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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  Ultimate Crafted Line - 2015 Lexus ES 350
  By Albert Abreu - August 28 - 8:41 am

  Great car with great comfort, luxury and performance all in one.

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  371,000mi AND GOING STRONG! - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By David S. - August 27 - 1:57 pm

  We bought the ES330 used, with about 50,000mi. We have since put 321,000 MILES ON IT and it runs like a champ. Trans is just starting to pick up quirks, and we need new rear struts. We have replaced the A/C compressor and 2 alternators, as well as normal brake and oil changes- THATS IT. We live in the woods in Florida and our dirt road is punishing, but the car has held up staggeringly well. Its still VERY smooth, comfortable and quiet when cruising at 85mph. Will post again when we reach 400,000mi!

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  Best Car Ive owned - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By bggas400 - August 27 - 7:50 am

  Ive had no issues with this car. Although I think the paint job could be better. The navigation system can take you on some curious routes but all-in- all it works quite well. Works much better than a Magellan while traveling around New York. It is much more comfortable than previous models. Has enough power and you feel in control at all times through inclement weather. You really cant go wrong with this car.

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  Pound per pound the Best car ever built - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By mob4life - August 23 - 10:33 pm

  After thoroughly evaluating and test driving the BMW 745, the S500 and the LS 430, the Lexus LS is pound per pound the best car ever built. The interior of this vehicle is 2nd to none. There is no other car manufacturer that can beat Lexus in this category. The exterior is beautiful as well. Many people want to claim that the exterior is subdued, but I disagree. I get plenty of compliments when I drive the Lex. And third, and most importantly, is the reliability. Lexus sets the standard in this category.

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  Superb Vehicle - 2007 Lexus RX 400H
  By Amy Smith - August 23 - 6:13 pm

  I was determined to buy a hybrid this year -- one that would last until the market would be open wider in terms of alternative fuels. I currently get about 30 mpg, and this is almost 2-1/2 times my previous vehicle. LOVE IT -- superb. Bravo Toyota.

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  this is not a suv its a luxury car - 2000 Lexus LX 470
  By mark ross - August 23 - 10:00 am

  iv owned a range rover 4.6 i thought this was it i was so mistaken the lexus lx 470 dives and handles like the best of the best comfort everything i was so surprized go ahead lexus

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  You get the looks in this car!! - 2005 Lexus SC 430
  By Lisa - August 21 - 11:03 pm

  Whenever I go out in this car...people stare. In my area there are not too many of these cars and people always are coming up to me to ask me about my car. I purchased the upgraded gold package on the wheels and that is my favorite accessory! Love the quiet when I put the top up!! Great gas mileage for the get up and go that this car has. This is my favorite car of mine to drive and the other two are Cadillac DTS and a Denali.

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  Beautiful Design - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Buffy8 - August 21 - 5:30 am

  I have had the ES 350 for 4 months now. I absolutely LOVE this vehicle. I chose the crystal white color, which is very beautiful. I also love the handling of the ES 350 on all roads. It even handles great in the rain. It is the first Lexus I have owned. And it wont be the last.

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  AWESOME Car - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By DS - August 20 - 7:03 pm

  Picked it up a few weeks ago after trading in my 07 Lexus ES350. Love the handling and comfort. Nav system easy to use and mouse set up is perfect. The seats are extremely comfortable. Swiveling Xenon lights with auto high beam dimmers are great especially in the mountain areas that I live. Chemical order fairly strong but not annoying. Need to get rid of Eco light. Miss the larger temperature reading in middle of console.

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  Best Car - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By Charles, Georgia - August 15 - 6:00 am

  I bought this car with 42K miles on it and have had it a year and a half. I also traded a Lexus ES 300 in on it b/c I wanted a SUV. Lexus is by far the best car on the road. Ill never drive anything else.