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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  We Love Linda - 1999 Lexus LX 470
  By Nina Sands - February 2 - 10:00 am

  My girls named her "Linda" because she deserves a nice name. Minivans are not "us" and we are always on the go between work, swim team and soccer. We love the comfort, the ride and the looks. Shes the perfect solution for us.

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  RX 300 - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By Snafu - February 2 - 10:00 am

  Great car. Decent fuel milage. Power is adequate. Very usable and comfortable.

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  First Lexus - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Tiger2 - February 2 - 10:00 am

  Love this vehicle but have one reserviation, the ride is smooth until you hit a bump, then it sounds like its bottoming, have heard about the soft great ride but this SUV exhibits a noticable thump everytime you hit a bump in the road. Am hoping its something that can be adjusted/fixed. Wonder if other owners have experienced this. Am going in to talk to Service Department today.

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  I love my car! - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By SJP760 - February 2 - 10:00 am

  Anybody considering buying a SUV really should take a look at the Lexus RX330. This car is the most comfortable, reliable and over all gorgeous car I have ever been in. I knew the instant I got in to test drive it that I would be driving it home that day. I did, and have not regreted it for a moment. Im so pleased to FINALLY have a car that I am thrilled to drive!

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  M3-Killer - 2008 Lexus IS F
  By Louie - February 2 - 6:13 am

  Great Car, especially the USB color. I drive it daily and love it. Seems a little heavy during stop and go traffic. A real head turner everyone loves that car. No regrets, no problems as of yet. Love the fact that its a Toyota and dont have to worry about all the issues with euro cars.

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  IS300 Sport Sedan - 2005 Lexus IS 300
  By smedley - February 1 - 6:46 pm

  Best vehicle I have owned. Performance and comfort and reliability and "looks" are what I wanted. Not a lot of chrome- in fact there is none on body of vehicle.

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  Luvin my Lexus - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Jason B. kane - January 28 - 8:03 pm

  I enjoy the car. As four door sedans go, it is a sweetheart. It is very comfortable, infinitely adjustable and quiet. I got all the bells and whistles: Levinson sound system, nav, rotating headlights, Xenon bulbs, heated and cooled seats, etc. It actually has good acceleration and handles very well for a four door sedan. It gives plenty of warning before you get in over your head. It decidedly is NOT my Daytona Coupe, but only cost half as much and it gets 31 mpg on the road (the Daytona gets 22 but has 600 hp).

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  LS430 - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By Kevin Quadros - January 27 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the LS430 and I love this car so much. I think this is best car in the world and would never trade it for a MB or BMW. It is so quiet you have to look at the RPM gauge to make sure its on. The dash glows with delight. In bright sunlight the dash does not drown out the beautiful LED lights on it. The AC has digital read out wright in middle of the car so you can read it for driver and passanger. You cannot go wrong with the this LS430.

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  Only the Best - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By Michael Koerner - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Absolutely automotive perfection. Better than I could even dream.

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  Best Car - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By T.Brammer - January 27 - 10:00 am

  I have owned a 2000 E450 & 2003 E320. Did not like first, though I would like second. Had lots of mechanical (electrical) problem. Wife has a LS430 and we both loved it. I traded 2003 E320 for another LS 430. Now we both have one and both of us love them. No problems at all. It makes you look for a reason to go somewhere.