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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  Good car, but recently getting worse - 1999 Lexus ES 300
  By NS - January 11 - 9:23 am

  I owned this car since 2001. From 2001-2008: was really happy with the car. Reliable, quiet interior. Comfy seats, good pickup. In 2009: my ES-300 started giving all kinds of problems. Power steering pump leaked-replaced it, O2 sensors went bad-replaced it, alternator died - replaced it. Check engine lights are on almost every month. Follow the routine-go to dealer, they do the diagnostics, find the issue, replace the part, pay those hefty repair charges, and next month repeat the same thing. Just yesterday, heard that its giving heavy knocking sound from engine. Within past 12 months, the repair cost has gone through the roof to almost $6000. Now I am seriously thinking about replacing the car.

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  In Love with Lexus - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Loving My Lexus ! - January 9 - 1:50 pm

  I did not go wrong in purchasing a Lexus. This is the most comfortable vehicle ever purchased or test drove. It does not ride like a "truck" and hate for people to call it that. It is so comfortable to drive on long distance trips. If in need of another car, Lexus will be my first choice!

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  Great Car - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By billy bob - January 7 - 12:03 pm

  Fantastic vehicle. Owned for three years without a problem. Decent gas mileage for an SUV. Great for long drives with comfort and convenience. I would not hesitate to purchase this vehicle again.

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  Certified Pre-Owned Bargain! - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By Tyber - January 6 - 10:00 am

  Like some other reviewers, I was looking at other Lux-utes, but just wasnt ready to spend $40k to $50k+. So when I heard Lexus had 1.9% financing on their CPO inventory, I decided to check out 01s and 02s. Got a low mileage 01 RX300 2WD w/ Navigation for a rediculously low price (I think). Its awesome. Ride quality and sound levels are amazing. Build quality, fit and finish are excellent. Performance is great for an SUV, and better than many sedans. The dealership has honestly been a pleasure to work with. All in all, Im very satisfied.

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  Addicted to It - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Lexuspeed - January 6 - 10:00 am

  Just instantly fell in love with the RX330. My wife decided to replace her ML320 and not go with 03 ML350, 03 Volvo XC90, 03 Aviator, the Touareg and the MDX. Clearly another winner from the Lexus brand. For the price of this one, you get so much state-of-the- art technos. Undoubtedly another the best-in-class well thought out product from Lexus. She and I now own a Lexus.

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  A big disappointment - 2017 Lexus RX 350
  By David Smith - January 4 - 6:15 pm

  This is the second RX we have owned. We purchased this RX 350 all wheel drive new in Oct 2016 and wish we had our money back. The first one, many years ago, was really good. This one is a big disappointment. The Info system is just terrible. Voice recognition does not work, not at all, no matter how much training you do. The car seems to be less quite than in the past. Shifting is just strange from time to time. No trouble with it, but just not worth the money with all its faults. I recommend you look elsewhere.

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  The best car i have owned - 1997 Lexus ES 300
  By Moses - January 4 - 7:51 am

  I bought the 1997 ES 300 model in IL 2 years ago. I have driven to Dallas, Kansas and Oklahoma on different occasions and its simply the best. The engine is so quiet someone on the will find it hard to believe that you were driving. The fuel economy is about 20 mpg in the city and upto 28mpg on the freeway. Leather seats (heated) are an absolute steal.

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  Its definitely NOT a fancy Camry - 2008 Lexus ES 350
  By LXS LVR - January 3 - 8:50 pm

  I have been a Toyota fan most of my life and always thought a Lexus was a fancy Camry - Once I drove my ES 350 I knew I was so wrong. Interior fit & finish is flawless and the MPG is a consistent 27-28 in town and 34 on the hwy. Hard to beat this with 272 hp V-6. Problems Ive read about transmission and others simply are not true at least with this car. My wife and I have to fight over who gets to drive it. Its quick, safe as can be and with a spoiler, gold package, large tires its a real "head turner". It is truly a great car and the extras you get over a Camry XLE for example are well worth it. Resale value of a Lexus is awesome.

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  Just leased 2014 ES350 - 2014 Lexus ES 350
  By crobot83 - January 3 - 10:55 am

  I can tell you that HID headlights are not standard, so if you want that make sure its included. Thus far, the car has been good. Will have it for a few years on lease and so far Im impressed. I generally only buy BMW but this Lexus has been of similar build quality and styling.

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  A perfect all around vehicle. - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By PJK - January 2 - 9:33 pm

  Took delivery on 05/25/05 noticed a thump (noise) in the floor by the drivers foot rest when you start up the vehicle (even in battery operation). I believe it is the engine starting when I go into reverse out of my driveway, more noticeable in the morning, cold engine. Live in Florida, I think it has to do with the A/C turning on the engine. I can also hear the engine engaging slightly at take off at stop lights. I have read other reviews & they said they could not notice this, when on the highway you dont notice it at all. Stopped by the dealer yesterday they said the noise is normal. This was from the hybrid trained technican.