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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  Beats Mercedes - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By johndhenry - November 29 - 10:00 am

  Overall Review: This is the best car Ive owned...and currently I own two Mercedes (E3204Matic Wagon & C280). The car has an anvil like feel and the engine power never seems to end. The high- end quality of the interior and its overall fit and finish are much superior to Mercedes...which seems to have gone down hill in the past several years (lots of ill fitting plastic and visits to the mechanic). Also, my 11 month and 3 year olds car seats fit in the back seat quite well for weekend drives to the Beach.

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  One Sweet Ride - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By SexySC - November 29 - 10:00 am

  Dollar for dollar, simply the best hardtop convertible in the world. A fast, smooth,ultra-luxurious and comfortable convertible with cool distinctive retro-futuristic styling and an awesome sound system. Build quality and luxurious ambience is superb - superior to cars that cost tens of thousands more

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  Best Vehicle I e - 2000 Lexus ES 300
  By Robert Del Pesco - November 29 - 10:00 am

  Most reliable car we have ever owned. Have not returned to dealer for a single problem or repair. First perfect vehicle we have ever owned

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  Is this really an SUV?? - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By King Kelly - November 28 - 9:33 pm

  Until I was given an RX 330 as a loaner for the day when my car was in for service, I was adamant about never purchasing another SUV. In my previous experience with an SUV, I felt like a weeble whenever I drove it and was happy to get rid of it. What I cant get over is how comfortable my new R400h is to drive. It has a smoother ride than my SC430 had! I live in the Northeast and it plows through snow with effortless confidence, and when its raining it feels as if Im driving on dry pavement. The gas mileage, well, that speaks for itself.

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  2nd GX... - 2011 Lexus GX 460
  By bobbio56 - November 28 - 9:17 pm

  Traded loaded 04 with 119k miles for 11. The 11 is much more refined, smoother and more teched savvy. Mileage for first 1400 miles has been at least a 25% improvement. 3rd row seats are easy to use. Very quiet and stable at all speeds. Cooled front seats are great. Kinetic suspension performs really well, had that on my 04 as an option. blue tooth phone quality is excellent, voice commands for all functions is sub par. Paint quality is a vast improvement over 04! Looked at every suv & crossover out there and came back to Lexus/GX.

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  Best Luxury SUV In its Class - 2010 Lexus GX 460
  By asald - November 28 - 11:36 am

  Purchased a 2010 Premium Edition with the rear DVD dual screens. Awesome SUV, test drove BMW X5, Suburban, Escalade, Mercedes and in the end the LEXUS won. Rear entertainment is definitely worth the price if you have kids, PlayStation hooks up very easily.

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  2003 Lexus ES300 - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By KristiPahoo.com - November 28 - 6:43 am

  Traded in my 99 Lx470, which I loved, for a 2003 ES 300 in 2006...50,000 miles. I never thought Id go back to a car but with gas prices on the rise and the amount of miles I drive I decided I would. I have now had my car for 24 months and not one problem. It currently has 121,000 miles on it and drives perfect just like the day I got it. Very pleased of course, as I was also very please with my LX470 before this vehicle. Gas mileage is great, 23 average in town, upper 20s-31 mpg on highway. Highly recommended :)

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  More than we expected - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Ed C - November 26 - 11:06 am

  My wife and I shopped around the top brand SUVs and decided on the RX330. We have no complaints whatsover about this car after a month of ownership. The ride, the comfort, the looks, the navigation and stereo are more than we expected.

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  Moved up from a Prius - 2010 Lexus HS 250H
  By Lawrence - November 26 - 6:40 am

  This is my first Lexus. Generally, Im very happy with the HS250. The car is comfortable, handles well and is a delight to drive. I love all the gadgets! Fortunately, the Lane Keep Assist alerts me if I spend more time on the accessories than concentrating on driving. Gas mileage has been exceptional! Highway driving is consistently in the area of 42-45 MPH. City driving falls to the mid 30s. Unfortunately, the car is a bit noisy on some roads and during rapid acceleration. Also, the cabin lacks storage "cubbies" and convenient cup holders. All considered, Im glad I bought the HS250 and feel comfortable in recommending it to others.

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  RX400h....gotta own one - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Headless - November 25 - 3:00 pm

  The RX400h represents a new era in automobile technology. The vehicle offers excellent performance with excellent fuel efficiency. If you have a lead foot, the efficiency will suffer, but youll still easily beat virtually all other SUVs on the market in regards to mpg. In terms of performance, 0-60 in under 7 seconds is sweet (its faster than Lexus numbers) and acceleration from 45-65 is more than impressive. The vehicle is adept at handling and cornering, with braking beyond belief. Navi, bluetooth, adaptive headlights, auto tailgate, etc ... the list goes on ... this car is packed with features ... compare it to anything on the market and youll get one...