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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  Ill Buy Another - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Phil - July 9 - 3:06 am

  Everything I had hoped for. Although routine maintenance is a bit pricey, the resale value alone makes up the difference.

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  My first Lexus - 2007 Lexus GX 470
  By saurin patel - July 7 - 8:33 am

  This is my first Lexus and I love it, superb driving and luxurious.

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  My Lexus SUV rocks! - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Lina - July 6 - 11:03 pm

  I have owned several European luxury cars and this is my very favorite car ever! If you have any interest in buying a new car...do yourself a favor and test drive this one.

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  This is the enthusiasts pick - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By MattinCali - July 6 - 3:26 am

  For 2002, Lexus offers a 5-speed manual option to the IS300 model. I jumped at the opportunity to drive one, and I was sold in a heartbeat. The firmer suspension tuning on this model as well as the crisp shifting action of the manual truly make this the enthusiasts choice for a great sport sedan. I opted for the leather/ecsaine interior trim package, which really helps keep you in place while making turns. The seats themselves are top-notch to begin with, even for tall drivers (Im 602"). The acceleration is just as smooth as the braking and cornering. The auto-leveling standard xenon headlamps are a nice touch too.

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  Fun on Wheels - 2005 Lexus IS 300
  By Artsvet - July 2 - 10:00 am

  A real kick to drive. Traded in my BMW 3 series for it, and Im not sorry. Handles like a dream, a has a real sport car feel. Only complaint is the small trunk.

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  I like it! - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By Valeriy - July 2 - 10:00 am

  No problems yet. I am tall, so, it could be bigger. Also rear spoilers should be good for the car.

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  The Best SUV on the market - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Raulin/R. Corbera - July 2 - 10:00 am

  First time Lexus buyer, The confort, handling, ride and quality are excellent, second to none. I am truly impressed. Best buy I have made in many years. Customer service is excellent and a truly pleasant buying experience.

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  Best crossover/SUV with decent mileage - 2008 Lexus ES 350
  By SA - July 2 - 7:26 am

  Great all around. I was very surprised to get 28 mpg on highway although in city it hovers around 18-19 mpg. Smooth, quiet and great ride.

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  Lexus RX330 - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By L. Witherbee - July 2 - 5:40 am

  This is our 7th Lexus fron a GS 300 to 2 LS 400s 3 RX 300s and a GX470. We feel this is one of the best Lexus ever. They have corrected all the negatives we expewrienced in our previous RX 300s. Great car and well buy another one.

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  Great Auto - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Alina81 - June 30 - 10:26 pm

  happy with my RX