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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  Mountain Gem - 2006 Lexus LX 470
  By amr001 - August 8 - 3:56 pm

  Lexus continues to impress with outstanding quality and luxury performance. The Land Cruiser base is solid as ever and delivers rugged reliability topped off with Lexus comfort.

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  This is car is great - 2007 Lexus LS 460
  By dcminatl - August 8 - 4:46 am

  I have owned BMW, have a Mercedes in the garage for the wife and this is definitely the best built car I have ever driven. I bought the 460 short wheel base. Zero to 60 in 5.4-5.6 seconds is not too shabby compared to the BMW 7 and Benz S class. Interior ergonomics and technology is not even close, the Lexus is superior. The 460 SWB compared to the BMW 750i seems to have more rear seat leg room and the 460L seemed like a waste of money. The BMW may own the market for road feel, but its not enough to justify the extra $16k. I was a bmw bigot, but the 460 is definitely the king of the class. Gas mileage compared to the others is superior as well.

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  Our experience over 7.5 years - 2001 Lexus LS 430
  By bob - August 7 - 6:33 am

  We have never had a mechanical problem with this car since the day we purchased it. We did have to replace the stereo amp, but in 7.5 years we felt we couldnt complain. Great car, great dealership.

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  Luxury, Style, Speed - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By Car Lover - August 6 - 10:00 am

  Purchased this car a year ago and still loving it. The engine is silky smooth and quiet and will give you awesome acceleration when you want it. The interior is the best around with an awesome sound system and navigation system. The materials used in this car is second to none and the fit and finish is superb. Anyone that thinks a V8 lincoln can out accelerate this Lex is dreaming. The interior is a million times better than any Corvette. Anyone that thinks Lexus uses corolla parts in this car has obviously never driven an SC. The SC430 draws a crowd unlike the outdated vette.

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  Certified GS450h - 2007 Lexus GS 450h
  By winks - August 4 - 9:03 am

  I recently purchased a certified GS450h. It is in excellent condition and having the 161 pt check done gives me peace of mind. I am blown away with how fast it is. A friend with a Porsche drove it and said it is much quicker off the line. The lines are great and I love the the design hasnt changed, so you cant tell that it isnt brand new. Got to love the Lexus Experience.

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  Great car, with small defects - 2007 Lexus LS 460
  By Astie - August 2 - 9:40 pm

  This is my third LS (previously had 1990 and 1998 models). Im on the fence with this one. On the one hand I love the vehicles safety features, the interior, the gadgets and the acceleration. On the other hand the vehicle came with several problems - wind noise, hesitation at start, wing mirrors that did not unfold when they should, and locks that did not automatically lock when they should. All these issues have been resolved, but they left me concerned. Theres too much road noise - the tires need to be upgraded to Michelin SP2 or equivalent. The engine sounds a little rough when accelerating.

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  Loving L.A. Traffic Now - 2006 Lexus ES 330
  By LOVING MY CAR - August 2 - 9:20 am

  I have to say, never did I think I would ever "LOVE" a car. But I LOVE this car! It is pure pleasure driving 30 miles to work everyday. Smooth, comfortable, roomy, sleek, sexy, what more can I say. People think I spent 50k on this car, that is how good it looks. Not to mention the Lexus reputation. I am a new LOYAL LEXUS CUSTOMER.

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  Land Yacht - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By impressive - August 1 - 1:06 am

  Bought a 2004 LS 430 used. BEST car Ive ever driven, PERIOD. the engine is smooth, the ride is effortless and getting over 28 mpg on the highway with power to spare. Could not be any happier with this car.

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  BEST CAR EVER DROVE - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By DIANE CHRISTIAN - July 30 - 10:00 am

  COMPLIMENTS GALORE ON APPEARENCE AND RIDE

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  Love My Lexus - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By Ryans Mimi - July 30 - 10:00 am

  This is my 5th Lexus and they just keep getting better and better. Every time I buy a new one I think this is the best, and the next one goes up a notch.