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 loyalty saved me - 2007 Lexus LS 460
  By Cobber1 - June 12 - 5:56 am

  We are a Lexus family with currently an LX and a GS. We were ready to add a large sedan and spent an ample amount of time driving the BMW 745LI, Mercedes S550 and of course the LS 460L. Although the S550 is an extremely nice auto, Im very pleased to have saved $15k-$20k and stayed with Lexus. This is by far the nicest automobile I have been in and is an absolute pleasure to drive. I thought the LX wouldnt never be replaced as my favorite auto, but neither it nor the GS has been out of the garage since the LS came home. Forget about the negative auto park reviews, thats not why you buy this Lexus.

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  Road Warrior! - 2017 Lexus RX 350
  By Kipp Nave - June 12 - 2:23 am

  If there were ever proof that you get what you pay for, the Lexus RX350 is it. My wife and I just retired and wanted an "RV" (Retirement Vehicle) and we planned on a lot of time behind the wheel driving across America to work on checking off items on our bucket list. We traded in - reluctantly as it had been such a good vehicle - our 2010 RX350 that had just turned over 110K miles. While the 2010 had all of the bells and whistles of its day, the technology had become a little dated. We opted for a 2017 RX350 premium package with the wide screen navigation. We brought it home and about one month later took off on a 3000 mile road trip up to Pennsylvania and Ohio from our home in San Antonio Texas. The RX performed beyond our expectations. The cruise control and radar/safety system worked well, but it takes some getting used to. (BTY, the safety package is standard on the RX, something BMW, Acura and other make you pay extra) The assistant was helpful in setting up addresses and voice commands were easy. I especially like just saying "Im Hungry" and it lists all of the restaurants nearby. You pick a place to eat and the navigation system lays out the routing. Overall, I love this vehicle and would recommend it to anyone wanting an upscale SUV that seats 5. As it is only the wife and I, it fulfills all of our travel needs.

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  The Best by far - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By Jbrasil - June 12 - 2:00 am

  This is the best by far...Will always own one

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  Lexus - Perfection - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By JerryL3515 - June 12 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is absolutely wonderful. Could not be better.

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  The Best SUV ever!!! - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By vinster29 - June 12 - 2:00 am

  The Lexus RX300 sets the standard for all of the other SUVs on the market. Even with all of the copycats out there, their is still not other cross- over SUV like the RX300. People are always telling me how nice my RX looks even though they just came out with the RX330. Lexus has outdone themselves with this vehicle!!

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  330 has big advantage over 300 - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By beefstew - June 12 - 2:00 am

  I held off buying an ES300 until I had the opportunity to try the 330. The transmission is smoother and the acceleration is much better in the 330. Additionally, the model I purchased included the navigation system and the mark levinson audio. For the price, you cant beat it. I have used the navigation system almost daily, clear and easy to use.

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  LEXUS ROX - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By PRIMETIME - June 12 - 2:00 am

  THIS IS THE SWEETEST CAR EVER

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  Great automobile - 2010 Lexus ES 350
  By Joe Robinson - June 10 - 4:00 pm

  The car has really impressed me. It has a smooth ride. It feels like you are riding on air. Very comfortable. Interior finishes are of great quality. Engine acceleration is smooth and quick. Tons of Standard features. Plenty of rear seat space for my 59" Daughter.

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  Excellent Car, Outstanding MPG - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By JStewart - June 10 - 5:06 am

  I bought this car as a CPO in October 2007. I traded a 2002 BMW 745Li. This car does not drive like the BMW and lacks some amenities, but all in all, its a great value. In my driving thus far, I average 27 MPG city and 38 MPG on long trips. With that kind of mileage, who needs a hybrid. This is an excellent car for the $$$.

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  Wanna Have Fun? - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Agent Ron - June 9 - 5:10 pm

  This is an incredible car. Its very stylish, everyone makes a comment. Its very quick and responsive. Great fuel economy, much better than I expected. Its fun to just cruise or have some quick fun around the corners!