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 LS 430 - 2001 Lexus LS 430
  By Jarrard - August 30 - 10:00 am

  Excellent road car. Handles exceptional for its size. Great acceleration. Im not happy with the braking, however, this may be a problem with my particular car. 27 MPG on the highway is great.

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  Candys corner - 2003 Lexus RX 300
  By candys corner - August 30 - 10:00 am

  If your looking for style comfort and reliability look no further. This small but handsome SUV will not hold a soccer team however will make it to every game on time and in style. Drivers visibility and road feel is awesome, would you expect anything less from a Lexus?

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  Love my new Lexus - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By MommyEsq - August 30 - 4:30 am

  This is my first Lexus, I have owned 4 Audis and wanted something different. I love it. I hope the gas mileage is not too bad, I have only had it for a week, so I am not sure yet what kind of gas mileage Ill get. It provides much more room for my 5 year old son.

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  what a blast - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By bayuvar - August 27 - 10:00 am

  A fun car to drive, even when commuting. Large enough for 3 passengers, small enough to park in tight spaces. It runs well on mid grade gasoline [89 octane] without much noticable effect on performance; has never pinged yet.

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  RX330 is Great - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By RenoSS - August 27 - 10:00 am

  I previously owned a 2002 Lexus ES300. My son purchased a 2004 RX-330 and I drove it a few times. We really liked the easy entry and exit from the vehicle. All the extra creature comforts that the ES-300 didnt have. We really like the ride and ease of putting things in the cargo space with the power door. The sound system is great and the power steering wheel is also a very nice feature. Of course you cant beat the service at the Lexus dealership.

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  Poor decision - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Steve - August 27 - 7:46 am

  Ive purchased lower end Japanese built sedans in the past. I thought this was an upgrade. I couldnt have been more wrong. The transmission hesitates and it is normal I was told. Possibly because of this it has fair acceleration off the line. It has the most uncomfortable drivers seat Ive ever sat on. Its very hard. I have not experienced near the same discomfort with other cars Ive driven including rental cars from low small to large ones. This purchase has taught me a lesson, that a higher end brand does not come close to guarantee driving enjoyment. It has been the exact opposite.

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  Fantastic value overall - 2017 Lexus ES 350
  By Ricky Riccardi - August 26 - 10:57 pm

  A few bugs in the car: the navigation does not lower the stereo when giving voice directions, and the remote start option is nice but after you start the car and open the door the engine cuts off and you have to start it again. Other than that, navigation takes a bit getting used to with the remote touch mouse. Superb ride, that is very quiet with more than ample power. The car feels heavy but moves with ease. I have the base sound system and it sounds crystal clear. Overall you get Lexus quality and the price really cannot be beat for this model.

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  Lexus RX 350 08 - 2008 Lexus RX 350
  By Super Tsuper - August 25 - 12:16 am

  Just bought RX 350 AWD 2 weeks ago. I love the interior except for a few quirky features like the heated seats on/off button which is like a childs toy. To turn it on and adjust the heat, you have to push a knob that pops out and then turn to select the desired heat. Very conventional way for a SUV w/ $2.7K of nav system. Sound system is not too excellent either, reception very poor.

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  Best of the Best - 1998 Lexus LS 400
  By greg hadden - August 24 - 12:53 am

  Lexus makes the BEST cars period. The LS shows it all off and gets you there in style, comfort, with a bit of performance. Youll not have to worry about these cars as they are virtually indestructable with bulletproof engines and transmissions. This is the fourth LS Ive owned, moving from a 92 to 94 to 96 and now the 98 which is far superior to the others in the options and styling that it offers. The Xenon HIDs and Nakamichi sound really make a difference. Buy this car, you wont be sorry.

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  Good Car good Price - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By babybluegsr92 - August 23 - 2:00 am

  Excellent car i am buying another one for my mother she loves it so do it great ride little loud on roud noise but what can i say it has 17s not small tires good quick great for the money chicks dig it.