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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  great vehicle - 2001 Lexus RX 300
  By n8webb - May 31 - 7:17 pm

  bought this used, and we couldnt have been more lucky with a vehicle. great on gas, safe, quiet, dependable.

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  If this one dies Ill buy another. - 2011 Lexus CT 200H
  By Reverend E - May 31 - 6:53 pm

  I drive between SF Bay Area and San Diego frequently. I average 43-44 mpg, the ride is comfortable and I am 63" 250 lbs. I do the drive with one stop for gas and a bite to eat. When I get to my destination Im actually able to get out and stretch and get on with what Im doing. My other vehicles I feel like Im climbing off of the rack. My CT is very quiet and comfortable for a small hatchback. The ONLY time I hear my engine winding up is when Im going over the grapevine with a car that has three and luggage or me and my rather heavy tools. Is the car fast? No but that doesnt matter to me, speed limit is 70 on the 5. Does it handle? Yes it does. Clover leafs, mountain roads it feels like my little CT is on rails. Reliable? You bet. I never get in my car and wonder, "is it going to start this time?". Drove across lower Canada without a care. Fill up, go. My wife loved my CT so much she ditched her Mercedes 350CLK and got one herself. Fuel costs and maintenance costs were killing her, she just had to promise we wouldnt be wearing matching track suits next. If your on the fence dont be, go buy your CT.

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  Super Car! - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By Tim - May 30 - 11:36 pm

  I drove standard shift sports cars for 17 years prior to getting my SC 430 and was thrilled with the reliability, style, acceleration capability and comfort of the SC 430. A great car that is exceptionally fun to cruise around in with the top down, and a grand road car with it up. However, there are some improvements that can be made.

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  Better than my Mercedes - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By scott tsai - May 30 - 9:53 pm

  Quiet, smooth handling, comfortable, feel safe, thoughtful interior design, advance technology (blue tooth, navigator system), user friendly.

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  Practical Grown up Fun - 2003 Lexus GS 300
  By Happy in Atlanta - May 29 - 10:00 am

  Todays cars have both a business and personal pleasure requirement. Finding a mix that isnt too gawdy or overly "family truckster-like" seemed impossible to me. I wanted a roomy vehicle for entertaining clients, but something that I could still be responsibly irresponsible with on the weekend corners. This car has thoroughly sold me. I dont need a large uncomfortable rumble to know Im going fast ... thats what the speedometer is for. Its silk smooth acceleration and incredible agility in an amazingly gracious cabin is everything Im after. Who cares if it turns heads, its even more fun to drive.

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  The Finest Luxury Hybrid w/ AWD - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Dave - May 28 - 3:33 am

  A wonderful ride, marvelous features that are too numerous to mention. The navigation system is a luxury that I cant see how we lived without. Seating is comfortable as one would expect. The synergy drive is fantastic. Gas mileage could be better but for the weight of the vehicle and the power it is quite acceptable, far superior to non-hybrids of this size. No need for a third seat, this isnt a suburban, larger isnt always better. More power than you need to merge and pass. Auto wipers are quite a nice treat and the headlights are probably the best I have seen.

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  Livin Large - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Archville - May 27 - 3:36 am

  I love this car. I traded my 2005 ES 330 for this it is a much better car in everyway. I got the first one in my city I was there when they roll it off the truck, I love this car. It rides better, the trans is not sluggish and it gets up and moves out. I am a big guy I know they say it is the same size but I fit much better in this one than the 330. I have the ultra luxury model and I love all the features. This Lexus ES 350 Is one bad ES.

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  Buy again.. after 200k more mile - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By Great car! - May 26 - 9:40 pm

  The only thing this car needs is 4 wheel drive. Otherwise, this car has everything you could possibly want. This is my second Lexus (LS 400). I bought both used. This one I bought for 22k and 60,000 miles. It will easily last to 200k and only go into shop for routine maintance.

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  My 2nd Lexus ES 300 - 2001 Lexus ES 300
  By Lex1Dallas - May 26 - 4:36 pm

  I just bought the 2001 ES with very low mileage (55K) in near showroom condition. I was driving a 1994 ES that was a superb car, but I was ready for one a bit newer. This car is awesome. Its looks fool you into thinking its ultra sedate and staid, but when pushed this car will surprise you in its strength and agility. I bought it because I was already familiar with the quality of Lexus. I could have bought an even newer model, but I really liked the clean lines and angular body style of the 00 and 01 years more than the newer 02 to 06 models. Its a vehicle with understated elegance that performs remarkably well. Im enjoying every moment driving it.

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  Lexus GS 300 - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By BHAASE - May 25 - 9:50 pm

  With 1200 miles on the odometer it is a great car. Snappy looks and snappy performance. Six cylinder engine has great pickup and 24.5 MPG in city. Its hard to keep the speed down on the freeway! Handsfree cell phone with blue tooth feature is excellent. Only negative comment ... wish it had a fold down rear seat for more luggage capacity.