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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  BMW look out! - 2001 Lexus IS 300
  By spyderman4774 - April 10 - 2:00 am

  I bought the IS used four months ago and must say I am completely satisfied. I moved up from a Miata and feared I might be sacrificing some of the superior hadling of the roadster in exchange for some additional interior/cargo space. I was wrong! The IS 300 handles wonderfully with the 17" wheels. The torque of the inline 6 is unbelievable. Dealer service has been excellent. The downside to the 2001, is the lack of a front armrest and no folding backseat.

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  fun to drive - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By avr - April 10 - 2:00 am

  No room for the family, cut fun to drive. This is truely a luxury sports car

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  Less $ Doesnt Mean Less By Any Means - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By Howie the Realtor - April 10 - 2:00 am

  This car compared to the other TOP of the line vehicles from other manufacturers has more to offer for your money. In comparison to the performance and features that are available at the highest option level of this car, other manufacturers charge a lot more for their comparable cars. Ease of use is and comfort throughout make this my obvious choice and should be the choice of any educated person who is looking for exceptional performance, reliability, and value. The status symbol that this car represents is the intelligent buyer with strong values, goals, and good money sense.

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  This car RULES - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By Devnull - April 9 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned my 5-speed for almost a year (minus a month and a half for some repairs ;)), and I can easily say its the most fun-to-drive car Ive ever driven. The car handles superbly; I love the way it hugs the road in a turn, the squeel of the tires as I round a bank, the roar as I downshift to pass someone who shouldnt have been in the fast lane. The VVT-i engine is really noticeable in a launch (push that TRAC button to see what I mean).

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  awesome - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By - April 9 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this car for a month. I test drove Audi 1.8T, but this car out performs Audi in every respect.This is is the best value for the money when it comes to luxury sedans. I love it

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  Rattle X300 - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By Howrock - April 9 - 10:00 am

  What a disappointment this vehicle is. Ive had issues with the climate control system, rear wiper, sun roof, door handles, luggage rack, outdoor temp gage, cruise control, and alarm system. But the worst of it is the rattling glove box. Ive been to the dealer no less than 10 times trying to have this problem fixed. The dealership has been very nice to deal with and they try real hard, but somewhere along the way they keep forgetting to fix the car.

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  Love my Lexus!!! - 2000 Lexus RX 300
  By Norahs - April 9 - 10:00 am

  Always dependable. Very easy to get in and out, without having to CLIMB into, like most other SUVs. Maneuvers through the snow like a knife through butter!!!

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  Just plain ugly - 2017 Lexus RX 350
  By Rsw1 - April 9 - 7:01 am

  I test drove this SUV among other (MB, BMW and even the Grand Cherokee) . No issues with it whatsoever save one very big problem. Its plain old ugly any way you cut it. The front end reminds me of a bass (fish), or a catfish. So why did I bother?, because my sister just bought a MB. She was always a Lexus SUV owner. After listening to her complaints about the new "look", I thought how bad can it be? Yep, that bad. No disrespect, but when I now see these out on the road, I want to ask the owner, "did you actually look at this beast before you bought it?". Each to its own though, one mans trash is another mans art. Just not for me. Lexus really screwed up on this one. To think theyre losing loyal owners to the "fish mouth" front end is disturbing.

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  New car - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By stanton bizzell - April 8 - 2:26 pm

  Great driving vehicle, with fantastic gas mileage. Seating could be softer and more comfortable. Otherwise love it!

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  2004 RX330 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By bs - April 8 - 12:06 am

  First Lexus - should never have waited this long for a Lexus!