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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  Wonderful Vehicle - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By fun ride - December 1 - 7:40 pm

  Incredible vehicle that runs extremely smooth. I have never enjoyed a car as much as this one. Gas mileage is between 25 and 27 MPG. Overall, I highly recommend this car.

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  2007 Lexus GX 470 - 2007 Lexus GX 470
  By CW5JB - December 1 - 1:20 pm

  Just turn 200 miles. Excellent vehicle, love to drive, handles well and the Gen 5 Nav is outstanding. Great LUV.

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  The Best - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By KJC - November 30 - 10:00 am

  My 3rd ES model, its the best. Styling, handling, performance, best car out there dollar for dollar. Service is amazing, the sales staff at Bob Baker Lexus are the friendliest and best informed of any dealer Ive visited.

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  My 2nd (used) ES200 - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By Lynn - November 30 - 2:10 am

  I bought this car after my 1994 ES300 transmission quit going into overdrive & couldnt be fixed. But I had nearly 175K miles on that one so couldnt really complain much about that. I have not had any of the problems with the 2003 transmission that others have written about in their reviews. I did look at some other cars before getting this one - none of them compared to a Lexus. Guess the 94 spoiled me for any other car (that I can afford, lol).

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  Surprisingly Great - 2008 Lexus RX 400H
  By Surprise fan - November 28 - 1:06 am

  Didnt expect to like it as I really wanted an LX or GX but my wife fell in love with it. And now I have too. The hybrid is very peppy with the electric assist. Absolutely elegant inside and well built. Larger than expected inside with lots of nice touches - adjustable console and rear seats that slide.

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  Silky - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By loved - November 27 - 2:00 am

  This car is amazing since the first time i sat in the driver seat i have been in love wit hit. Driving is so nice but the rear seat luxury group is tempting me to sit in the rear more than i already do.

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  My favorite car ever - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By Radford - November 27 - 2:00 am

  The kids are educated and I deserved to the treat for ME! This car is the most fun I have ever had with a vehicle including SL Mercedes and 7 series BMW. Nothing else compares with it.

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  Lexus GS - 2005 Lexus GS 300
  By Amassey1980 - November 26 - 9:30 am

  I upgraded from the ES300 to the GS300. The handling and responiveness is what made me purchase the GS vs. the LS, as well as the GS having more room than the ES and it has a more meaty look than a luxuy sedan. It is awesome on trips, you feel a few bumps but over all it is nice quiet and smooth. There have not been any problems so far with the car. The Lexus brand has made an impression on my and my family so as long as they make good quality luxury cars that look good, they will have me for a customer.

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  2009 Lexus RX 350 Pebble Beach - 2009 Lexus RX 350
  By Weezy - November 24 - 3:13 pm

  Just purchased the 2009 Pebble Beach edition. Very reliable vehicle. The navigation system is easy to use and access while driving (all touch screen). Very powerful car, good acceleration. The backup camera is a nice feature, but the images appear farther than it actually is. Have no problem driving in sleet/snow/ice thus far.

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  A bargain, if twice the price - 2007 Lexus LS 460
  By mitchellrowe - November 24 - 9:13 am

  Front interior room seems wider and higher. Vehicle is faster and more responsive than the LS 430. Leather work is craftsman style as in the SC 430. Enjoying the satellite radio. Strong climate control. No wind noise. The engine is now audible at idle. 8 forward gears. Came with Bridgestones not Dunlops: runs straight down the road - no wandering drift. Stronger brakes than the LS 430 . Easier steering. Larger view from backup camera . This car is a 10. Nothing negative!