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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  10star - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By MItesh - October 5 - 10:00 am

  best suv ever best

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  Hats off to Lexus - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By Driver8 - October 3 - 9:16 am

  Im closing in on 200,000 trouble-free miles. Every mile has been a delight. Wish I could give a vehicle score of 11 for the reliability and fun-to-drive categories.

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  Better than the ES 330 - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Billy Bill - October 1 - 10:26 am

  Im definitely enjoying the 2007 model, which is my second Lexus. Its better than my old 2004 model. Got it with the premium pkg. It has lots of toys. Its also fun to drive. I like the fact that is looks more sporty. But at the same time it has a elegant look to it as well. The cabin is also quiet.

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  The Best - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By armakr - September 28 - 10:00 am

  This is the finest sedan for the money. Fit and finish cannot be beat. The car is tank quiet and rail smooth. Unbelievable and with reliability second to none you cant go wrong. Run dont walk to buy one. Worth every cent.

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  Super Value - 2008 Lexus ES 350
  By Lexus/Charlotte NC - September 28 - 9:16 am

  This is my third Lexus. I have received this model as the loaner during service at our dealership over the last 7 years and am impressed at the changes between the ES300, 330 and this one. The ride is sportier and quicker than previous models without sacrificing comfort. The relative value is unbeatable. The price for what you get is pretty much unmatched in any other cars I looked at in this price range. Reliability is also going to be better than BMW and Mercedes. I highly recommend this car.

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  I Love My GS - 2002 Lexus GS 300
  By RyansGS - September 28 - 8:06 am

  Ever since I bought my GS Ive had nothing but fun. I have 20 inch wheels on it and its dropped on tanabe spring. I would tell anyone get this car its worth every penny. On top of everything Lexus service is the best.

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  Lexus RC350 F Sport is Outstanding - 2016 Lexus RC 350
  By Bill Wingate - September 27 - 5:03 am

  This is a smooth running comfortable car with lots of power. The paddle shifters give you an extra "kick-down" gear when you want to zip around someone or merge onto the freeway. The F Sport has plenty of power for street driving, but dont be confused by the two designations Lexus uses for the RC. Theres the F Sport and the even more upscale version just called the RC F. The F Sport is the tamer 3.5 liter 306 hp one. The F is the even more upscale screamer V8 that has 400+ horses and the price to match....about $30k more.

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  Lexus RC350 F Sport is Outstanding - 2016 Lexus RC 350
  By Bill Wingate - September 27 - 5:03 am

  This is a smooth running comfortable car with lots of power. The paddle shifters give you an extra "kick-down" gear when you want to zip around someone or merge onto the freeway. The F Sport has plenty of power for street driving, but dont be confused by the two designations Lexus uses for the RC. Theres the F Sport and the even more upscale version just called the RC F. The F Sport is the tamer 3.5 liter 306 hp one. The F is the even more upscale screamer V8 that has 400+ horses and the price to match....about $30k more.

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  Fantastic car! - 2010 Lexus HS 250H
  By ray - September 26 - 10:00 am

  This car drives great. Really moves when you need it to. All Lexus inside. Its very comfortable. Its the best car we have ever had!

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  Classy design and well engineered - 2008 Lexus RX 350
  By Robert Justice - September 25 - 10:20 am

  Purchased the car in March 07, and have about 7500 miles on it. I love everything about the car, from its great looks to the wonderfully comfortable ride. The car has plenty of pep, and gets above average gas mileage for an SUV. The interior cabin is so quiet that it feels like youre in a sound proof room; no road or engine noise at all. The car has just about every luxury feature you can imagine, including a color video back-up camera which is very useful. My first dealer experience at 5K miles was great, they really treated me right. And the best part about that first service is its free! Anyway, great car, and Im very happy we got it.