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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  Its it and thats that! - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Laurie H. - April 25 - 12:00 am

  I set out to buy a Jaguar, then checked the BMW 530i, and out of curiosity, checked the new GS 300 (just to be sure). The interior is magnificent, full of tremendously useful features within a luxurious cabin. The exterior is sleek and refined. But I have to say this car is confused -- it doesnt know if its a sports car or a luxury sedan -- it does BOTH beautifully! Its tight and agile on corners, accelerates with authority, but is as quiet as a library. I chose the AWD due to the possibility of having to move back to snow territory -- I know itll be perfect! Before you buy any other car, take this baby for a ride!

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  Great Car! - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By Terry Feldmann - April 24 - 11:33 pm

  This was my first "luxury" vehicle. I bought it used and have never had any trouble with it. Smooth, beautiful ride, and nice to look at; just a little too "big" for me, especially with gas prices the way they are. Id love to have a Lexus SUV down one size like the Jeep Loredo or Ford Escape. Automatic window buttons can be funky to operate.

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  THE car to drive around the town. - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By goldy - April 24 - 10:00 am

  I have the best experienced with my RX300, it has very comfortable ride, beautifully designed SUV till date. Normally when u buy a car, u always have on back f ur mind, if i had gone for this other model i would have been better, Well thats not the case with RX. U have to be totally satisfied with the car.

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  One of the best cars for this climate. - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By Bogdan - April 24 - 10:00 am

  Nothing special. Lexus hit the market from the beginning and did not make any changes since then. It comes with exactly the necessary features and nothing more. It keeps the value very well. The only negatives are that the dealers do not discount a penny, there is some noise at 120-140 km/h when the moonroof is open and the color of the rear lights is too pinkish. Otherwise its like a classic song played with modern instruments and we plan to keep it 10 years or more Since it was so successful, Toyota used the same power train to build the Highlander, which may come cheaper. -- Bogdan

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  Hard to beat! - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By - April 24 - 10:00 am

  I needed an SUV for work but wanted to drive a luxury car. The RX300 does both extremely well. Smooth, quiet perfection.

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  2016 GX460 - 2016 Lexus GX 460
  By stephen peng - April 24 - 6:11 am

  This is the SUV, not crossover or anything like the BMW X5 or Acura MDX. It drives like a true SUV should be. I have less then 1000 miles on it. I consider it as a full size and luxury type of the Toyota FJ curser. Which is the go everywhere kind of vehicle. I am very happy with the vehicle.

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  MY GOLD BABY - 2003 Lexus RX 300
  By lilshelly - April 24 - 2:39 am

  I enjoy my RX300 LEXus SUV the ride is comfortable and easy the maintance is affordable and the service professionals at my lexus dealer are knowledge and helpful. I will be buying a another LEXUS vehicle soon

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  Another great Lexus - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By George Johnson - April 23 - 10:36 pm

  This time, Lexus added more road feel and is sportier. But the same Lexus comfort and all the great technology of the LS 430 is very much present. Just handles better and its a joy on the road.

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  Disappointed - 2008 Lexus RX 400H
  By VA Beach - April 23 - 3:53 am

  Purchased this vehicle because it is a hybrid--low emissions and better in-town gas mileage than our MB E320. We do most of our driving around town. We are very disappointed in the city gas mileage which is 21 to 22 mpg. Not the 26 mpg we expected. The dealer and Lexus blows our complaints off. We live in a coastal area meaning the closest we come to a mountain is a bridge. Our city driving meets Lexus statement for the 26 mpg. However, we do get 26 mpg on the interstate. Go figure. Otherwise, we very much like the vehicle.

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  No Car is Better than this Lexus! - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By val stedt - April 20 - 10:00 am

  Radar cruise control is life saving-Navigator user friendly-Air/heat seats-Air ride like no other-Quiet- Individual air cond for every passenger- Keyless entry/starter (no losing keys)- Nothing has been left to wish for-Car drives itself-Endless upgrades that no other luxury carhas today(Ive had Mercedes/BMW/Rolls/INfiniti/Audi)Lexus soars above all of them in interior looks/driving/power/lowest gast mileage Ive ever had on a tank of gas (from San Francisco to Vegas on one tank)That was strange when the car cost more one would think we can afford to pay for the gas-Worth the money-This car is a keeper-Added the 7 yr/100k mile warranty but see I dont need it.