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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  Overrated - 2000 Lexus ES 300
  By Warren - October 11 - 4:00 pm

  I married into this car. Looks good and engine is strong with good acceleratIon. But in last 2 years weve been through 2 batteries, 2 sets of struts and other miscellaneous items that should not go bad in a car that has a quality reputation. Even the struts that hold up the engine hood have worn out so it has to be held up with an old broom handle.

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  Nice ride - 2007 Lexus RX 350
  By THD - October 10 - 3:43 am

  This is our first RX, but our third Lexus. My wife LOVES "her" car. Certainly not a sedan, but I am impressed with the handling and ride from a SUV. MPG isnt bad given the peppy engine and AWD. For a vehicle of this caliber, I would have expected a better stereo system.

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  Great Car - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Cliff - October 10 - 12:40 am

  This is a fine car. The only negative is the hesitation when accelerating from stop. However, while it bothers my wife, it does not bother me since I always gently accelerate and there is no hesitation. I would highly recommend the car but be sure and test drive it before buying to see if the hestitation annoys you.

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  Extraordinary Hybrid - 2014 Lexus ES 300h
  By rzca - October 9 - 10:14 am

  We traded our RX 450 h, which we loved, for a bit better fuel mileage - boy did we get it. Driving home from the dealer, all highway, the car averaged 39 MPG at speeds between 65 and 75. It was smooth, eerily quiet and handled extremely well. If you dont drive it like a race car and accelerate smoothly and hold your speeds nicely, you WILL get the mileage claimed. Others who complain about the mileage do NOT drive that way - we have owned five hybrids and that IS always the case. The complainers never drive the way the car was designed. We also love the lengthened body - it provides a great deal of leg room in the back - our taller, larger passengers love it!

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  Exciting new car - 2010 Lexus HS 250H
  By djadmd - October 9 - 8:33 am

  Just got this car and love it. The technology is unbelievable. Drives great, lots of power for a hybrid. I moved from a BMW to Lexus, so much more for the money. Look forward to driving it for many years to come.

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  Awesome car - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By LLV2 - October 8 - 4:00 am

  Just bought this car a several days ago and am loving every minute of it. The engine and ride are silky smooth. Interior is well-designed. Mine is the tungsten pearl (silver) with light silver interior. Exterior much improved over the old ES 330. This car is built for a younger audience unlike its predecessor. One more thing, the acceleration is superb. This ES 350 beat out the BMW 325i by .1 second from 0-60.

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  The best car i ever had - 1996 Lexus ES 300
  By hugo - October 6 - 7:23 pm

  This car is the best I got it from a good friend of my, at first I was worry but now I have had this car for at least 3 years and the only thing I have ever done is oil change and nothing else this car is the best car ever. The best purchase ever.

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  A Near Perfect SUV - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By Tmidnighter - October 6 - 10:00 am

  I love this truck!!! When I 1st saw the GX I was like I have to check this car out. I wasnt sold on the size at first because I wanted a large SUV, like an Escalade, Navigator or Yukon, but I couldnt resist the GX. It has the larger Suvs beat in Luxuary. IUt rides excellant, although it could have more horse power, come on Lexus designers, this SUV should not lag in that dept while beating the competition is other areas. Overall I love this truck, but my biggest complaint is that it can get pricy.

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  SPORTY BLACK BEAUTY - 2003 Lexus GS 300
  By Ice Parker - October 6 - 10:00 am

  Just got the Sport Edition GS300 and, after only 2,000 miles, it is a luxurious dream machine. Black with saddle leather interior, euro tuned, great features and fine classic looks. A fine value of a MB exterior clone with a BMW drive-train.

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  MY REVIEW - 1998 Lexus ES 300
  By johnb45242 - October 6 - 10:00 am

  VERY SMOOOOTH CAR. SILKY FEEL. QUIET.