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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  Best value in a sedan - 2000 Lexus LS 400
  By Road Warrior - February 9 - 9:13 am

  This is a third update of my used car experience she has 158,000 miles on her now and still runs like when I bought it other than normal wear out service items and a Intermittent problem with the power tilt wheel not going down; this happens a couple times a year it wont work then comes back to life as if nothing happened. I am very pleased with the car. If you can find a good one you will be very happy ,safe and comfortable I have driven it a 1000 miles over 2 days and still feel comfortable with no road fatigue with this one on your body. Do yourself a favor service at qualified independent shop and save 40-60% off Lexus franchise dealer prices I do !

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  First Time Lexus Owner - 2007 Lexus LS 460
  By John Vickman - February 9 - 8:33 am

  We have only had our LS for a few days, and already we love it. We are coming out of a SL500 and a 530xi. We have had a number of Mercedes and BMWs, but never before a Lexus. The car rides incredibly smoothly and has excellent power. The mileage is outstanding for the hp.

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  Best Car ever - 1998 Lexus GS 300
  By Juan Diaz - February 8 - 10:00 am

  Best car Ive ever bought

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  Fits like a glove - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By Julie Gaines - February 8 - 10:00 am

  This car hugs the road and fits your body like a glove. It is a lot of fun to drive.

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  Powerfull quality and comfort - 2001 Lexus LS 430
  By steve199 - February 8 - 10:00 am

  Wonderful ride and power when needed. Total comfort front and back. All the quality with excellant value. Would never consider anything else. This is the third Lexus and all have been totally free of defaults. This Lexus is by fall the most enjoyable of the three I have owned. Total pleasure

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  Flawless First Lexus - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By Brian Chadwick - February 8 - 10:00 am

  Beautiful build quality, first class ride, outstanding experience at the dealership sold me on this vehicle. I especially enjoy the navgigation system and practically SILENT ride. If you are looking for a luxury vehicle and dont want to spend more than $40k, this is the car for you. It is larger than a BMW 3 series, quieter than any Acura or Infiniti, and you are sure to have the best reliability experience from a Lexus.

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  Lexus Sex Us - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By dxchud - February 7 - 2:00 am

  After only 2 GX test drives, reading reviews on Edmunds and ClubLexus.com - I was sold! Also considered Volvo XC90 and BMW X5 and was turned off in that process. Volvo- disappointed by the interior quality and general station wagon feel. BMW - was not big enough and can only rely on its performance oriented characteristics which were not outstanding with the 3.0. Finally, after my wife was SO impressed with the test drive (concerned by SUV gas mileage) and said - "this is NIIIICE". We were sold. Had it only about 48 hrs. but really love the new addition to our family. Even our 2 yr old daughter said "nice car" after sitting in it.

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  Love my Car - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By Jessica - February 6 - 3:40 am

  My lexus has been the best car for me. I owned a 2004 for 2 years and just upgraded to a 2006. It rides smooth as glass (much better than my GM SUV). The car is all about making the driver comfortable. The Navigation system is easy to operate and a huge help. I have NEVER had to take my car in except for routine maintentance. I LOVE MY CAR!!

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  SUV of 2010 - 2010 Lexus GX 460
  By Thuan - February 5 - 8:23 am

  Traded in my 2006 GX470 for the new GX460 Premium (White/tan) on Aug 7, 2010. The car has every option added, including the factory chrome wheels. Compared with my loaded GX470 its by far better, smoother, comfortable and very quite on the highway. I didnt have any problem with wind noise. Other reviews had stated the wind noise problem but I didnt get it on my GX460 at all. Highly recommended with Premium package because of all the convenience options that come with it. Before buying this car, I test drove the X5, Porsche, Mercedes GL450, Escalade and Lincoln Navigator and then decide for yourself. The GX460 drive it to believe it.

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  Another winner from Lexus... - 2008 Lexus RX 350
  By thesugarrush - February 3 - 1:46 pm

  Second Lexus in the garage and first Lexus SUV. The quality, comfort, and luxury are eveywhere in this RX. It has smooth engine with enough power. Ride is very quiet, smooth and comfortable. Got 18 city/22-24mpg highway. Previously owned a Murano. The RX 350 is a step up in terms of luxury, ownership experience and quality. I test drove Benz ML350, FX35 and BMW X5 before buying the Lexus. Lexus USA disables navigation destination input vehicle is in motion. However, there are many ways to bypass this. So do not use this as your excuse not to purchase this great vehicle.