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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  True Luxury, Great Road Car - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By WilliamR - April 15 - 3:23 pm

  Everything one would expect from Lexus: the cabin is quiet and surrounds one in understated by unmistakable luxury. Very quick at all speeds and excellent braking. Cornering is OK, but this is not a "drivers" car. It is, however, outstanding on the freeway and on long trips and comfortable and capable if not exciting around town. GREAT highway passing ability. My actual highway mileage is 25+ mpg -- and I dont drive 55. In town, expect 15-17 depending on mix and how heavy ones foot is. The Mark Levinson sound system is magnificent. Back seat comfort is arguably better than the front seat. The shifter is extremely nice and can enhance driving experience and reduce brake wear.

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  great compact SUV - 2017 Lexus NX 200t
  By r. sano - April 15 - 2:37 pm

  I drive 90k Porsche Cayenne. Everythingsre very comparable to my car, off course leather, dash, stereo system youd expect to be not as nice as mine. I only prefer not to use touch screen - I dont want finger prints on my screen - trust me on this. My wifes car is 2010 RX450H. I prefer drivability of the 2017 NX200T over her car. This is simply because this car is much lighter. Major improvements on all controls over 2010 RX450H with this car. I highly recommend this car to anyone whos market for the SUV of this size. She rides great on snow.

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  Lexus RX300 - 2000 Lexus RX 300
  By Lexus - April 15 - 11:13 am

  I put a lot of miles on my car for work. The Lexus is comfortable for long trips and isnt as bad on gas as the larger sport utilities. The additional addons like sunroof, six disc changer, and heated leather seats just add to the enjoyment of driving this car.

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  2002 Lexus ES-High Quality - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By rebelsk - April 15 - 10:00 am

  I throughly enjoy driving the vehicle and even on long travels, it is quite comfortable and offers many features. The interior finish is typical Lexus (the very best) and the car drives flawlessly for the most part. I have had many cars and continue to enjoy driving the ES 300 more than the previous vehicles. I traded in a 2000 Acura RL to get the ES and had previously tested the Audi A4, BMW 3 & 5 Series, and the Acura TL. One other point to make about he Lexus ES 300. As with other Toyotas I have owned, they are extremely reliable and if they are maintained, can be driven for several hundred thousand miles.

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  Im still in Awe - 2006 Lexus GX 470
  By lilstrawberri - April 14 - 7:16 pm

  I like the height of the GX and I really enjoy jumping out to see my GX lower himself. SO COOL... Having the touch screen navigation and the assistant (the talking lady) has been an awesome feature. My GX also has the Lexus Link which hopefully I do not have to use but if I need it. At least I have it.

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  DISAPPOINTMENT IN FLAWED LEXUS - 2017 Lexus RX 350
  By Jeannie H - April 14 - 2:50 am

  There is a KNOWN issue with my 2017 RX350. It sounds and feels like a transmission issue but have been told it is an issue with the exhaust system. They know and have know for A LONG time there is a problem and do not yet have a fix for it. I have been complaining for a year now. Initially, was told it was my imagination but since then was told it is a known issue. STILL WAITING. It is loud and sounds and feels like the engine is not wanting to shift to higher gears. This is my third Lexus as I had found them to be so reliable. Now not so sure. MPG for city is running about 14.5 mpg, should be MUCH higher.

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  Just get that car - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By Aram - April 13 - 6:36 pm

  The Best car for Summer time, dont drive it in winter, I mean you can but on the snow I wouldnt recommend.

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  Just passed 250K Miles - 1997 Lexus LS 400
  By James - April 11 - 8:53 am

  Well i just passed the 250K miles goal. I looked at my comments from 2007, so I am driving about 50K miles every 3 years. The car is holding up well. My air suspension failed on the front and rear in the last 18 months but those are the only real problems. It cost about $1100 each to fix but seeing that I have owned the car 13 years, that is minor, considering I have had other no major repairs. My next goal is 300K. I will write back again

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  Better yet - 2007 Lexus LS 460
  By DFE - April 11 - 12:13 am

  I traded my LS 430 for an LS 460 this last month. The 460 is comparable in interior size and leg room although the trunk is a tad smaller. The car rides well and is a bit more noisy than the 430. The electronics (radio, DVD, GPS) are great but complicated and require a bit of concentration to use.

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  What happened - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By ted - April 10 - 12:26 pm

  We replaced our 03 GS300 with an 06. Loved the old one figured wed love the newer one. Wrong. Brakes, cruise ride , AC and Nav dont work as good as old car. Ride and handling choppier also. Tranny hunts for gears at low speed and in the hills. Has been in the shop 5 times in three months. Disappointing car. Great to look at but no fun to drive. Am going to trade for something that I can live with.