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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  Best Ride of a Lifetime - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Eddie - April 13 - 11:23 am

  This car is only for the young at heart who wants pure affordable luxury. It performs and drives like a dream and your neighbors will envy you from the first time they see you pull it into your garage. The mileage per gallon is very accurate.

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  Wow! - 2007 Lexus LS 460
  By jr - April 13 - 6:53 am

  This is so much superior to the LS 400 or 430 in style and features, and has much more get up and go. I love the handling and the brake hold is an innovation that I would not of imagined. I use it all the time. Very easy to program the car, even tho there are so many electronic marvels to use.

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  Finally, a car that is an entire package - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Matt - April 12 - 2:53 pm

  As a 3-time owner of BMWs (both 3 and 5 series), I have finally found the "complete" car. Although the GS 300s suspension isnt as tight as my 5 series, everything else overcomes that shortcoming. Wonderful new design. I could not be happier.

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  Best vehicle I have ever owned - 2006 Lexus GX 470
  By kimbrlydi - April 12 - 7:16 am

  Wonderful SUV! Not only is it gorgeous, but its comfortable and affordable. The third row isnt that comfortable for anyone over 4 years old, but it does present me options when traveling or having sleepovers. My teen son loves to have the whole row when we go on road trips. He uses the outlet for his electronics and can spread out. We get raves and questions wherever we go with this vehicle. Excellent buy for the money.

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  Defective Model - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By Isis Jones - April 12 - 2:00 am

  I purchased the long awaited model GX 470 on February 6th 2003. This is my fourth Lexus purchase. Due to the poor availability for test driving, I did not realize until after the purchase an unacceptable vibration in the 40-50 mph range. After taking the vehicle back for service twice, I have been informed that it is a known problem with this model but there is no fix at this time. Totally unacceptable for a luxury SUV that boasts a noise/vibration free ride. Lemon law currently being exercised.

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  Quality that one can feel - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By GX 1 - April 12 - 2:00 am

  In the SUV market that becomes more croweded every day, distinction can be difficult. Not so for the GX 470. The sheer pleasure of hearing the doors close tells you that this vehicle is built with such attention to detail that the rest of the car must be solid. If there is a down side, the back door opening to the side is a bit of a pain (what were they thinking?) Other that that it is stellar. I dont think that anyone who owns this will have a moment of regret

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  Best Car Ever Owned - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Al Gray - April 11 - 1:10 pm

  "Smooth and classy," the GS 300 AWD is outstanding in all respects. The options are not just "bells and whistles," but great additions to comfort and enjoyment (i.e ventilated seats that both heat and cool, rear window sunscreen, 3 driver seat settings, fantastic sound system, outside and inside assisted lighting, and more). The car rides like a dream, has plenty of power for normal driving conditions (ECT power and snow settings when needed), and has averaged around 24-25 MPG during combined city/highway driving. The 245 H.P V-6 is quiet and responsive for our needs. It was either a GS300 AWD or Audi A6. We made our decision after driving both vehicles, and making careful comparisons.

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  Lexus Automobiles Forever - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By Bill - April 11 - 8:40 am

  I personally have owned over 10 new cars over the years, and I, without hesitation, say that the Lexus, especially the SUVs, are the most dependable, beautifully designed automobile throughout the industry. The ride, comfort, gas mileage, and convenience, make this car the best... nothing more... only the best of the best. I own a 2001 RX 300, bought by me brand new, and I must admit it rides just as great today as when I first drove it out of the showroom I sincerely advise those who have not experienced its ride and everything else I have mentioned, please do it and take a test drive. I believe once you do, you will be hooked on nothing else. I happen to favor its SUVs.

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  One of first built - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Tommy Mather - April 11 - 8:13 am

  This is not my first Lexus and the only problem is the car has developed squeaks and rattles, sounds like the whole panel has a body flex when going over bumps. The whole panel behind and in roof sounds as if it is bending and making a terrible noise. It has been back to dealer and they have replaced seat and other parts still the same noise rattles/vibrates when I turn. I have stopped using the car 7,000 km in the last year used to be over 20,000 km. Great performance. I have only used premium and it returns great gas mileage. It takes several tries for the voice-recognition system to work. I will most likely go back to Infiniti.

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  GX a winner - 2006 Lexus GX 470
  By 2006 GX 470 - April 9 - 1:16 pm

  Wonderful vehicle. I havent had much time to drive it since the rest of the family has experienced the comfort and reliability of this well built vehicle. My only concern is fuel economy. It would be nice if Lexus offered a version that dropped out some of the cylinders at cruising speeds to improve fuel economy. Otherwise, this is a great car with service to back the purchase. This vehicle has navigation system, rear camera, and bluetooth connectivity... really great options.