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 2nd RX - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By DonM - September 22 - 2:00 am

  Just traded a 2000 RX300 for an RX330. The RX300 was the best vehicle Ive ever owner and the 330 ups the ante! My 2000 had all-wheel drive for the surefooted traction on wet roads. This time I went for the high end sound/navigation system but with FWD. Other than the totally useless rear entertainment system that comes standard with Nav system, Im very happy. Just did a 1,800 mile round trip up into the CA mountains and it was a pleasure to drive. The nav system was handy in finding alternate routes around Lake Tahoe and the FWD performed great in the snow once I got used to it. Nobody does it like Lexus!

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  Beautiful vehicle - 2015 Lexus RX 350
  By David Chu - September 21 - 10:02 pm

  Using the Edmunds Price Promise got me a fantastic deal on a beautiful car.

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  i love it! - 2007 Lexus RX 350
  By Jim - September 21 - 10:50 am

  Once you drive it you will have a hard time not buying it. It is quiet, luxurious, and fun to drive. The fifth generation navigation system is impressive and more accurate than expected. Little features like the outside mirrors moving down and the rear camera display on the navigation system so that you can see better backing up are very helpful. The people at the dealership were friendly and helpful. Although buying a car is always stressful, they reduced the stress as much as possible. I also intend to take advantage of the lifetime tire replacements and free car washes. I intend to keep this car for some time.

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  Excellent Car - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By Pauly - September 21 - 10:00 am

  This is a very fun car to drive and is built for speed and luxury. I love driving this car. I used to drive a honda civic and that car doesnt even compare to this one.

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  SportX is fun - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By jmess - September 21 - 10:00 am

  After 3 months with the SportX I really enjoy this car. I wish it had some features like memory seats but I smile every time I drive the car. I find the hatchback to be really useful. I am happy with the good balance of performance and handling. The car is pretty quiet and smooth for a sport car. The car has had zero problems and feels like it will easily last 100K miles.

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  pepes review - 2000 Lexus LX 470
  By pepe - September 20 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has been a joy to own. The couple of minor cosmetic defects were addressed immediately by the service department and covered under warranty. The acceleration is outstanding and the ride is wonderful.

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  The greatest Lexus ever - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By Ross Doebel - September 20 - 2:00 am

  The Lexus SC 430 is one of the best luxury convertables i have ever driven. Top quality build with Lexus reliability!!! A little pricy, but what do you expect from a top of the line Jappanese cars!!!

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  Been Testing Out My New 2017 RX350 - 2017 Lexus RX 350
  By Chris - September 19 - 12:26 pm

  I just went from a 2015 Audi Q7 TDI to the 2017 RX350. The RX350 seems lighter and more nimble. I read many review on the RX350 and disagree with the sentiments expressed regarding looks and handling. The RX350 bold and aggressive look out shines all of the rest of the SUVs. Its sporting look sends the message that Im not just another stogy SUV driver. The handling is light. The steering is light and easy as opposed to the stiffer Audi steering. Im not sure why people think a stiff steering is better, but I have no problems doing twisty roads. In fact it seems like I can do them quicker in the RX350 without a lot of body roll. Overall, Im extremely satisfied with the RX350.

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  My fun car - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By Klaus Altgelt - September 19 - 1:52 am

  I love my "new" car. It is comfortable, responsive and fun to drive.

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  My new "H" - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Judy - September 17 - 7:03 pm

  The new hybrid handles very well. So far the gas mileage is not close to what had been promised, but I have been told it will improve after 2,000 miles. I was told, and the manual says, that it uses Regular gasoline. The dealer, the shop manager have all said to only use Premium or the car will not run as well as I would like. The front seats are narrow and stiff. Do I like it? Yes. It is great to drive, the upgraded sound system is wonderful and it is detailed very well. Would I buy it again...time will tell but at this time I am not sure.