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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  My Junior - 2001 Lexus ES 300
  By sexilexy - May 24 - 10:00 am

  This is my first car and this car has exceeded all my expectations. It is comfortable, smooth ride, spacious and it entails luxury that only a lexus could provide. The air conditioning system is perfect for the hot summers and digital so its easy to adjust while driving. Now all my friends want to invest in one. I love the car so much I talking about it like its a real person. Thats my Junior.

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  Lexus RX330 is the world SUV standard - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By RF - May 24 - 10:00 am

  I have had my car now for almost 4 months and it gets better every time I drive it. Lexus has created the new standard for all companies to copy. The copies always never have the same quality and class of Lexus. Cadillac refered to one of their own cars as the Lexus of Cadillacs. Do they know something we dont?

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  lexus RX 330 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By jossad - May 24 - 10:00 am

  fun to drive. responds well and fast pick-up. could be a little more headroom when entering drivers door

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  2003 SC 430 Review - 2006 Lexus SC 430
  By TWalker795 - May 23 - 8:00 pm

  Exhilarating!!! From the moment I took the keys, my life changed. This car looks sexy & handles far better than I expected.

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  Oooh la la!! - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By paul - May 22 - 3:16 am

  I bought it new and still love it like crazy. After 150K miles, the leather looks great, the engine, tranny, and suspension feel better than the day I bought it, and I havent had an unscheduled repair yet. All I have done, besides driving it like I stole it every day, is changed the fluids regularly, replaced several sets of brakes & tires, the clutch at 110K miles, and replaced the timing belt w/water pump at 100K miles. If this car ever gets stolen, Im buying another one. It is the most fun car to drive that I have ever owned. And Ive owned Supras, Camaros, Talon TSIs, a 911, a 280Z, a Celica All-trac Turbo, an SC 400 and a Suzuki Swift GT.

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  Lexus comfort and great mpg! - 2011 Lexus CT 200H
  By bcompton1 - May 20 - 9:25 pm

  This is truly a gas "sipper". On my first tank of gas I am averaging 44.1 mpg in mostly city driving. The car is typical Lexus as it is an extremely smooth and quiet ride. Contrary to some of the expert reviews, I find the interior features are conveniently placed and easy to use and the features of the navigation system are very hi tech with current weather, xm sports team features, stocks etc, but unlike my Acura TL, Lexus refuses to allow the driver or passenger to input destinations while the car is in motion. The hands free blue tooth for use of ipod or phone is seamless and the back up camera allows you to get within inches of an object. Overall Lexus did a great!

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  Lexus comfort and great mpg! - 2011 Lexus CT 200H
  By bcompton1 - May 20 - 9:22 pm

  This is truly a gas "sipper". On my first tank of gas I am averaging 44.1 mpg in mostly city driving. The car is typical Lexus as it is an extremely smooth and quiet ride. Contrary to some of the expert reviews, I find the interior features are conveniently placed and easy to use and the features of the navigation system are very hi tech with current weather, xm sports team features, stocks etc, but unlike my Acura TL, Lexus refuses to allow the driver or passenger to input destinations while the car is in motion. The hands free blue tooth for use of ipod or phone is seamless and the back up camera allows you to get within inches of an object. Overall Lexus did a great!

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  My GS - 2001 Lexus GS 300
  By JimS - May 20 - 2:06 am

  I have been driving my 01 GS for 3 months now. The car drives so well and so comfortable that I have been driving really slow so I can enjoy spending more time driving.

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  2004 GX 470 Well worth the price loaded - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By harshi - May 17 - 10:26 am

  The GX470 has a surprisingly quiet and smooth ride for a large vehicle. The suspension allows very comfortable turns at relatively high speeds. The Mark Levinson audio and DVD are a dream. The navigation is very capable but must be programmed with hand brake on. I dont know why a passenger is not allowed to program it on the go. Power is adequate but sure would be nice to have some more.

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  Lexus ES 330 - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By dennis osullivan - May 17 - 10:20 am

  2nd Lexus Ive owned, (other 98 ES 300) much more powerful, sleek design, more comfortable, easier to operate, roomier, great sound system, easy to use controls, better control on the road. was a great Christmas gift.