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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  Driveable Livingroom - 2002 Lexus LS 430
  By D Norman - February 28 - 1:30 am

  This is my second LS series. This is by far the most comfortable automobile I have ever driven and I have driven hundreds. I purchased the Ultra Luxury Package this time and the amenities and ride are absolutely unsurpassed. My wife and I drove to Florida last summer, 2700 miles in all and the level of comfort could not have been better. There are copiers, i.e. the 07 Big Mercedes and BMWs,but they dont quite compare the the ride, reliability and comfort of the LS 430 Ultra. Superb motorcar.

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  Fun to drive - 2008 Lexus ES 350
  By AT - February 27 - 5:03 pm

  Very nice car. I will buy another one. The ride is extremely smooth and the gas mileage was surprisingly better than advertised for highway driving. It took me a while to get used to the push button start, I have caught myself a few times just leaving the engine running while trying to exit the vehicle, the engine is that quiet. The memory seat and steering wheel settings dont set, every time I get in the car after my wife drives I have to move the seat back before I get in. Roofline should be higher, I often have to adjust my seat to avoid touching the interior ceiling.

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  Smooth Ride - 2006 Lexus RX 330
  By candy - February 27 - 3:33 am

  The Lexus 330 is a luxury vehicle. The ride is extremely comfortable. The interior is very roomy. The vehicle handles well in inclement weather conditions. I really enjoy driving my Lexus.

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  A tank - 2016 Lexus GX 460
  By Gil - February 26 - 10:41 am

  I dont get this. Why is this truck not getting 5 stars in every review . I traded a 2014 VW Touareg TDI for the Lexus. I got tired of the running that the dealer give me. ( Is normal is a German car, is build for performance). Well, in my eyes , the most important thing is to get me where i want to go without having to call a tow truck. Lexus , please dont pay attention to all these spring journalist that think , they know what and how a truck should perform. Please keep making this truck the way it is. I would love to have that 2.8 diesel engine that is been sold everywhere around the world but <<<< for now i will settle for this silk smooth 4.6 engine . Maybe a little turbo ??? next generation ?? in about four years .

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  33 year old view - 1999 Lexus LS 400
  By esanjose - February 26 - 2:00 am

  I narrowed my new car choice to the Infiniti G35 Sedan. However, the dealer had a 1999 LS400 on the lot. After test driving the G35 and the 1999 LS400, I was hooked on the LS400. My wife even agreed that the used Lexus felt more secure than the new G35 Sedan. I would label it a european sports sedan with top ratings in comfort, security, handling, and acceleration.

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  Bought with 43K Miles - 1999 Lexus ES 300
  By Jonathan T - February 26 - 2:00 am

  Upgraded from my 1997 Camry that I left with 130K miles. This ES300 has been a dream with ride and comfort. I get upset with the flow of normal traffic because it doesnt seem like we are moving fast enough. Traction control is outstanding in wet conditions!!! Compensates both at stoplight take offs and in fast slow downs. I feel very safe. Dealership was great, Salesperson OUTSTANDING.

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  After several months of driving - Review - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By JabaJaba - February 26 - 2:00 am

  This truck is excellent! Two things the are outstanding are the base stereo and the brakes. The stereo is crisp, clear, rich, and loud. It is the best sound system I have ever heard. The braking system is superb. Braking is smooth and effortless and is not touchy or grabby at all.

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  Love It! - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By klkrlk - February 24 - 10:00 am

  My wife bought this for me as a gift for my recent promotion; WOW! I couldnt ask for a better gift. Lexus has, once again, hit the nail on the head on the RX redesign, making a great SUV even better. I particularly like the upscale interior and the sporty exterior. The ride is super smooth, quiet, and surprisingly agile. I cant get over the extremely soft leather, the highly polished wood trim, and the little extras which make owning a Lexus special. I am extremely pleased with this car and would definitely recommend this vehicle to anyone reading this review.

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  The Best - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By The Professor - February 24 - 5:20 am

  This is my second Lexus and my first GS. Safety is a big concern of mine and my old Lexus saved my life more than once due to its quick response. Whoever said watch out for the other guy knew what he was talking about. The GS is AWESOME. The ride is smooth and very quiet. Anyone with back issues should sit in this car. Easy to back-up, easy to do anything except that little drawer on the side that hides various functions can at times be hard to see. But, that may be an age factor. Gas mileage is good. Trunk could be bigger, but that is an incentive for me to shop less. BMW look out!!!

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  Quick Silver! - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By CPN - February 24 - 12:00 am

  I LOVE this car! Bought it back in august of 01, put about 3k miles on her since then. The ride is smooth, the seats fit your body wonderfully. Tight handling. Beauty of an engine, quite when you cruise and absolutely PURRs when you give it the gas. Sound system is solid. Sunroof is a MUST on this car, no exceptions. Heater works very well in the cold.