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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  Early impressions after an 02 Lexus LS 430. - 2017 Lexus RX 350
  By George - December 25 - 2:47 pm

  This is an SUV not a Luxury Sedan, so the ride will take some adjusting to. It had 24 miles when we picked it up, now 550. The vehicle handles better in all aspects and we have likewise become comfortable with its strong response, transmission and how it settles to a relax mode but ready to surge. A lot of power on Eco mode, imagine Sport mode. Comfort is present at all times, driving safety features are excellent assists. Again, this a brief experience, time will provide more information.

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  Happy Camper So Far - 2015 Lexus RX 350
  By gary l. barr - December 24 - 3:53 am

  It is the last year of the true midsize RX, the 2016 is larger. Still a happy camper after 4000 miles, and Iam really happy with the mileage, 28 highway at 70 with air on and 22 plus in true stop and go driving. The only thing I dont like is the throttle response is quite quick.

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  Love it!!! - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By sbeaty - December 23 - 10:00 am

  I traded in my RX300, because I needed more room, and a third row seat...I really liked my RX, and thought it drove very well...I never expected to like the GX 470 as much as I do...it is head and shoulders better than the RX, I love driving it, and get lots of second looks, have caught more people than I can count peering in, and commenting how nice it was. Drives like a dream...cant think of any other SUV on the road that I would prefer...Love the LX, and this is just a smaller version.

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  Good Car - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By ste - December 23 - 10:00 am

  I love this car, handling is super, and it very fun to drive and always great to look at. However, even family cars like Altima and Accord already have 240hp, Lexus should give some more horsepower to the next generation IS(around 260-280 would be good enough)... Performance aside, this car is very reliable, I had this car for more than two years and no find problem at all..

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  Second SC430 after owning a Mercedes - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By harry h horning - December 23 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Lexus SC430 I liked the first one so much I bought another one even the same color. The quality is better than any car I have ever owned. The drive and performance are different than a German car, not quite the feel for the road or the handling however the relaiblity far makes up for any performance differences. I owned a 2000 Mercedes which was a service nightmare. Am very happy with the Lexus would not consider buying another Mercedes.

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  How to look at the SC430 - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By INDY500atAOL - December 23 - 10:00 am

  The "back seats" are for luggage, not people. (actually for insurance). Its basically a 2 seater, with dummy back seats so insurance costs are lower. You can do 4 people, but its awfully tight...ok for short disdances in a pinch. Ive done it, even rode in the back. Other than that, it is a luxuious 300HP go cart. If you like to get racy, fill the tires to near the limit (44 psi?) It has The Best factory Stereo Ever made.. period.

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  Love this truck - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By allisonb1013 - December 23 - 10:00 am

  I spent a lot of time researching before buying my new SUV/LUV. I decided to wait for the 2004 GX b/c of my fear of buying a vehicle in its first model year. I can honestly say I am absolutely satisfied! I LOVE this vehicle. Its everything I was looking for.

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  In Love - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By my name?? Marty - December 19 - 7:23 pm

  Only have for one week now, but feel compelled to relate how wonderful this vehicle is so far. Dont understand some of the negative reviews. Its a dream to drive with some fun installed. Was worried it would be same old same old, since this is my fourth rx. I miss the side moldings and extra storage in trunk of the 08. But the technology with the mouse pad, nav, etc., is useful and fun. But not for those looking for simple. Takes getting used to.

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  Exceptional SUV - 2007 Lexus RX 350
  By Mark - December 19 - 5:50 am

  Have had it for two months. Great SUV to drive. Very comfortable ride. MPG is better than other 6 cyl SUVs. Goodyear tires a bit noisy on concrete. High intensity lights are great at night. Bluetooth is great. Owners manual is very good and describes all the features. Navigation should be a standard feature. Its worth the extra cost.

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  Loving this Car! - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Nancy Boyken - December 18 - 11:13 am

  Ive driven the RX300 for 5 years, and knew when my lease was up that I wanted to upgrade to the hybrid version. It is everything that was advertised, and more. The ride is zippy and fun, the interior luxurious, and the amenities abound.