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 Hybrid has finally arrived - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Sam Bawi - September 14 - 11:16 pm

  I drove a Prius for a year and I loved it but it was a little cramped for me . I liked the technology so much that I put a down payment on a Lexus 400h last year and finally got my car last week. I have driven it more than 200 miles and what pleasure. It is quiet, comfortable and powerful and I am enjoying every minute of the drive. The gear noise that some experts had pointed to in early reviews is not evident. And the luxury and the feel is so good it made my Prius look like the starter car it was meant to be. I am averaging 26 MPG with hard driving it. I see no reason for any one to drive any SUV but the Lexus 400h.

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  3 Lexus Family - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By Stu - September 14 - 3:16 am

  I was so impressed with the ownership experience of my 00 RX 300 that I had to buy another Lexus. The exterior impresses friends and looks like a 70k+ Mercedes or Bimmer. Extremely powerful, reliable, and great gas mileage. Interior leather and wood trim really make the car. VSC, traction control, ABS brakes, and eight airbags really offer peace of mind. I would highly recommend this vehicle to someone who wants efficiency of a family sedan with a Mercedes S class feel. I would not drive anything else but a Lexus. My next car will be a lexus too.

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  Perfect - 2001 Lexus ES 300
  By Bob Brandon - September 12 - 10:00 am

  I really love this vehicle. I bought it almost a year and a half ago and it is trully the best vehicle Ive ever had. My friend also has one, his is a bit older 1997, but he never ever had any problems with this car. Just changes the oil and puts gas in it, thats it. This is a trully great vehicle.

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  Very pleased - 2011 Lexus RX 350
  By Frank Allen - September 12 - 5:22 am

  Used as family vehicle and often for hauling merchandise from stores and bikes and other recreational equipment. Pulls a small 2000 lb utility trailer as if it isnt there. Have spent 0 on repairs in 98,000 miles, only regular maintenance(synthetic oil) and one set of tires. First were replaced after 70,000 miles. Nothing not to like. We will trade for a Toyota or Honda. Unfortunately will not buy a 2017 Lexus because we think its ugly and ungainly looking. Drove to 138,000 miles and sold. Still no problems at all. Traded in for a Toyota Highlander, larger and uses regular gas.

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  Great car - 2008 Lexus LS 460
  By tguy - September 11 - 7:30 am

  I waited until my 5000 mile service to evaluate. This car makes me feel like Im sitting in the lap of luxury! Wind noise issues are being taken care of with new side window glass later this week. Biggest negative is that the navigation system features are rendered virtually useless while driving. It is silly to have to stop the car in order to find a nearby restaurant choice or gas station. This should be allowed.

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  PERFECT CAR - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By Bill - September 10 - 9:20 pm

  This is my absolute favorite automobile. I have owned a Benz S and a BMW 7, and neither compair to the LS 430. The Lexus is hands down the best luxury car on the road. never had any problems, as i did with the BMW and the Benz, and i spent less in the Lexus. the ride is much, much smoother and softer, the engine has more then enough power for any luxury car driver. I will never drive anything other then a LS, Best Car on the road.

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  lots of fun - 2002 Lexus GS 300
  By tootsie - September 10 - 10:00 am

  A very good overall car,fun to drive. It is certainly not a sports car. It has a plush and very confortable ride.Great on long trips. The seats adjust very nicely to you and the lumbar support is good.

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  In love with mine... - 1999 Lexus LX 470
  By Simon_Capell - September 10 - 10:00 am

  Wanted a Land Cruiser with a bit extra comfort and Lexus level dealer service. Got it all and more with this vehicle - it continues to surprise me with its awesome construction quality and smoothness of operation. You just drive it and it works - simple as that. Spent a reasonable amount of time off road as well and it has been faultless (mountain passes/driveable beaches/deep snow).

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  Toyota in a tuxedo - 2005 Lexus GS 300
  By jouvonte - September 8 - 6:10 pm

  When I compare both my GS300 and BMW 525 the GS is equal to or better in all categories except handling...but its very close. The GS has an ageless design, beautiful fit and finish and unmatched reliability. The soft, black leather interior with a splash of dark burl wood is absolutely stunning...you wont be disapointed with this luxury sports car. The Lexus key is the one I reach for when I leave the house!!

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  Happy camper - 2015 Lexus RX 450h
  By snowman22 - September 8 - 10:36 am

  Picked up the 2015 RX450h in March. Traded in a 2013RX 350. Gotta tell you the 2013 was a gas hog. Only 16 mpg. Tried everything to improve. No luck . The 2015 RX 450 h is just the opposite. Great mpg. Average of 28-29 city only driving. Could not be happier with the whole package. Car is loaded. Stargaze Black over Black. Hard to believe but it is even quieter than the 2013. Rides great with the 19" tires and rims. I believe with warmer weather and summer blen gasoline the mpg will,go,even higher. Glad we got the 2015. The 2016 redesign is not to our liking. We love the soft sculptured lines of the 2015 ext. And int.