it again. Sporty RWD and double wishbone suspension makes handling great, nice torquey 3.0L I6 engine makes for perfect balance and smoothness, luxurious interior that comes along with plethora of options and comfort, exterior styling very rich and lively.