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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  To Date, A Great Car - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By R. Howard - February 8 - 7:16 am

  The new ES 350 has been a great car to date. If youre looking for an entry level luxury car at a decent price, its definitely worth a look. It can get pricey with all of the options, but if you watch it, its actually a pretty good value in this segment. Ride, handling, performance, build quality and gas mileage have not disappointed. Although our car still has very few miles on it, I would recommend it. Worth a look and a test drive. It might not match some "sports sedans" in all areas, but I think its an overall very good performer that will hold its value well and be satisfying over the long run.

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  GX470 Rocks - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By Stiffelrep - February 7 - 8:13 pm

  I drive over 30,000 miles per year. I need a heavy car that is comfortable and that handles well. I have owned four SUVs prior to this one. The GX470 is awsome. I like this car so much that I bought one for my wife in June.

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  I what I hoped for in a luxury car - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By carbuff - February 6 - 3:26 pm

  The ES 350 has met or exceeded my every expectation. It is comfortable, safe and sedate. It is equipped with every feature that I think a luxury car should have.

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  I enjoy driving this car every day - 1999 Lexus LX 470
  By ohsupharmd - February 6 - 3:36 am

  I love the comfort and realibity of this car. I wanted an SUV with a look, performance, comfort, realibility and I found the LX. I just make sure I change the oil every 3 months, and do the maintenance at recommended mileage. I wish Lexus offered 22 inch rims for the car; it is very hard to find a rim that will fit the car. It has an unusual ball pattern. Great car, what else can anyone ask for?

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  best luxury car ever own - 2001 Lexus GS 300
  By dj2002 - February 5 - 2:00 am

  excellent, best sport sedan out there .. way better than the E class of mercedez...or BMW 5 series..

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  LS 400 - 1995 Lexus LS 400
  By Cuss1 - February 5 - 2:00 am

  I bought car as used and made over 64000, with current milege 135,000. I cross the country once and do not afraid to do it again with this milege. So far major repairs were: brakes discs, starter and steering pomp. Other is just regular maintenance. Heated seats never works. Car is excellent for long trips, very comfortable and relaxing. I start look around for replacement and the next car will be Lexus again. Quality of ride and interior design is unmatched. I think Lexus is on good path to pursuit perfection.

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  In my opinion - 2001 Lexus LS 430
  By wyatt - February 5 - 2:00 am

  Great auto, but without sport mode, rolles on mt. roads. Throttle response not quick enough.

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  Excellent Quality with the Price Tag - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By BBGG - February 5 - 2:00 am

  One big problem: I left the car in the garage for my summer vacation for one month. It went totally dead. Dearler said it was not uncommon because of all the on-board computer features. Why put so many features if the battery cannot support it? Service consultants said I should have mentioned that I was a frequent traveller before making the buying decision. So you have to be able to afford to buy expensive car but no allowed to travel? The salesperson never told me that, and Mercedes and Porches did not give me this condition. 2nd question: noise started to appear after a year.

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  relentless pays off - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By erwinrommel - February 5 - 2:00 am

  brilliant execution on luxury genre. almost impossible to fault. As far as I can see it mercedes looks like tyson and lexus is hollyfield. Round by round lexus has begun to wear the feared bully down. Every volley of fire matched by lexus. amazing close quarter combat. Lexus seems unfazed by a series of high tech blows. Lexus seems to absorb evrything techno benz can throw.

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  Excellet sedan - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Pride - February 5 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Lexus, it getting better and better. The style and the safety are all considered in addition to other mechanical perfection. A great car.