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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  Im Loving My NEW 2012 Lexus RX 350!!! - 2012 Lexus RX 350
  By lexuslover12 - July 24 - 9:57 am

  We bought our 2012 RX 350 almost fully loaded on 11/11/11!!! We got the Starfire Pearl white and it is a gem of a vehicle. This crossover is supremely comfortable and easy to drive albeit bland at some times. On long road trips is where this car shines. The steering is precise, seats are luxurious, and the refinements exude Lexus quality. We got the Nav system, AWD, roof rack, Advanced HID dynamic Projector headlamps, and many other extra features. This car is very common in our area (Northern Virginia). We have driven about a 1,000 miles so far and its smooth, elegant, beautiful, stands out, luxurious and quiet. It also has plenty of power and excellent brakes and acceleration!

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  great all around car for your dollars - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By ivan rubin - July 24 - 2:00 am

  what a bang for your buck great car ive driven the other high end vehichles m/b bmw and the others are all higher priced. this is the car to buy and enjoy.

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  Best i have purchased - 2004 Lexus GS 300
  By suham - July 24 - 2:00 am

  It feels like if i was driving in cloud nine, I have had many cars since I was young but this one is the keeper it is so smooth, fun and it wondeerful to drive all over type of car. Best choice I made. 10+++

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  Love It - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By joallen - July 24 - 2:00 am

  Performs great. Style is beautiful. It is good to know when I need the power it is there. Most fun Ive had in a car since my 58 TBird.

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  Finest luxury car available - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By C. H. E. - July 23 - 5:00 pm

  I have owned Mercedes and several BMWs and am a big fan of the latter. None, however, are as pleasurable to drive as the LS 430. The design is not as dazzling as some others but the car is a work or art in its functional perfection. Everything is designed with a purpose and everything fits and functions flawlessly.It is designed and executed to enhance driving comfort and experience without unnecessary complexity. Almost everything in its operation is intuitive. That is what intelligent design is all about. Once you experience the LS Lexus everything else is just a car. I will move up the LS 460 in the future but the change will be merely evolutionary.

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  lexus is - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By shortie - July 22 - 2:00 am

  this car is awsome

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  Awesome - 1999 Lexus ES 300
  By spxchrome - July 22 - 2:00 am

  Always wanted one, now that I have one I wish I would have bought it sooner. Only bad thing is that if the window is cracked when its raining the water from the windshield will come back into the car. they need to redesign the door guters which I think they did on the new model. awesome 6CD changer with bose comparable sound system

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  Whats next?. - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By Lexusistheone! - July 18 - 2:00 am

  The most luxurious car on the planet. You can spend more for German just to buy badge and headaches.

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  Simply the Best SUV - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Summer - July 17 - 7:10 pm

  I own an 04 AWD (now have 24,000 miles on it) and couldnt be happier with it. Ive owned a BMW (M3), Mercedes (C32), Honda Accord EX.... you name it. This is the best all around car. I love the room, the ride, the styling, the quality, the customer service, the many cool features... everything. Before we bought, my husband and I looked at BMW X5, Infiniti FX45, Acura MDX, Pacifica and Im glad I ended up with this one. You cant beat Lexus quality (better than BMW and Mercedes) I still look for better SUVs out there and havent found one. (Porsche Cayenne has good power, but poor quality and plain interior) If I sell this one, its because Im buying a new one (maybe 400h?) :)

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  FUN, FUN, FUN - 2010 Lexus HS 250H
  By parpay - July 17 - 3:13 am

  Bought it two weeks ago. Have had so much fun driving this car. Got the smoky granite with black interior. Everything but tech package. Getting about 34 mpg - back change over my 2003 4Runner. Got it for $1250 UNDER invoice. Bought the warranty - probably shouldnt have but was told it was refundable if I dont use it.