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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  Windblown - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By baded - May 26 - 10:00 am

  Anyway to quiet the wind noise around the pass and drivers doors?

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  The best 2006 auto on the market - 2006 Lexus LS 430
  By John Elkins - May 24 - 11:26 am

  This car is so quiet both inside and outside it is almost hard to tell when it is running or not. Very dependable. Comfortable seating front and rear. Fun to drive. Good response to power on the highway when passing.

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  Glad I bought it! - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By Dan Smith - May 23 - 11:36 pm

  Owned several Corvettes, a TR-6 and an Austin Healy. This car takes the cake. Sometimes I have to look for things to do since no time is spent repairing this one.

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  bias - 2003 Lexus GS 300
  By PAUL s - May 22 - 2:00 am

  we have a sport edition in graphite with black lthr and black walnut trim. we love it. this is our third lexus. cannot beat the reliability and service,not to mention its a blast to drive.

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  best value! - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By wht LexS 29 - May 22 - 2:00 am

  i have had this car for a 1 1/2 years now, and i am completely satisfied. i purchased this vehicle from lexus of serramonte and i would like to say they have the best customer service, from buying the car to maintaining it. i wish i waited and got the navigation!

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  Go for it! - 2010 Lexus LS 460
  By Happy Customer - May 21 - 8:56 pm

  Leased the LS460. Options "Sport Package", "Luxury Package", "Convenience Package" Considered Jaguar XF Supercharged, Infiniti MS56, BMW 5 Series. Everyday I cant wait to get into the car. Up go the windows and so long to the outside world. Radio on and wow I am in a dream space. Comfort, quiet, styling of the Sport LS is fantastic, big wheels, great lower styling kit. Interior is beautiful. Just close doors gently and motors close them the rest of the way. Heated and cooled seats, a brake hold feature so you can stop and remove your feet from the pedal during a long signal. All seats are comfortable with ample head, shoulder and leg room. Its a keeper.

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  I love my Lexus SUV 330 RX - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Malvene Peck - May 21 - 12:50 am

  The one problem I have is there is really not a lot of room for the backseat participants....other than thatI love the Car - easy to maneuver and am comfortable driving it and dont feel like I am in an oversize monster. In FOUR words "I LOVE MY LEXUS"

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  Still Gorgeous - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By Frumious - May 20 - 10:00 am

  Shes 6 years old now and still seems brand new. Not a single flaw - ever. The paint polishes up showroom perfect. The leather is still perfect. Im really appreciating the quality design materials and workmanship that went into this car. Much, much better than my 2001 Benz ML. (which I just sold out of dissappointment).

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  Best car Made - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Steve Lopez - May 20 - 10:00 am

  Check in to all the model automobils in this range and found the Lexus ES330 to have the best ratting and everu thing they said was true in Consummer, Car and Driver and other automotive magazines.

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  Quality Car like Utility Vehicle - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Alvin Mund - May 20 - 10:00 am

  This my first LUV and it my third Lexus and I find this a very practicle car like vehicle that drives and has a excellent ride and quiet interior. I purchase this Lexus in Florida and drove to Albuquerque New Mexico where I now reside. This is a Front Drive model and the only one I could get immediate delivery in Florida with out special order for 4 wheel drive. I was concerned about this , because of my move to this mountain area. I am now glad I purchased this model because of it`s better fuel milage and quicker excelleration. My next Lexus will be this model as a hybrid (gas & electric. I have just recently drove from Albuquerque to Denver Colorado and then 11,740 Feet up to Fair Play COL