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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  thankyou lexus - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By c fisher - October 6 - 10:00 am

  More than what I expected for the money

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  Wifes Car - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By Pete & Char - October 6 - 10:00 am

  She loves everything about it. He think it should be quieter and have a better ride/handling combo. Dealership experience with the purchace & service is excellent.

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  Pleased - 2007 Lexus RX 350
  By Pleased - October 5 - 9:36 am

  Pure pleasure to drive. Quiet and comfy.

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  GX 470 Review - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By Larry Faulkner - October 4 - 12:56 pm

  The GX 470 offers great comfort and reliability with outstanding looks, being a first time owner I intent to be a life long Lexus owner. Finally there is a car company who understands the meaning of producing a truly Quality automobile. Thanks Lexus!

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  Out-of-Date GPS Data - 2010 Lexus ES 350
  By Andrie Chen - October 4 - 10:00 am

  The GPS data is either out-of-date (about 20 year) or incomplete. The dealer didnt advise me when I purchased the car neither did the salesperson told me how to get the up- to-date data.

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  Im In Love - 2008 Lexus RX 350
  By ShaSha - October 3 - 11:16 am

  Have only had my 2008 RX 350 for 2 months & really love it. The handling is so smooth even tho the turning radius is not as tight as my 2003 Ford Expedition! The seats allow me to sit up fairly high which I like as Im short. I find the back lumbar and seat adjustments especially nice. All the tiny lights in the drink holders and floor are a nice touch. The mileage is not too bad, but certainly not all I hoped for. Most of my driving is just around town so I dont know why it various from 14-18 mpg.

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  Quiet, reliable, satisfying power - 2007 Lexus GS 450h
  By otis - October 3 - 4:46 am

  This car blew my mind. I have never accelerated so fast from 70mph and in such comfort and tactile excellence. 24 mpg is great with this level of performance. Navigation is intuitive and easy to talk to. The music system sounds like Im in a concert hall. I love this car.

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  Simply the best! - 2002 Lexus LS 430
  By Lexus freak - October 3 - 12:23 am

  I already purchased 6 LS400s, and last year, i decided to try a Benz S430. I was just about to buy it until I went to the autoshow and sat in the Lexus LS430 Ultra-lux. It was the best car Ive seen! Well, guess what, I have myself a 2001 Lexus LS430 Ultra-luxury, millenium silver on black leather. The best, even better than an S-class!

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  Bad Model - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By megan - October 2 - 10:40 am

  Bought the 2004 Lexus because I drove the RX 300 and loved it. Yet this car has disappointed. The transmission lags horribly! Going from a stop, you press on the gas with no response and then a huge lurch forward. We took it into the dealer and explained the problem and they insisted nothing was wrong and it was "how they all run". Only to talk to them 4 years later and they admit that this car was underpowered. However, the styling, space, and comfort was exceptional.

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  My city car - 2016 Lexus CT 200H
  By CSH - October 1 - 8:53 pm

  I have owned the car for 1 month and so far there has been no issues. It can be a bit noisy and you do feel every bump but I use it mainly for city driving so I am ok with that. Great gas mileage and you get the Lexus support. A great entry into the luxury car market.