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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  SUPERB VALUE - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By ai4floors - May 5 - 3:06 am

  test drove mercedes, bmw - pound for pound, dollar for dollar, no comparison. if you like to feel the road while driving this is not the car for you. its like driving on air.

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  A Great Car - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Jerry - May 4 - 8:43 pm

  I have just over 5000 miles on this vehicle, and I love it. Quietest car Ive ever driven. You coast up to a red light and sit there in blissful silence. EPA estimates 27 highway, 31 city. My experience is that I get at least as good or better mileage on the highway, at least at speeds not over 65. Ive averaged about 28 city, and 28 or 29 highway. Not bad for an SUV. I find that I try to drive smoother and easier, to see how much I can get out of the battery before the V6 kicks in.

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  Love My 2008 LS460 - 2008 Lexus LS 460
  By yawsboy - May 1 - 7:16 am

  I leased a new 2008 Lexus LS460 in mid- December. I thoroughly enjoy driving this car. I owned a 2001 LS430 prior to the LS460, and I could not imagine a better made, more luxurious car in the price range. However, I believe that the LS460 handles better and has a sleeker design than the LS430. I especially love all the new amenities, such as the backup camera and 8-speed transmission sport settings.

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  Dont believe the few bad reviews - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By huntid - May 1 - 2:40 am

  Do not believe the few bad reviews here. I STRONGLY believe, in my opinion only, that these are spies from the other car companies, the closest competitors writing some of this nonsense. Just a warning. Use your common sense. I have owned the car for almost a year now. Fact: it is the smoothest and quietest SUV you can buy. People are posting that its a little trucky but there is a little truth to that, but please note this is the best of all competitors out there. Fact: center console does fail miserably in design. But, I can live with it. I just drove to the Sequioas and a new X5 overheated, I just zoomed by laughing. Fact: Lexus is the most reliable car available

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  Love this Car!! - 2012 Lexus CT 200H
  By viv86 - April 30 - 4:26 am

  I wanted a hybrid but resorted to looking at cars with better gas mileage until I saw this car in a commercial and then at an Auto Show. I am so glad I found this car! I am getting the same gas mileage as the estimates but am trending better than 43 mpg. Ive only had it for two weeks and the mpg is getting better as I continue to learn how to drive it. The trunk space the interior cabin are small but for someone who doesnt drive a lot of passengers around it is fine. The beauty of this car is that you can get more power just by turning a dial to "sport mode". When in that mode the pick up is noticeably quicker than when in "normal mode". I am very happy with this car!

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  Holds the Title Belt - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By a stewart - April 28 - 3:20 pm

  Has so much more to offer than any other car in its class for the price. Everything it offers is useful and for the most part easy to use. Superior build and sooooo quiet. A hesitant transmission at some low speeds is the only negative and eventually we have gotten used to it. Finding a car with the full options in the color we wanted was the toughest part of the sale.

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  Awesome Car/Awesome value - 1995 Lexus LS 400
  By carfanatic9 - April 25 - 8:42 pm

  I bought this Lexus LS400 from a small lot. Wasnt in the best shape, but good enough. With a some TLC, i got her running like a top. A few small problems, one the a/c doesnt blow very hard, the trunk is smaller than what one would expect, the 6 disc changer. Other than that, there are no real problems to speak of. The 4.0L DOHC engine is a dream! Even at 240,000+ mi. Once you get on the highway, sustained triple digit speed is not a problem. Passing, also not a problem. Independent rear makes mountain passes a dream. All it takes is regular maintenance. I recommend Synthetic oil, for oil changes. Great car would def recommend. Would get another, but why? This ones gonna last forever!

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  Better Than Benz - 2008 Lexus RX 350
  By Jim - April 24 - 8:30 am

  We carefully selected the RX 350 on reliability, resale and original price and have been very pleased with the vehicle. We bought a new E-350 Benz about the same time, paid $12K more, and got less value than the Lexus. The Lexus navigation and accessories are touch-screen, all the controls are easily accessible and although a very complex machine, is user friendly. The Benz and a new BMW 5-series in our family require a degree in computer science and a full stop to do the same thing the Lexus system does. Sensible driving gets 20 mpg in local traffic.

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  Love It!! Love Lexus!! - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By Lawboy02 - April 24 - 2:00 am

  Would buy another...Lexus quality and Lexus Service cant be beat.

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  Excellent balance of perf. and luxury - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By Brians01 - April 22 - 10:00 am

  Even after a brief period of ownership, I am very happy with the car. Handling and brakes are excellent, I6 is very strong, and the vehicle is full of features. My previous vehicle was an Audi TT Quattro, and the only thing I really miss is the AWD. However, I love the RWD dynamics and the excellent Torsen differential in the IS.