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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  lexus lx470 : greatest experience - 2001 Lexus LX 470
  By jochi - July 16 - 10:00 am

  if you love lexus you will love this car

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  I love my CAR! - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By snowwhite612 - July 16 - 10:00 am

  This car is a blast to drive. And it looks as good as it drives. I cant go a day without taking it for a spin. Try it, youll like it!

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  lexuslover - 2005 Lexus SC 430
  By momota - July 14 - 1:03 pm

  Despite some saying the back seat is useless, I find it perfect for storage ... golf clubs fit, groceries, small travel bags, etc. This is in addition to extra space in the trunk even with the top retracted. I find it has more room than the z3, z4, audi tt, mercedes slk, etc. Also it has absolutely THE BEST stereo. And it is tons of fun to drive in luxury!

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  I LOVE THIS CAR - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By Marie38126 - July 14 - 10:00 am

  This is the second Lexus SC that I have owned, and I have loved both. This one is especially sharp because of its convertible status. I feel safe in the car and have not had any problems with either cars other than the required maintenance...how many others can say this? I looked around when deciding to buy a new car(especially Mercedes-Benz) and couldnt find anything else with almost every luxury amenity that there is,for the price. I would do it all over again. It is definitely a HEAD- TURNER.

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  Love it! - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By poe6matt - July 14 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Lexus and I am thrilled with everything about it. The size is perfect and gives me the versatility I need with seven available seats. The RX was too small for me and the LX too big. The GX is just right!

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  Great Vehicle - 2008 Lexus RX 400H
  By RX400 - July 14 - 8:36 am

  This vehicle is one of the best vehicles I have ever owned. Perfect size for active sports oriented people who need an SUV but drive alone with occasional passengers. Gas savings is a plus but the real perk is the V8 power with 4 cylinder mileage. Lots of personal storage space and excellent ergonomics. Nav and stereo system are great. This car will retrain you on how to drive properly. I came from a BMW 550 sedan and GX 470 and didnt realize how wasteful I was on the pedal. Highly recommend this vehicle. Great for long distance travel with small family. Best commuter car I have owned. Engine stops from 0-30 mph so no wasting gas but AC keeps running cold as ice.

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  Amazing Vehicle. - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By dwc20 - July 12 - 7:31 am

  This Vehicle is the Best suv to own hands down. For those of you who own one or have driven one, you know what Im talking about. Awesome look, feel, ride, and reliablility. I will never consider owning anything other then lexus for those reasons listed above. The thing moves! Very very fast like a v8, but with 4cyl. effieciency. Gas mileage is great! 26-29 overall. For a vehicle weighing in at 5000 pounds and AWD, you would be crazy not to think that it was fuel efficient. If there were a negative review on this vehicle it would have to be from another car manufacturer because they just cant handle quality like this. Take care of your vehicle and it will take care of you!

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  2-DIE-4 - 2000 Lexus LX 470
  By BuddyJ - July 11 - 10:00 am

  I have owned 30 vehicles in my life. Two of the Best have been a LEXUS. My LX470 rides on air and stops on a dime.

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  2002 Lexus LS430 - 2002 Lexus LS 430
  By Eric - July 11 - 7:43 am

  This is my first luxury car and bought used to avoid sticker shock. The only item needing warranty replacement were the two gas-filled lifters for the trunks lid. I bought as "like new" with 23K on the clock. The original owner replaced the Yoko 390s with Michelin XSE MXV4s as they wore out too soon. The ride is not super quiet over interstate pavement joints which may be exasperated by these new tires. I dont know. Also, the AC is so powerful that even in a Gulf Coast summer the fan speed on "Auto" has to be manually moderated. This involves using the Navigation touch screen. A nice problem to have though in Houston. I am 100% happy with this car even in our new era of $3/gallon gas.

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  My new Car - 2016 Lexus ES 350
  By Linda - July 10 - 8:50 pm

  The seat sits a little low for me...I am short and have low profile tires. I could use a skinny pillow to raise me up higher for better visability. Very comfortable though.