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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  The Legendary Lexus LS4300 - 2006 Lexus LS 430
  By John McLean - January 21 - 5:13 am

  This car is a legend in its own time!! Soon to be replaced by mightier machines, but the LS 400 and LS 430 are symbols that will live forever. The last "corp" of LS 430s are to be endowed with BOSE suspension systems, making them more awesome than ever. What really amazed me about Lexus/Toyota is they believed they could do it, and they did!!! No whines about budget or working more than 40 hours a week - they worked and worked until they hit their target, then started on L-Finesse, a whole different ball game. But the LS 400 and LS 430 will live forever - they established the brand name and they put the "LEX" in Lexus. The greatest cars ever!!!!!

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  Going Hybrid - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Martin Malkin - January 19 - 8:23 pm

  Nothing but pleasure. Frisky, economical and plush

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  The Queens Lexus - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By NYAD QUEEN - January 18 - 8:26 pm

  I had been driving a BMW 740iL for several years but wanted a smaller, more economical vehicle to commute and travel in. Once I test drove the LEXUS RH400h my worries were over. This vehicle is incredible. LEXUS has thought of everything. The ride is most comfortable, the handling is great, the gas mileage puts a smile on my face, and the beauty of the car is something to behold.

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  Excellent Car - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Walt - January 17 - 5:06 pm

  I just purchased a 2007 Lexus 2007 ES 350 demo (nav and ultra luxury package) with 4,000 miles. The car is a perfect blend of sport and luxury. It is definitely one of the best cars that I have ever owned.

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  Cant, CAN NOT, ask for ANYTHING more! - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By David1575 - January 17 - 10:23 am

  This has to be the BEST car i have ever gotten into(and bought) that is under 45K! I Swear! How in the hell did they price it at 31k! witht he nav system and Graphire polished wheels, which i personly love better then crome, are just done beautifaly. theres only one low point...EVERYONE has one now, lol, but that says something...Its the best!

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  Best car Ive ever owned - 2004 Lexus GS 300
  By gbmullin - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Aside from a problem on delievery with the front right strut, this has been the best car Ive ever owned. Handling., reliability, and comfort are exceptional.

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  Love Our Lexus - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By jeka - January 17 - 10:00 am

  This is one car that we have bought that we love everything about. We will keep this car forever. The ride is great and it is fun to drive (but you have to watch your speed!) It is the most comfortable ride and is great on long trips. Lexus has out done themselves on this one. They wont get this car back on a trade...there is no where to go!

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  It Doesnt Get Much Better Than This! - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Howard - January 15 - 9:03 pm

  Have had my GS 300 AWD for a month now, and its simply the best I have ever owned. Ride is smooth, interior is "out of this world", and the acceleration and handling make it a ride to look forward to. Getting good gas mileage (24-25 mpg) and the car gets nothing but compliments. Other than the trunk being a little small, this is one wonderful automobile. Tested many the others (Acura TL & RL, Infiniti G & M, Avalon) before buying, but the Lexus is the "class of the class."

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  as good as it gets - 2011 Lexus LX 570
  By sandy40 - January 12 - 5:24 am

  have owned many different luxury suvs. it doesnt get any better than the lx570. lexus service dept. is also excellent.

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  Unreal Automobile - 2001 Lexus LS 430
  By LS Ultra Lux - January 11 - 8:23 am

  This is by far the most exceptional car on the road. We have The Ultra Lux, blk/blk, with stock chrome 17" wheels and bordeaux wood trim. Every option possible except the phone. Bought the car with 58k miles and now have 78k. Unreal experience. I have never been into cars, but this has changed me for sure. My dad was a Benz guy and I would never buy one after having the total Lexus experience. We have put 20k miles on it and it is solid as rock and the fit and finish is as good as new. My wife drives it and loves her 60 mile daily commute in Atlanta traffic. We get comments/looks all the time. Very sharp car.