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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  Nice Ride - 2008 Lexus ES 350
  By mp - January 11 - 5:06 am

  I traded in an Avalon and I am truly impressed by the difference in ride and feel. The steering is ultra smooth with no play or noises. Road noise is minimal. The backup camera and parking assist radar has turned out to be a truly useful feature. The seats are very comfortable and not fatiguing.The adaptive headlights are pretty nice as well. After having used the navigation system I cant imagine not having a car without it. Next time out I may get another ES or perhaps try one of the big boy Lexuses.

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  excellent car, pleasure to drive - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By JC - January 10 - 9:46 pm

  The car is a pleasure to drive. It is solid and quiet, smooth, responds fast when you have to accelerate or brake. The interior is nice, the sound system is excellent. I wish I would have bought the dvd system for long drives.

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  New RX 450h awesome! - 2016 Lexus RX 450h
  By arex - January 10 - 8:25 am

  Purchase option makes more sense. Lease program for this vehicle not as good compared to Lexus RX 350...

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  engineer - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By bob nguyen - January 9 - 2:00 am

  perfect car with all thing you need for daily use

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  98 LEX ES 300 - 1998 Lexus ES 300
  By tumuch - January 9 - 2:00 am

  The car is a dream come true. After owning other foriegn car makes, this vehicle is a breath of fresh air. Its much more than the baby of the Lexus line. Its performance alone, is in a class of its own. Not to mention its flawless lines and superb handling. Reliability, off the scales. This car represents Lexus well.

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  The Best Car I ever owned - 2007 Lexus LS 460
  By Cyrus - January 6 - 2:06 pm

  This car is amazing. It drives smooth, powerful and a kick under the hood if you need to get going. I was able to move up in the pecking order by getting the longer wheel base. I am glad I did. My kids tell me the back seats are more comfortable than the front. Unfortunately for them it may be some time before their dad drives them again. They kept playing with the rear sunshade, adjusting the seats, turning on the seat heaters on each other. I finally just turned up the awesome sound system to drown out the fighting in the back. Im a little over 66". I can fit comfortably behind the fully extended drivers seat. I have spent the last 2 days uploading CDs into the hard drive in the stereo.

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  PERFECT SEDAN - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By *VERY NICE* - January 6 - 8:46 am

  This is our 3rd lexus, and each one has been wonderful! You cant beat the price and perfection that lexus offers. Any lexus easily can recieve 200,000 miles or more and run like a charm. The ES-300 is unmatchable by german auto-makers. This car is truely a nice riding mid-sized luxury riding machine period.

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  Religious Experience - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Wayne Reynolds - January 6 - 4:40 am

  I have owned my Lexus ES 350 for one month and have never been as satisfied over a new car as this one. Quiet ride, excellent interior design, and very responsive handling. There is minimal vibration through the steering system and visibility (including reverse camera feature) is outstanding. The interior amenities make this ride truly a religious experience. Also the dealership was outstanding and has an excellent service support record.

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  A joy to drive - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By faultless - January 6 - 3:53 am

  My 4th lexus and the best one yet. Wherever I am going I am never in a hurry to get there, enjoy the ride, the music especially and the quietness of the car. Only problem I have is with the Nav system. Its just a bit complicated. I am looking forward to seeing the new 2007 although I am not sure what they can improve. Maybe style if anything and hopefully the nav system will be a little easier to figure

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  My RX 350 - 2007 Lexus RX 350
  By S. Gritz - January 4 - 11:40 am

  I am extremely pleased how the car runs. The air conditioning at 106 outside is cool and crisp. The nav system is easy to use and master. Overall the car meets or exceeds my expectations.