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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  Practical and fun - 2007 Lexus GS 450h
  By jeffw54 - September 24 - 8:20 am

  Love the acceleration and the feeling of driving a "sports" car while getting decent gas mileage. Have owned two other Lexus vehicles and this vehicle continues the streak of flawless fit and finish. Ive gotten many compliments and a few negative comments about having a "luxury hybrid". I chalk those comments up to jealousy. Gas mileage has been consistently in the 24 - 26 mpg range (and I have a lead foot sometimes). With Virginias tax credit, this wasnt that much more expensive than the regular GS model and I get to use HOV lanes!

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  Simply the Best, 2005 Lexus LX 470 - 2005 Lexus LX 470
  By wlsn951 - September 23 - 12:10 pm

  My new LX470 is absolutely spectacular in ever way except fuel mileage. This is my second LX470, the first being a 2002. As delivered, from day one, there have been no problems what so ever. Nice to drive, great fit and finish, and impressive off road performance. What else can I say, it is a Lexus. Dave

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  New car for safety. - 2017 Lexus RX 350
  By Roland Philip - September 22 - 9:12 pm

  Electronics, navigation, radio complex and not intuitive. Need to study manual which is complicated.

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  Great Looking Car - 2006 Lexus GX 470
  By Karen - September 21 - 5:30 am

  I feel very safe driving my GX 470. The navigation system is outstanding, the best I have ever seen. Even though it is a mid size SUV this car can easily fit into standard parking spaces. Sound system is top of the line

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  Love Life With Her - 2002 Lexus LS 430
  By Gimpyeti - September 20 - 7:33 pm

  This car is absoluting amazing. Every aspect is flattering in numerous ways. I currently own a Cadillac STS, CTS, and this car. This Lexus owns each in its own manner. The power steering is just soo fun to use along with the V8 engine. On first drive youll be hooked.

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  Lexus 330 (2004) - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Windy - September 19 - 10:00 am

  Wonderful ride. Runs perfectly, like riding in an airplane. We have EVERY extra possible. Ours listed for $55,000.

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  Great Ride! - 2010 Lexus GX 460
  By Jeff - September 18 - 3:23 pm

  Simply the smoothest riding SUV I have ever drove. The power is not out of this world but good enough, after all it is an SUV not a race car. Inside it is almost perfect with the normal Lexus luxurys and although the 3rd row could be larger, I love the fact that it electronically folds down. The Sepia leather color is simply stunning. Bottom line, I test drove an Audi Q7, a BMW X5, and an Acura MDX before purchasing the GX 460 and none of them even came close.

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  RX 350 Noisy Engine - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By hoop999 - September 17 - 10:00 am

  I a have a 2010 RX 350 with about 9,000 miles. The engine has developed loud valve and tappet (I think) noise after about 5,000 miles. I am working with Lexus to find a resolution to this problem and have worked with the local service manager, the actual technician and a regional specialist. So far they have given me an answer that I dont think I or other RX350 users are going to like; which is "thats the way the engine sounds". Interestingly, I test drove a loaner with 700 miles (no noise) and a loaner with 12,000 miles (same bothersome noise as my auto). This could be a really big problem for Lexus in that owners buy their product for comfort, power and a quiet ride.

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  Above the rest - 2007 Lexus RX 350
  By Speedsk8r - September 17 - 6:56 am

  I owned a 2001 RX 300 and really enjoyed it. Passengers expressed how much they liked the interior and ride comfort. I upgraded to the 2007 RX 350 and it is a BIG improvement over the 01. No other SUV in this class can come close to the Lexus in driving dynamics and overall luxury and comfort. I cant wait for the ALL NEW 2009 RX!!

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  === Do not buy until the fix the MUFFLER === - 2017 Lexus RX 350
  By Gabriel - September 17 - 5:00 am

  Most of these car have or develop a low noise and vibrations, Lexus is aware of this issue but will not fix it, its a well documented problem, look under muffler noise problem or drone noise , not pleasant and not suitable for s luxury car, dealer said thet are working on an issue for the past 14 months. BEWARE: DO NOT BUY THIS CAR !