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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  The squeak that sank the Lexus - 2003 Lexus GS 300
  By unhappy in dallas - March 15 - 2:00 am

  This is my second (and last) GS 300. The first one was incredible. It was 2.5 yr old when we sold it and bought the new one. Our new one, since day one, has had squeaks, creaks and groans from the dash that the dealership has been unable to fix. Thought I would trade it in for a new one (it is only 5 mo old). Was told the dealership would give me $33k. About $8k depreciation in 5 months. Finish out detail problems like what I am experiencing are amazing for a luxury car maker like Lexus. Learned my lesson. Next time- BMW here I come.

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  Does not fit 2 Car Seats in 2nd Row - 2009 Lexus GX 470
  By MW - March 12 - 2:00 am

  I saw a posting that it fits multiple car seats in the 2nd row. This is not a correct statement. One Car seat will fit fine, but due to the position of the 2nd latch behind the drive it will not probably hold the car seat still. It is not positioned on par with Federal Guidelines. NHTSA certified fireman said he could not properly install the seat due to the positioning as it of center. So dont buy if you need multiple car-seats in the 2nd row.

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  Finally in love with my car - 2011 Lexus GX 460
  By 3X GX owner - March 12 - 2:00 am

  I bought 03 and 07 GXs because it was the smallest vehicle that qualified for the extra tax write off for small business owners. I was never thrilled with the vehicles, but stuck with it for the tax advantage. Now Im in a 2011GX and can finally say "I love my car". Some of the things that bugged me the most about my others have been corrected (see my favorite features). GPS & voice recognition are greatly improved over the old one. Bluetooth clarity is much better. Im a little OCD so I love being able to close up my Ipod, cover the radio, close the cup holders, fold rear seats, etc. It gives the interior a nice uncluttered look. De-icer will come in handy as well this winter.

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  Big Guys Car - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By George - March 11 - 8:26 pm

  Everything about it is absolutely great except for one thing. Its really hard for a big guy to get in and out of and theres not enough headroom. Its worth it though!

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  FUN to drive, but some fixes are in need - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By Drlazor - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Fun to Drive. Get all kinds of good looks in this car. The problem is the car has so many little problem that it gets frustrating. 1. The Window does not meet the roof correctly. Should do an MB does and close the window after the door is closed. 2. The run flat tires SUCK. 3. The space between the tire and the rime is bad, My wife has bent the rim runnnig over simple pot holes. 4. The Tan interior does not clean very well. 5. The preformace off the line is not very good. It has to think for a few seconds before it goes. Do get me wrong I like this car alot, but for the price....

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  dirst 100 miles - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By zaus - March 8 - 2:00 am

  timing on my car ES 330 2004 is very poor--complained to the service manager and was told until 100 miles nothing could be done--i REALLY DONT UNDERSTAND THIS AS FAR AS i KNOW NO NEW CAR HAS TO BE BROKEN IN--- I think Lexus made a mistake

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  So far so good - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By PerrinD1 - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Have only had the vehichle a few months , but it gets around like a champ on the ice and snow. Gas mileage leaves something to be desired from a relatively small 6 cylinder. Power is adequate. Tranny is smooooth. Brakes are good. Lets give it 20000-30000 more miles and see how it does.

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  My RX 330 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Tom Papaccio - March 8 - 2:00 am

  It drives very well, handles well and is very comfortable. My biggest complaint is the dashboard rattles. Second biggest complaint is the headlight washing system goes when you wash the windshield and gets the car full of window washer.

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  The review - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By i am steve - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Good car but small tires and doesnt handle as well as some others

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  Love this SUV - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By george - March 6 - 2:36 am

  Not the quietest or most powerful vehicle I have owned, but the overall package is great.