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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  Not Your Fathers Lexus - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By Skippo - April 22 - 10:00 am

  I was torn between the value of the Acura S TL and the sheer comfort to the Lexus ES300. The Acura was faster, sportier, but gee I just sold my SVT Cobra Convertable. So I knew what performance was all about and the Acura cant hold a prayer against SVT. So I spent more money for comfort, Audio, smooth ride and it was the best decission Ive made in a long time.

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  Lexus LandCrusier Beats Cadillac Tahoe - 2001 Lexus LX 470
  By rnrmom03 - April 19 - 10:00 am

  Only the Range Rover comes close. The rest (Escalde, Navigator, Denali, X5, ML 430) pale in comparison in the things that really matter - RELIABILITY, resale and OVERALL statisfaction. A true luxury utility vehicle. Nice try Ford and Chevy, thank you for playing.

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  Best car ever - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By Frank Ruprich - April 19 - 10:00 am

  I have found the best vehicle I have ever owned or driven. The V-8 is very quiet and powerful. Not many can out run the car from the green light and be so quiet and unassuming at the same time.

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  2002 Luxury Lexus - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By SC Senior - April 18 - 3:53 pm

  I love this car. It is comfortable and has a beautiful interior (burgundy and wood). The rear window shade keeps the car cooler in the SC summer heat. Great on long trips, heated seats great for back pain plus gets good mileage (30mpg). City driving mileage around 18-19 mpg.

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  CT 200h w/Nav (2014)---Fun to Drive--- - 2014 Lexus CT 200H
  By thorpaj - April 18 - 6:59 am

  A lot of small to mid-sized sedans (Buick-too tacky interior, Mercedes-gas mileage, Mini-Cooper- too small, Mazda3-good hatchback) were test driven. In the end, the interior styling, comfort, small size (for city parking) and gas mileage benefits swayed me to this vehicle. It is used for city driving and a very long weekly commute. As you can imagine, in the city I keep it in sport mode and on the highway it goes into fuel sipping mode. It is very comfortable on long drives and spirited in the city. Works perfect for my purposes. The difference between sport and fuel sipping mode is remarkable. Also, it doesnt feel "small" when sitting behind the wheel.

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  Dream Car - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By David A. - April 17 - 10:07 am

  Just bought a 2002 SC 430. I have been wanting this car every since it came out in the early 2000s, so my review may be a little biased lol. It has high mileage, 218,000 to be exact, but the previous owner has taken meticulous care of the car, and it still looks and drives like its new. With Lexus/Toyota reliability, this car is only at middle age! lol. No, its not a "barn burner".....you wont be able to outrun a corvette at the stoplight, but the V8 is quietly powerful and the power is there when you need it. for me, its definitely a keeper....will run it until the wheels literally fall off. Then I will just replace the wheels and continue on lol. One drawback: I do agree with the other reviewers in reference to the harsh/rough ride due to the run flats....

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  I Love this Car... - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By Duncan164 - April 17 - 10:00 am

  I have had my IS300 for a short time but have enjoyed every minute I spend in it! It is the perfect combination of luxury, style, sportiness and size. I went on an exhausting search for a small sports sedan. After each test drive (cars other than the IS), I kept coming back to this car! It is the perfect car for me. The handling is great. Accleration is even better. Perfect for my daily commute along a very busy six lane highway. I can get in and out and around other cars without any problem.

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  TYPICALLY BRILLIANT LEXUS PRODUCT - 2005 Lexus SC 430
  By ROBERT HAAS - April 14 - 5:53 pm

  Although I put off buying such an expensive luxury convertible, it was well worth the price. I have had no problems whatsoever and the added chrome wheels and gold package makes it unique. I own an RX330 also and my wife loves it. The SC430 and RX330 are high end quality vehicles. Obviously, Lexus has excellent quality control.

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  the "feel good" ride - 2000 Lexus RX 300
  By rkworth - April 13 - 10:00 am

  we just purchased a used 2000 rx300, and loved it so much, purchased another 1999. i was a die-hard nissan fan, but i have to say this is a great ride for the money. drive one, and you will want to own one. one thing i noticed later, lexus has 2 sound systems. nakamichi and i believe pioneer. if you can, get the nakamichi - it sounds better, and has more of a "punch". either way, the vehicle is a dream to drive.

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  Awsome automobile - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By eturille - April 13 - 10:00 am

  After looking around at every car available and not wanting to buy a Lexus because of the man that ownes the dealership. I finally had to go with the best auto available. I have been delighted ever since.