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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  Lexus - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By nave462000 - November 15 - 6:13 pm

  I loved this truck.

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  Sheer Comfort! - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Beachin - November 15 - 6:33 am

  Going from an Explorer to a Lexus RX330 was a bit of a culture shock, the Lexus being on a car chassis, and not allowing that high-up perspective. But after making my first road trip, I quickly adjusted to the differences of these vehicles. This is the most comfortable car Ive EVER driven, with everything I need right at my fingertips! No more back problems to limit my traveling! And my gas milage is better than advertised! Theres plenty of cargo space (I often need a lot!). If you want to feel pampered yet retain that SUV convenience, this classy car is for you!

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  My Perspective - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By frozenSC - November 13 - 2:23 pm

  Overall a wonderful car! Sleek styling and Lexus quality to match. Obviously its nothing more than a two-seater as the back seats arent good for much beyond the briefcase or a bag of groceries. Performance comes alive in the midrange... dont look for fast acceleration off the line but others will soon fear you at about 40mph+

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  Best Experience Ever - 2008 Lexus ES 350
  By Russ H - November 12 - 7:20 pm

  Since buying my 1st car back in 1976, this was the most pleasurable buy. Hands down, the test drive sold me this car and since owning it, we look forward to the driving experience and fuel economy. 23 city / 31 hwy.

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  Best Buy of Luxury Vehicles - 2001 Lexus LS 430
  By M. Scott - November 11 - 12:33 pm

  When you really get down to it, there are a few other vehicles that you can buy that will have the same level of comfort, but how often will they be in for repairs? The LS has a great balance of power, comfort, class and reliability.

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  New LS 430 - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By tiger430 - November 10 - 10:00 am

  Traded from 2001 GS 430 and this car is the most comfortable and quietest I have ever owned. We have a 2002 MB S500 and there is no comparison especially on a road trip. The S500 is so poor ergonomically and the seats are so uncomfortable that I feel sure we will be rid of it fairly soon. It also spends way too much time in the shop compared to a Lexus. It is a better looking car---but who cares?

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  Lexus LS400 - 2000 Lexus LS 400
  By JoeSchmo - November 10 - 10:00 am

  Every time I drive the LS400 I enjoy it more, it drives like a dream. The exterior and interior are designed nicely.

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  Jewel of Lexus - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By jimyboy - November 10 - 10:00 am

  I can tell you that the SC has been the car I have enjoyed, it is fun! Comming from an LS430 I was used to a very soft ride. I would say the SCs suspension is the equivielent to most German cars, and wonderful!! If you are coming from a Porsche or BMW you will think the ride is a bit softer than what you are used to, if comming from a cruiser then you may think its a bit tight, either way 24 hours and you will be in love with the SC. Seats are much more comfortable the German competitors, and engine is quiet which is nice during long drives. The car has personality and carisma that few cars have. Love it!

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  Best car I have ever droven. - 1999 Lexus ES 300
  By Anton911 - November 10 - 10:00 am

  Wow, what a shoker. Did not expect this comming. This was the best car I have ever driven. Suspension is the best, great engine and acceleration. Superb handling. Very, and I mean very good interior quality build. The most impresive was the suspension and the quitness.

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  Excellent SUV - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By P.L. Savemart - November 10 - 10:00 am

  This is an excellent sport utility vehicle. The gas mileage for me is 20.1 mpg. I choose suv over cars because of the better suspension. I am able to haul more weight than a regular car. The ride and handling is smooth on especially on highway and country side.