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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  MY NEW CAR - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By NYKNITS - January 15 - 2:00 am

  EXCELLENT CAR WITH ALL THE TOYS TOO

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  Great Car - 2008 Lexus GS 450h
  By scratchurite - January 14 - 5:46 am

  I ordered mine in early aug. I picked it up 3 days ago and it is a dream! I do have a few issues though. As a tall man, the entry is a headbanger! Thats why I gave it a 9. As a heavy man, the center console is not sturdy enough. Also Hi-octane gasoline is an economical nightmare in Tokyo. Thats why the 7. I dont need to drive so fast anymore(did that with my Supercoupe)! Cant fit in the Prius. But all things considered, I am super satisfied with it. I plan to keep it about 5 yrs, and I am now confident that I will have no mechanical issues. I have owned and driven many autos, American, Japanese, German, but this is the best so far. Im also happy to be the first to own one.

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  The BEST Car! - 1997 Lexus ES 300
  By 757s bezt - January 12 - 7:20 pm

  I love my 97 Lexus ES 300, its my baby! Every time I pull up to work people stop and stare! It looks very nice and its real dependable. I make sure I get my oil changed on time and anti freeze changed. The only thing is the radio and clock...they dont last that long...lol but other than that its excellent. My mom has 300,000 miles on her 94 ES 300 and it still runs better than any new vehicle out there!

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  Exceptional car. My wife and I love it so far. - 2015 Lexus RX 350
  By Curtis - January 11 - 7:03 pm

  Best choice you could make. The Cadillac SRX had to many negative reviews or we most likely would have bought that for the savings, but no regrets at all.

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  Lexus ES 330 - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By dtaibleson - January 10 - 10:00 pm

  Quiet, smooth, elegant, comfortable, solid, nice pick up, I dont need to feel contact with the road. Have driven Audi, BMW, Passat and Nissan and this is tops. No car is more reliable.

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  Lexus 3300 - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By dtaibleson - January 10 - 10:00 pm

  Quiet, smooth, elegant, comfortable, solid, nice pick up. Have driven Audi, BMW, Passat and Nissan and this is tops.No car is more reliable.

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  lexus 3300 - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By dtaibleson - January 10 - 10:00 pm

  Quiet, smooth, elegant, comfortable, solid, nice pick up, I dont need to feel contact with the road. No car is more reliable.

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  Awesome - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By Douglas F - January 10 - 10:00 am

  This car is definitely fun....Have a winter vehicle as when I asked what kind of snow tires the salesman just laughed. Its a real head turner as I find everyone staring.

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  Great and Fun car!!! - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By J.M.Potts - January 10 - 10:00 am

  The SC430 combines the quiet refined class of the "usual" Lexus product, when the top is up, with a fabulous open air experience, complete with subtly rumbling exhaust pipes and a totally cool interior. The total package is a great value..especially when compared with the "other" hardtop convertibles on the market. Try one....youll be convinced!!

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  Js review - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By j powell - January 10 - 10:00 am

  This is an excellent automobile, fun, sporty, great gas mileage - only flaw is DVD screen blocks view.