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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  Lexis ES or Acura TL - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Park - June 18 - 10:00 am

  The Acura dealer made a huge mistake. I told him that I couldnt commit to the TL until I drove a Lexus ES. The ES is not just quite it is silent inside. The engine is almost to quite and road noise is muted to nonexistant. The ES is as smooth as silk. Transmission shift goes unnoticed as you accelerate and the car just flows through curves. It holds the road with very little lean in and good pull out of turns. The ES is a "soft" ride and not the fastest car when the light turns green but you will never be left behind, after all this is a Lexus.

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  Wow, I love it! - 2010 Lexus ES 350
  By wetgravity - June 16 - 5:33 pm

  I am in the car business, so I tried every make and model that competes with the es. I just took it out for a "night drive" and I love it. There is a lot of power and the adaptive headlight feature is awesome. Its worth the extra money to drive this car. It is smoother and nicer than any other car in its class. The test drive was ok. But driving it and owning it is awesome. Not a sport car. But the luxury car to beat all other luxury cars.

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  Excellent car - 1996 Lexus ES 300
  By khang - June 16 - 10:00 am

  This car is just perfect

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  Very well made old classic car - 1996 Lexus LS 400
  By david - June 16 - 8:23 am

  Damn cup holders, too small for my giant big gulp! That is my only complaint on a 14 year old car with 173k miles. Drives like new, well done Toyota/Lexus.

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  GX470 is great - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By bk777d - June 16 - 3:00 am

  This vehicle is a dream to drive. We took a trip right after we got the vehicle. The optional rear seat entertainment system was very nice to have, as was the optional navigation system. This vehicle drives very quietly for an SUV. It feels more like you are driving a car than an SUV. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone.

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  Always impressive - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By desmond bell - June 9 - 6:06 pm

  Extremely comfortable, excellent handling and improved turning ability over prior years models.

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  BEST CAR I HAVE EVER OWNED - 1998 Lexus GS 300
  By Pip - June 9 - 2:00 am

  Bought car used in 2000 with 41000 miles on it. Smooth, classy, sporty, and just the best built car I have ever driven. Could have bit more power, but it has more power than 95% of other 3 L engines. One problem caused by me, getting too much H2O around engine led to 2 days at dealer. Another problem now is FM reception in nil when weather is hot. Still, would not trade for any other luxury car PERIOD and I have driven numerous higher end cars.

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  Best Car Ive Ever Owned! - 1995 Lexus LS 400
  By fsufan8 - June 9 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 95 LS400 4 months ago with 96K miles and this car runs much better than any car I have ever owned. The only problems I have had with it was a defective radio antenna ($135). Also, the top glove box that houses the CD changer is coming apart ($150). Also, a brake light bulb went out yesterday. All in all, these are minor repairs for a car that is nearly 8 years old w/ 100K miles on it. Nothing else has needed to be replaced. Gas mileage is around 18 mpg. Acceleration is smooth for 4.0L engine but not as fast as some cars I have owned. The very smooth ride makes up for it. I would recommend this model/year Lexus to anyone!

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  The ES is unbeatable - 2008 Lexus ES 350
  By Scott - June 7 - 11:00 am

  I purchased my ES350 in January 08 and it is a comfortable, luxurious and beautiful inside and out. I considered the Buick Lucerne, Acura TL, Infiniti G35 and BMW 3-series. The ES won out on looks, performance, comfort, quiet ride and gas mileage standards. The car certainly turns heads and gets stared at. Its very roomy and the trunk space is adequate. The interior controls are not busy and very easy to operate. This is my second Lexus. I always heard that once you drive a Lexus, nothing else will live up to it. I agree!

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  U GOTTA GET THIS CAR!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By In LOVE w/ my IS300 - June 7 - 10:00 am

  I drove a Civic DX for 8 years. The last 2 of those years I was getting the new car itch. I would get excited about some other car models but would shortly lose interest. BUT as soon as I seen the IS300 - I KNEW it was the one! It was like love at first sight. I bought one in Feb04 and couldnt be happier. Love the fact that not many people have this car. People ask me all the time "Is that a Lexus?"...or ask much or say how much they love it. Lexus out did itself w/ the IS300. It handles like a dream. Its the perfect combo of luxury and sport. Euro-car kids wanna race when they see me...LOL. Ive never owned the same car twice, but when I do go to get a new car it will be ANOTHER IS300.