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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  Lexus Is The Way To Go! - 2009 Lexus ES 350
  By Phil - October 8 - 3:10 am

  I purchased my ES 350 a little over a year and a half ago, and to this day have no regrets. We have the fully loaded model in the Matador Red Mica color. The looks, the reliability, and the overall design are superb. This is our second Lexus. We also have a 94 GS 300 which has also been absolutely trouble-free. Well always be a Lexus family.

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  Money buys happiness! - 2007 Lexus GX 470
  By David Ray - October 7 - 9:56 am

  Luxury and power. Built on a solid truck frame yet the ride control feature allows an adjustable ride. Able to tow 6500pounds. Currently tow a 3000 pound boat, mpg 13. Comfortable is all respects plus give the feeling of safety. Well thought design but should have a larger gas tank. Easily earns its consumer report outstanding "recommended buy" rating.

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  new owner - 1998 Lexus ES 300
  By Craig W. - October 6 - 2:00 am

  I bought this vehicle with 92,000 miles on it. My wife and I immediately went for a road trip and put 1,300 additional miles on it. It is an awesome vehicle. Good power and a smooth ride. Were still learning about the different features/buttons that come with it. I think one of the struts needs to be replaced, but other than that, it didnt even hint at having problems. Great car.

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  NOT FOR THE COLD STATES - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By Brenda - October 6 - 2:00 am

  Love the style, fun to drive. Not good on gas but not suprised. The biggest suprise was its performance on a snowy road!!! TERRIBLE! I relocated to a cold state just 2 months ago, bought this car and Im not sure what to do. I couldnt start accelerating from a stop and slid while driving. Tire dealer recommended slow down and drive a different car! Great car but only in a sunshine state.

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  NOT FOR THE COLD STATES - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By brenda - October 6 - 2:00 am

  Love the style, fun to drive. Not good on gas but not suprised. The biggest suprise was its performance on a snowy road!!! TERRIBLE! I relocated to a cold state just 2 months ago, bought this car and Im not sure what to do. I couldnt start accelerating from a stop and slid while driving. Tire dealer recommended slow down and drive a different car! Great car but only in a sunshine state.

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  Shame on you Toyota (Lexus) - 2000 Lexus RX 300
  By Steve - October 5 - 11:06 am

  I purchased my Lexus RX300 when it was 1 year old and I knew the previous owner (engineer very good at maintaining). I have been pretty good abut keeping up with oil changes etc., and I have spent more money on this car than any car Ive owned previously (Toyota or otherwise). First it was engine sludge and last month it was a new transmission. I now again have an emerging engine sludge problem and Lexus is again claiming no responsibility. I buy new and drive my cars forever, but my Lexus at 98,000 miles is the worst purchase Ive ever made. I will not be buying a Toyota ever again.

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  Ultimate of the Ultimates! - 2009 Lexus LX 570
  By Big Ride - October 4 - 8:43 am

  This is simply the ultimate, go anywhere do anything with class luxury SUV available on the planet. Our family owned the 2003 LX 470 and that was great, but this is beyond great. We looked at the best from Land Rover, Mercedes and even the Cadillac and there was no comparison. Value for value, reliability for reliability and capability for capability there is no other SUV that compares. Own one and you will understand!

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  Awesome - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By bucket - October 3 - 9:36 pm

  I purchased this vehicle used and it had been serviced by a Lexus dealership. I immediately put Pirelli all season non run flat tires on it with a new spare tire. What a difference; it is now the perfect retractable hardtop; rides just as nice as my previous ES 330. Could not have imagined how many looks we would get sitting in traffic or driving down the interstate!

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  Love this SUV - 2016 Lexus GX 460
  By Julia - October 3 - 1:39 pm

  This is my second GX. My first was a 2012. I am always surprised by the expert reviews of this SUV. I have driven a Subaru outback, a Volvo XC70, a Toyota highlander and a Chevy Suburban and none of them can come close to the performance of the GX in the snow. I live in Wisconsin and missing a workday due to snow is not an option for me. I have been on the interstate in three blizzards this winter alone and the GX is solid on the road. The gas milage well outperforms stated (22-23) and in a SUV with true 4 wheel drive capability I am pleased. Unlike my husbands suburban, and my neighbors Mercedes and BMW, my 2012 GX has had no mechanical issues, even minor, ever! I traded only for new tech options and safety features and because my neighbor wanted to buy my 2012. I wonder if the reviewers have ever really driven in snow... because the is no better SUV in my mind. My teenagers often use the third row and have never complained. The way the back door swings open, even when parallel parked has never been an issue. The blind spot is huge and the addition of the blind spot monitor will be welcome, I did not have it on my 2012.

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  Lexus LS 400 Review - 1999 Lexus LS 400
  By M Schindler - October 3 - 6:36 am

  Fun, fast, durable, reliable. Good value.