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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  Funnest Wagon Ever - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By Bertrand - March 10 - 2:00 am

  I bought my IS300 Sportcross about 10 months ago and have over 15,000 problem free miles. This cars engine gets stronger and stronger as it breaks in at it jumps off the line well. Just did a 14.83 second 1/4 mile at 95.66 mph. 0-60 mph was recorded at 6.54 (compared to the magazine/Lexus number of 7.4). My 0- 60 foot time was 2.257, better than I could manage with my 02 Corvette Z06 on the same night! We also own an 01 IS300 with 46,000 problem free miles. Great car

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  Nothing but fun!!! - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By javi01 - March 10 - 2:00 am

  From day one this car has been nothing but fun. It’s so much fun to drive that I think I’m addicted to taking unnecessary trips to the store. I expected a very good car bearing the Lexus name. I got even more than I expected. The IS fusses luxury, performance and value. Plus the great reliability of the proven 3.0L Lexus engine (Used in the GS300 as well) gives me peace of mind.

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  Love My New 2003 RX - Good Price - 2003 Lexus RX 300
  By whizf16 - March 10 - 2:00 am

  Have driven my new 2003 RX only 1000 miles since purchase (11/02), but LOVE it! Its a better ride than any car Ive ever had and just looks great. Super service at the dealership (including a very good salesman). Ive hauled big things with the rear seats up and down and Im impressed with the room. Plentiful power, sure steering, and a quiet ride make this car a winner.

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  The best car I have drive so far.. - 2005 Lexus SC 430
  By darlene wooten - March 9 - 10:10 pm

  I have driven the BMW 330Ci and this car by far outshines the BMW..The comfort, the sleek style and pure luxory that you obtain with this car is incredible..I am 44 and have a twin sister..We bought matching 430scs..We love them!! And, they creat quite a statement!!

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  Agressive look, Nimble drive! - 2016 Lexus RX 350
  By NK - March 4 - 6:35 pm

  The front F Sport grille is definitely the most aggressive looking feature. Our Caviar color goes amazingly well with the 20" graphite color rims. The interior is spacious and we have great trunk space for hauling the day to day with our 1 year old. The ride is nimble, quiet and not to mention cushioned. The S+ mode opens the throttle and reduces the engine response time. This kills the fuel economy, but it is a trade off with performance. We could have opted for the 450h for better fuel economy, presently 19 mpg combined city and hwy, but the F Sport outer appearance is just awesome. I just cannot see how you would prefer the older look over this much renewed and less "old persons" car! Definitely love the 12.3" Navigation screen and the renewed interface, very similar to the GS. Love the fact that Lexus relicated the shifter to where is belongs, not arched like a minivan! This and the wooden wheel are so passé and I can only see older people preferring these ugly features. The F Sport offers a completely leather wrapped wheel that feels soft yet sturdy. Much better finish and features than any of its competition: MDX, X5, QX70. Definitely rejuvenated look that the younger generation will find appealing.

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  Super SUV - 2003 Lexus LX 470
  By mrcofer - March 4 - 10:00 am

  One of my favorite features is the GPS system. The touch-screen technology makes it user-friendly. Also, the funky hybrid transmission gives one lots of options for off-road and on- road experience. I drive all over the state of Georgia, often in places Ive never been and not sure exactly where they are. Each morning I just cant wait to get in my vehicle and take off. The only improvement possible would be to make it less expensive with better gas mileage (17 mpg, which is not bad for an SUV of any kind and better than most).

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  LOVE TO LOVE YA!! - 2000 Lexus LX 470
  By mpatjohnson - March 1 - 9:40 am

  I got this vehicle used with 180,000 miles on it. I always liked this vehicle but could never afford a new one. I took it to the dealership and they just take the best care of you and they gave the car an extensive overview which the noted the things I should fix since then, I have been riding high. I love it so much. It has the ride of a luxury car and it does have more performance in the power mode. Mine had many upgrades including chrome rims, dvd players in the head rest and many other toys. Its paid for and Im going to ride it until the wheels fall off. It still turns heads and people are always asking me how much Id sell it for and I respond I would never do it!!

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  My Luxury Utility Vehicle - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By Donna - February 29 - 5:30 am

  MY "LUV" rides like a plane. On a recent trip the ride was so smooth (we have the worst roads in LA) I had to remember it was a freeway and not the airway. Love the looks I get at stop signs, red lights, etc. Started to purchase a Tahoe. Started reading the reviews on the GX470 on this site and had to test drive. Our city does not have a Lexus dearship, had to travel 125 miles to test drive. It was well worth the trip. The test drive had me sold, didnot want to leave the GX, but had not come prepared to buy. Within the week, we went back and drove our GX home. Once you drive or ride--youre hooked. So glad I made the purchase-- always looking for somewhere to go so I can drive it.

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  Ultra practical - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Norton - February 28 - 10:00 am

  Drove an S2000 before this car, and yet Im still imprssed with its handling and pick-up. Extremely comfortable and a joy to drive on the interstate. Unless you want to go off-roading, this SUV is the way to go. Ultra practical.

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  Best Car I have ever drivin - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Rashied - February 28 - 10:00 am

  The title explans it