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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  makes you feel like the most interesting man in the world - 2013 Lexus ES 350
  By rapman1 - June 6 - 10:38 pm

  After 20 years of my own business, and driving an 03 Accord, I deserve this, baby! And I am so smart, I didnt buy a similarly equipped Audi for $10K more! (no, I dont need to take corners at 40mph with my 7 year old, and have my own driving shoes!), I wanted a car that said he doesnt need to carry a briefcase, and this was it. Quiet as a coffin, smooth as my head, this car says luxury. All the high tech stuff I like. Only gripe is that is sort of plain from the side, but very cool from front or back.

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  Linda Loves her Lexus - 2005 Lexus SC 430
  By Linda - June 6 - 8:10 pm

  I love my Lexus. Its more fun then my corvette. I started driving a Lexus in 1994 and I get a new one every 3 years. This last year I got a SC 430 it is by far the most fun to drive. Besides my grandchildren think its a cool car.

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  Great Blend of Sport and Luxury - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By lou tomich - June 6 - 7:03 pm

  Using this car for business and pleasure is a delight. Most of the tests Ive read in the car magazines critisize it for not being Porsche- like in the sport handling context. On Americas highways this car has all the smoothness and agility you could ask for. The interior amenities are numerous and very useful. I could drive it forever.

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  Awesome Vehicle! - 2007 Lexus RX 400H
  By Rockville1 - June 6 - 1:43 pm

  I love everything about this car. And by the way, I’m 5’11” and there is plenty of leg and head room for both front & rear passengers. I have been very impressed with how quiet the vehicle is, how easy it is to drive (parking is a breeze!), and how quickly & smoothly the car accelerates! I have been averaging 29.5 since temps have risen above 60. In the winter, I was averaging 25.0. On the highway you will get your best mileage if you keep the car at 65 (or less). Mileage drops a bit once you start cruising at 70 or above. Note that this car is designed for optimal performance and not optimal fuel economy. Dont buy if your main goal is to save money on gas.

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  Super - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By danpetrescu - June 6 - 10:00 am

  Excellent drive. Very quiet, powerful, luxurious. Ultra luxury packge is great.

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  the bomb!! the best car!!! - 2003 Lexus RX 300
  By kevin2002lexus - June 6 - 10:00 am

  this is the best car!!!

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  Fabulous - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By marlog1 - June 5 - 7:43 pm

  Great ride. Highy recommend it. Gas mileage is better than I expected. Very comfortable.

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  Absolutely adore my car - 2007 Lexus RX 350
  By em - June 3 - 8:50 am

  I absolutely adore this car. If feeling like royalty is what you want, then this car is it. It may not have the horsepower that other SUVs have, but Lexus is known not for power, but great interior and reliability. Ive only had this car for 2 months, and Im so happy! The nav is a little complicated, but very helpful. The voice recognition doesnt work very well, but I dont know of any cars with good voice recognition. I wouldnt suggest using the bluetooth with your cell phone; it is not very clear and I find myself hunched over and screaming at the steering wheel to be heard.

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  2008 Lexus RX 350 - 2008 Lexus RX 350
  By vonyani - June 3 - 12:46 am

  This unit runs like a dream. Everything not only works, things work well. The rain sensing wipers were set to auto when new, and I havent touched them since - they come on when needed, and go off when not. The AC was set to auto, 72 degrees, and I havent touched it since. The unit has understated elegance, very subtle. I couldnt be more satisfied.

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  Best Re-design EVER - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By M MCCOY - June 2 - 11:26 am

  We traded in a 2007 RX350 that was the third RX we owned. We have been very happy with the vehicles and the service. The new RX is a huge improvement. It rides much quieter and smoother. The features are easy to use, and the quality is top notch. If you want the best at a great price Lexus is the car for you.