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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  Just upgraded my RX300 to RX330 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By vicki - July 30 - 10:00 am

  The RX330 seems to be "tighter" in every detail from the seats to handeling (bigger tires). Speaking of tires, my new RX330 came w/ a great set as compared to my RX300. I love the new features such as the side mirror tilt when you put in reverse, the automatic backdoor open/close w/ touch of a button, the CD holder in the dash vs the glove box & the duel temp. controls.

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  Very good - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By PONDsuv - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Have driven 7000 miles in 5 weeks. Performance very good. Milage 24-25 on Interstate, 17-18 local. Great driver seat, should have all the same options on the passenger seat - uncomfortable to back on the right side. Previous had Mercedes E320 - better seats and performance in the MB, but enjoy the RX as much or more. Standard RX audio system a bit cheap - could do much better. Service outstanding! Back seat with adjustable seats a bonus. Overall, a very good auto. Will revisit review in 12 months.

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  High Tech Luxury - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By JohnConnor - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Fantastic crossover SUV or LUV as they like to refer to it. Total comfort and luxury. Major improvement over the first generation RX300, in both style and performance. Love it!!

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  Great Value, but .... - 2006 Lexus ES 330
  By Steve of Georgia - July 30 - 2:26 am

  Previous cars were all Acuras (Legend and RL). ES 330 was a much better value with equivalent quality. Although we didnt purchase the car for its engine performance, fuel economy has been disappointing. 25 MPG on the highway at 70/75 MPH. City is around 18 MPG. This is WITH Premium gas. Also, a strange sound has started coming the stereo. Otherwise, no problems, great quality/features for the price. Get the ventilated seats, they work great in both winter/summer.

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  Marvelous Used Car - 1996 Lexus ES 300
  By rlr001 - July 29 - 8:03 pm

  Bought this about a year ago. Have done nothing to it since other than oil changes. Drives fantastic on the highway, AC is perfectly cold, CD player is highest quality, seat comfort great, and its very peppy to drive. I was looking for a Camry and found this for a good deal, I am hooked on Lexus now!

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  Pleasing to look at and to drive - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Tom Stangl - July 28 - 10:40 am

  A nice combination. Beautiful exterior and interior looks, quality second to none and a quiet, smooth ride. The navigation system is very easy to use and more practical/helpful than I imagined. Mark Levinson sound system is crisp, clear and powerful! The lexus CPO program was the final touch on a great buying experience.

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  2017 LX570 KING OF SUVS - 2017 Lexus LX 570
  By John M - July 26 - 8:46 pm

  Trulely the king of suvs I have had serval suvs including g wagons Range Rover escalade 4 runner LX570 is the DADDY HANDS DOWN. It is the most comfortable SUV for road trips with o cooler in the armrest that fits a full bottle of champagne and still has room. Looks that are amazing and gets complements all the time. If you are thinking about getting one go for it as I can tell Ashly say this is the best SUV ever built.

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  You will love this vehicle.... - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By LindaLou - July 26 - 1:53 pm

  My Lexus RX330 is my first SUV and I love it! The seats are so comfortable and the lumbar support is perfect for me. The heater works immediately, which is great in the winter months. The 4 wheel drive is great in the snow as I just found out.. I would recommend this vehicle to all.

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  Drives like a sports car - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Marek - July 25 - 5:36 am

  I have owned this vehicle for almost a year. The best future is stability control, which helps you in the snow and on the wet roads. I feel very safe in this car. Acceleration is outstanding: driving on the highway on V6 only, when in need, electric motors kick in and give you that extra boost. It feels like a turbo, but without all the mechanics and fuel penalty of the regular car. I get 23-24 MPG driving in NJ.

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  More comfortable than a Mercedes - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By tg - July 24 - 9:33 pm

  RX 400hs technology is light years ahead from other cars on the market today. The hybrid powertrain does not only save you gas and helps the environment; it makes the habitacle significantly more silent than even a high-end car such as a Mercedes sedan. Power is impressive and compares with a V8. When purchasing the car, the dealer connected my cell phone to the cars bluetooth system in 30 seconds: this feature is priceless! I pick up incoming phone by depressing a button on the steering wheel, voice comes out of the cars stereo system, and the mic is integrated in the car - I never have to pick up the phone. Despite its price, this car is worth every penny.