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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  Greatest car ever! - 2003 Lexus GS 300
  By Jeremy - June 9 - 2:00 am

  If you want styling, design, reliability, performance and comfort, this is the car for you! The car is super quiet! Sound system is awesome! Couldnt ask for a better car! (BMW & Mercedes cant touch it!)

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  Quite the Car... - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Matatora - June 6 - 7:13 am

  I drove an SLK for five years,this 05 RX 330 has been a godsend. I got it it on 12-31 and drove @1000 miles two days later I have never enjoyed such a quiet ride. I have put about 3200 miles on my RX and couldnt be more pleased, it makes even traintracks dissapear. I LOVE IT!

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  Fun, Fun, Fun - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By DEB-SC - June 4 - 10:00 am

  I have had my SC430 for 9 months, and it is an absolute joy to drive and own. The car is sporty, but roomy enough to be comfortable. The ride is excellent and all controlls are easily accessible. I traded my Mercedes Clk for the SC and have no regrets.

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  Love my car! - 2000 Lexus RX 300
  By Chikita - June 4 - 10:00 am

  Very good ride and handling.Feels more like a car ride more than an SUV.Not too big or small. Very roomy inside. Csn always find a parking space!

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  The Bomb - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Iris E. Bailey - June 3 - 11:33 pm

  I love this car. I enjoy the comfortable feel of the suspension. I feel like Im floating on air. I love the fact that I have a cassette, CD changer and a DVD. WOW.

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  Jack of many trades, master of all? - 2008 Lexus RX 350
  By Tex-Lex - June 1 - 2:26 pm

  My wife and I love our Lexus RX 350, an amazing blend of ideal traits providing the utility of an SUV, exceptionally smooth driving experience, startling acceleration for an SUV, incredible gas mileage for an SUV (were averaging 23.5 mpg in mixed driving), very smart interior layout with little extra touches like the extra retractable cup holder to the left of the steering wheel in addition to the console cup holders. Its extremely comfortable, making short and long trips a pleasure, etc. Its quite evident that a lot of thought went into this vehicle. Its so versatile without compromising performance, safety, quality, or comfort.

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  Nothing But A Lexus - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Mrs. Valerie Jameson - June 1 - 10:56 am

  The comfort, reliability, and safety issues with my Lexus were all a big plus for me. Having all that in my vehicle along with the styling and elegance was enough to convince me it was the better choice to purchase. The service I have received after the purchase couldnt get any better. Im totally convinced that I would never buy any other vehicle except a Lexus. Im completely spoiled by its quality and overall performance.

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  One of the Best - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By mandoq15 - June 1 - 10:00 am

  Overall the car performs very well and is consistent in all areas. There are some improvements needed but by far the car is above all standards.

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  big little truck - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By epirush - June 1 - 10:00 am

  first lexus, switched from mercedes sedan. feel much happier with solidness/quality compared to new/recent mercedes vehicles........mainly switched due to recent poor reliability and subpar dealer service with mercedes; give me a pontiac as a loaner vehicle every time.rediculous! hoping to be happy and stay lexus family.

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  Its a Great Car - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By bcwash - June 1 - 10:00 am

  Ive been very happy with my decision to buy the RX330. It basically came down to the fact that the Lexus design and quality were superior to the competition and that I could live without a 7 passenger capacity. Its a great car, with a lot of features and luxury accomodations that make it fun to drive, plus it should be a quality vehicle for many years.