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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  Better than Benz - 2007 Lexus LS 460
  By Lisa - September 7 - 8:33 am

  I test drove the Benz S series. No comparison. My Benz experience bad, so I said lets try Lexus. Fell in love immediately! Bottom line, reliability. Everything is great, except I wish instead of ash tray they used that for storage. I want a place to just put my phone or keys. If you have the $s this is the car. Power, looks, reliability, this car has it!

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  Fine Vehicle - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By Fine Vehicle - September 7 - 5:40 am

  I traded in my 04 RX330 for the GX for I needed more capacity and capability. FOR A TRUCK, it handles, drives and rides exceptionally well. The mpg at 18 is expected for this type of vehicle. The quality, like my RX is superb. The nav. system is easy to use, and the backup camera is an absolute must have due to the inherent blind spots. I made sure I got the Michelins, and have had no trouble whatsoever, like I have often read from other owners. Overall, for me, I feel it is the best from the list I chose, incl. the SRX, the horribly unreliable VW T-Reg, the Benz and the fun driving, but impractical and rather unreliable X5. I am so far very pleased with the GX, and would recommend it.

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  2016 Lexus RX450H an excellent car to own & drive - 2016 Lexus RX 450h
  By Bharat Rathi - September 6 - 6:22 pm

  Really love driving our new Lexus RX450H. Excellent car overall. The mouse control on the electronics is very sensitive. They could have made this a bit less sensitive -- that would have made managing the navigation settings a bit easier.

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  I had to write about it! - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By Nick - September 6 - 5:46 am

  I normally would not take the time to write a car review, but this SUV really deserves it. Its actually my wifes car but I find myself making up goofy excuses to drive it because it is so nice. The Lexus quality is #1 as is their customer service. I bought chrome factory wheels from an Amarket wheel shop and in the swapping out process they broke a wheel stud off. I took the truck back to the dealer for the fix expecting a line about how I would be responsible for the cost since I did not have them do the install. Not even a funny look from the service advisor, on the contrary; a danish, cup of coffee and an apology for the inconvienence. Do yourself a favor and test drive this truck!!!!!

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  Lexus the way to go - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By The better ride - September 6 - 12:00 am

  I purchased me RX300 with about 40k miles on it. I had a hard time deciding on the Lexus RX300 or the Mercedes ML320. Being a Mercedes fan I thought I would love the Benz but there was just no comparison after the test drive I was hooked on my Lexus. Quiet, smooth, powerful and sharp luxury ride. I get compliments everywhere I go. The factory chrome wheels and spoiler make it look great. Insurance is alot better than the Ml to. I have greatly enjoyed my SUV and will certainly buy another Lexus RX in the future.

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  Superb in every respect - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By allen - September 5 - 10:26 pm

  Just a well thought out automobile with every luxury you could possibly imagine. This smart start keyless entry and ignition is fabulous! The navigation system is unbelievable!

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  Lexus LX470 - 2004 Lexus LX 470
  By michaelbell - September 5 - 10:00 am

  Great SUV. Cant wait to buy my next one.

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  A Smooth, Exciting Advanced Automobile - 2002 Lexus LS 430
  By By George - September 5 - 10:00 am

  After owning two luxury automobiles, a Mercedes and a Jaguar, it was difficult for me to believe that I could ever own anything as exceptional. However, based on my research, the reviews and testimony of friends and collegues; I decided, for my next purchase, to consider the Lexus LS 430. This car has exceeded my expectations in its performance and handling and smoothness, and the technology is absolutely amazing. It is unbelievable and in a class by it self. If there is anything more outstanding than the Lexus LS 430, I would not even want to know because I am sure I could not afford it.

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  lexusgx 470 - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By suzanne35 - September 5 - 10:00 am

  had the larger lexus suv. traded it in fpr this one. more sporty fun to drive. not as difficult to park. still has enough room for a family of four comfortably. rides like a car not a truck.

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  Our 2nd Lexus - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By ES330 in NC - September 5 - 10:00 am

  We purchased an RX330 in December 2003 and have been so please that I went and bought an ES330 two weeks ago. The value is amazing! I plan on using this vehicle for business trips. What a great a ride for the money!