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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  lex review - 1996 Lexus LS 400
  By skipsawaystem - November 2 - 10:00 am

  my 96 ls sedan is the nicest car we ever owned. reliability,driveability,classiness is fantastic. dealer servicing,cooperation etc. excellent any home office queries answered promptly and lexuses are hardly ever stolen because of wheel locks devices etc. a great car.

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  Nice Car, But Where is the Fuel Economy? - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Andy - November 2 - 8:46 am

  Concerned about Americas dependence on foreign oil, I searched long and hard for a hybrid. I cannot fit in a Prius (really, I cant), and the best vehicle I found was the Lexus RX 400h. All around, it is the best vehicle I found. It is comfortable, with all the features I need (and the ones I dont need, I like). It is a delight to drive. However, the fuel economy leaves something to be desired. A big reason is because I drive a lot of short segments, and I reach my goal about the time the vehicle warms up. Still, I wish Lexus had redirected a few of the horsepower into fuel economy, or at least given us the choice.

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  Its a Lexus afterall! - 2005 Lexus IS 300
  By Michael - October 31 - 6:53 am

  A very athletic 4-door sedan with many luxury standard features which are expensive options in her class. Both the ride and feel are so good that I can drive it all day & still have fun. Trouble free still and well built with no rattles after over 14000 miles with only the 2 scheduled oil change service calls.

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  A-W-E-S-O-M-E - 2004 Lexus LX 470
  By Bammhump - October 29 - 2:00 am

  Great vechile. Drives beautifully. Will never buy any other brand SUV again. I will be a repeat customer for life and my family has tried them all Weve owned jeeps, fords, gmcs, chevys, mercedes, bmws, vws, etc. Go lexus and never go back.

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  Good car! - 1997 Lexus ES 300
  By Lexus97 - October 29 - 2:00 am

  Good car! Well built, great stereo system BUT at 70,000 miles it has an oil leak costing $1,000 to fix-very un- Lexus... Otherwise engine is great, trasmissions is smooth, and to top if off you get to cruise in a comfortable, safe car that after 7 years still looks good... What other cars besides Lexuss can you say that?

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  Outstanding Automobile - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By VictoriaAnnHobby - October 29 - 2:00 am

  GREATTTTTTTTTTTT car!!!!! Better than all the BMWs, Mercedes, Porsche and Jaguars I have owned!!!

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  My 4th Lexus - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By Sheri Q-Burks - October 29 - 2:00 am

  I like the easy of handling, smooth drive and flexibility of space(parks more like a car).My biggest objections are the rear door and the access(need to lock it in place to keep it from closing on you, want more ability to change temperature settings in back rows and easier rear seat and mid seat removal.I drove it in very inclimate conditions in 4 wheel drive with great response.It turns very well for a large vehicle and can handle high speeds easily. Overall, I would give it an 8.5 with room to make some changes. I like Lexus and their willingness to stand behind their product.Would probably go back to one of their cars again, once small child is older.

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  Quality - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Philip Caldwell - October 29 - 2:00 am

  Excellent ride and great steering. Very comfortable and good acceleration for a V6. The navigation system is easy to use and convient to the driver.

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  Satisfied buyer - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Ralph W Arnold - October 29 - 2:00 am

  I like the way it handles on the Interstate highways and in town traffic.

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  Lexus - 2015 Lexus RX 350
  By BJ - October 28 - 10:06 am

  Great safe car. Beautiful car all the way around. No complaints!!!! Comfortable and roomy.