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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  First Time Lexus Owner - 2007 Lexus RX 350
  By Tammy - September 16 - 4:00 pm

  Althought the RX 350 has several things going for it, there are at least as many negatives. We were sold on the Lexus reputation for reliability, & so far it holds true. But the cabin isnt as roomy as wed like for it to be. The car itself is too lightweight. At times Ive had the steering feel as though its being yanked out of my hand during sudden acceleration. No matter how I adjust the outside mirrors I still have huge blind spots. The cargo area has turned out to be so much less than we need. Max. seating for comfort - 4. I miss my Tahoe!

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  Wishing Id Never Purchased It - 2000 Lexus GS 300
  By Dissatisfied - September 15 - 8:10 am

  I purchased this car and, prior to close, had to force them to give me new tires as my "certified" vehicle tires were badly worn. Nicks, chips, in excess of what one would expect for a car with 22k miles. Within a few months, the radio numbers were barely visible. Minor repairs still covered by warranty were required. Now at $83K, I would have spent $5K fixing items but for the fact that I deferred a $1400 service that would be a "nice to have" and the dealer will pay for the labor on a power steering column I have to replace after doing a $2700 service two weeks ago. I should have kept ES300; 208K miles without the problems Im having here at 82K. Terrible snow handling.

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  Great suv, but in need of some small improvements - 2016 Lexus NX 200t
  By Sam Bhatia - September 15 - 12:34 am

  The black radio button is hard to see against the the black dash board. Some navigation options are not very intuitive. To new to comment on the maintenance issues. Enjoying the suv ride.

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  The Greatest - 2008 Lexus ES 350
  By Charliern9 - September 13 - 4:26 am

  I leased a 06 ES 330 but was disappointed that I didnt wait a few months for the 07. In 07 the car was redesigned and greatly improved, especially in the power category. No comparison to the 06 in that area. I absolutely love my new 08 and the Lexus service is unmatched from any other car manufacturer Ive ever dealt with.I only had a couple of complaints with the 06 but as of now I have no complaints whatsoever with this baby.This is one fine automobile and to quote my ex, its ride is as smooth as butter. My car is now referred to as the "buttermobile".

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  WOW !, - 1998 Lexus GS 300
  By ddv - September 13 - 2:00 am

  The combination of luxury and performance is unbelievable. This vehicle gives the driver a most enjoyable and satisfying experience. Ive owned and driven many different types of vehicles in my lifetime and this is, without a doubt, the best vehicle I have ever driven or owned.

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  Dream Car! - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By SZ - September 12 - 10:23 am

  Great options, nice styling inside and out. Awesome sound system, comfortable ride. Outstanding interior design - aesthetically pleasing. Comfortable, yet fast enough, gas mileage almost like a 4 cylinder Camry. Build with materials of high quality. Bought certified used - peace of mind!

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  Almost 18 months old - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By thomas - September 12 - 2:50 am

  Have had vehicle for over a year. No problems with it. Very satisfied.

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  Terrific all around - 2010 Lexus HS 250H
  By danoh - September 11 - 11:40 pm

  I bought my HS250h after months of deciding what vehicle I want to be in for the next few yoers-this is THE ONE. I came out of a BMW330Xi which was by far THE WORST vehicle I have ever owned. Lousy ride on RF scooter tires, AC NEVER WORKED for 4 years and 14 visits to the dealer under "Free Maintenance." Anyway, this vehicle is superbly engineered and the interior is superbly executed, performances is perfectly balances between lux and econo. It got mostly bad reviews which proves the bias to anything German made.even if they are overpriced and underperforming. the Lexus badge more prestige and cachet as the star and the propeller in my book. Great car. this is also my 2nd Lexus (RX/2004)

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  GS 300 - One hell of a car!! - 1998 Lexus GS 300
  By Ajay - September 11 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car a couple of months ago and i love it. I was highly debating between the Infinity I30 and the GS300. The design, styiling and power is excellent VS the Infinity. I would highly recommend this car to anyone. It is a little pricy but worth every single dime. You feel good evertime you see it in your garage.

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  I cant get it away from her. - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By AnotherHappyCamper - September 11 - 10:00 am

  Although my wife was hesitent to spend the money at first, we purchased our ES 300 in January. Now it is very difficult to ever get the car away from her for my use. We have both been very, very pleased with almost every aspect of the car. My wife and I are about one foot different in height and can both fit very comfortably - this is something that has kept us from purchasing other vehicles. The fit, finish, and quietness impress us every time we get into the car.