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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  Love my Lexus SUV - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By Donna - January 3 - 5:30 pm

  Great driving and riding vehicle. Especially love the side hinged rear door, I no longer have to jump or wrestle with pulling down the hatch. GPS is a must, easy to use and very helpful. Would like it more if you could program it while moving. Third row seat too small, and would like the seats to recess into the floor. Handles very well in snowy weather.

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  Excellent Car - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By RHjohnny - January 3 - 10:00 am

  No comparison. Great car, great value, outstanding performance. A++++

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  Two RX300s already and still loving it. - 2003 Lexus RX 300
  By thebest - January 3 - 10:00 am

  This car drives like no other SUV including the Mercedes ML320 BMW X5 is the real competition, but still, dont drive like the RX and is more expensive. If you buy one, buy the AWD. Youll never going to drive another car.

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  A Definite Step Up - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Voltus - January 3 - 10:00 am

  I bit the bullet and shelled out the money to buy the car that had the most gadgets. I love this thing. The leather seats are so soft, not slippery like other cars with leather seats that I have had. It feels great to drive it and be seen in it. Thanks for making a great car. I cant wait to see whats avaialble after I pay this thing off.

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  What a babe - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By GAI FAUN - January 3 - 2:00 am

  It is the sweetest car youve can have for an SUV trust me it has really high tech gizmos. It looks agressive on the outside but surprisingly comfortable in the interior. Trust me, go and have a test drive.

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  The only SUV that matters - 2017 Lexus LX 570
  By db - December 31 - 2:49 pm

  I have a 2017 LX 570 and this is my third LX dating back to 2002. My previous vehicle was a 2006 LX; I absolutely love the upgrades both internally and externally. I would not comment on the mpg as a negative--especially considering this is a full-time four-wheeled drive vehicle that weighs over 7,000 lbs--poor mpg is to be expected. I considered purchasing a Mercedes G Wagon or a Range Rover Autobiography...regardless of the curb appeal for those vehicles, none can compare to the LXs reliability and resale value. Having an attractive SUV that only looks good but cannot withstand the test of time (unreliable) is an oxymoron. I look forward to additional LX upgrades in time. The only SUV that matters.

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  Great at high mileage too! - 1997 Lexus ES 300
  By DaveF - December 29 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 1997 Lexus in September 2000 for my 60-mile highway commute. It had 57K on it. Today it has 142K. I had tried then-new Camry, Accord, and Maxima but for $20K the Lexus was in a better class altogether - and still is. It gets pretty basic maintenance from the local gas station but never misses a beat. It has never seen a Lexus or Toyota dealer. I have just bought my second set of tires - Dunlop Sport A4 - and am getting new struts all round. Otherwise no expenditure. I added a power sunroof ($1,000) and a 12-CD changer soon after getting the car - both well worth it.

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  Wish I got to drive it - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By scubawin - December 29 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had it about a month and my wife keeps coming up with excuses for me to take her car and leave her mine. Great ride, extremely smooth, very well thought out interior. It makes you dread getting to your destination and getting out.

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  Lexus Rx 350 is the best! - 2008 Lexus RX 350
  By lexusluver - December 27 - 4:41 am

  We currently do not own a Lexus RX 350 but my husband and I did own a Lexus RX 300 up until someone driving 55 mph in a 30 mph zone hit us as we were sitting still at a stop light, the truck did not stop at all and hit us full force which consequently pushed us into a new Honda Pilot which was approximately five feet ahead of us. This accident totaled all three vehicles, but we were the only one who was able to drive our vehicle home, all though the impact knocked our lexus off its frame, the trucks front end was practically gone. The insurance company totaled our vehicle, but it and God, saved both of our lives. I will and am looking forward to purchasing a Lexus RX 350 Asap.

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  2013 ES350 Silver/Black - 2013 Lexus ES 350
  By spencer327 - December 25 - 11:54 pm

  First experience with Lexus. Traded up from Toyota Avalon 2008. What a beautiful surprise. If you want the ultimate luxury highway cruiser, this is it. Looked at Mercedes, Audi even Hyundai. for around 40 grand, nothing comes close. Love it, One problem, my wife only lets me drive it when it needs gas