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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  Perfection - 1998 Lexus LS 400
  By LoveLex - February 25 - 4:13 am

  I bought this car in 2008 with 100k miles on it. I traded a 2003 Saab 9-3 and at first was concerned with "stepping back." Not anymore, this car offers comfort, power and convenience that even the newest Saabs cant touch. Have driven the car from NC to Key West Florida twice with no problems. Recently had to have the drivers side door lock actuator replaced, but that is minor for an 11 year old car and the warranty that I purchased for the car covered that. My Saab spent more time in the shop than in my garage. I have spent a lot more time with Lexie. You will never regret owning this car even though it is 11 years old. Lexus Rocks!

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  Soft Paint? - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Jim - February 23 - 5:30 pm

  My ES 330 has had no problems in 40,000 miles of driving, and its Black Garnet color gets many compliments. However, small hairline scratchs in the paint have appeared after taking the car thru brushless car washes, including the car wash used by the Lexus dealer. A factory representative has been contacted to find out how to fix the current scratches and prevent future ones. Otherwise I consider the car to be a good value as a luxury sedan.

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  A Tour de Force - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By xdoc - February 23 - 3:10 am

  Supremely comfortable, jet fast and smooth even for a car, zero defects, easy entry and egress. Customizes to my every whim. Never in 36 years has a vehicle delivered all this for me. More? Great climate control and seats, even in back. Electric lumbar support thats truly wonderful. Auto wipers and auto dimming mirrors are unexpected delight. Etc. If you want an SUV that accelerates & rides like a fine auto, easy in & out, plus 4 wheel stability and capacity, higher driving position, this is the one. Love the hybrid quiet in town and the acceleration. RE: FUEL economy. Driven fairly aggressively with a lot of freeway driving, getting 22 mpg HWY/26 CITY.

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  Excellent but room for improvements - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Televiewer - February 22 - 10:00 pm

  The car is a pleasure though not a necessarily a thrill to ride. On the other hand, its probably not a practical expectation to think of having a thrill ride every time you leave your garage. The pleasure comes from the feeling of driving a tight, quality car, with a nice interior ambiance and external design appeal, and good reliability.

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  Palace on Wheels - 2008 Lexus LX 570
  By bains - February 22 - 8:13 am

  I looked hard for a comfortable, 7 seat, safe, luxury vehicle for family and work. RangeRover, CayenneTurbo were the competing vehicles if I could work with a five-seater. Benz GL and BMW X5 are not as plush with reliability. However in the seven seater range, there is no other competition for this vehicle. It has excellent power for its size, comfortably able to pass rapidly at highway speeds and good torque at take-off. It has more body roll than my old LexusGX470 with KDSS. However, when you push it on cornering and challenging courses, it is sure-footed. Ride is quiet. The interior is lexus high end sedans plush. Technology and off-road features are impressive

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  Silver LS 460 - 2007 Lexus LS 460
  By Robert - February 20 - 10:46 am

  I took delivery on Oct 27 after 8 months waiting. It has been worth it -- far superior in all ways except smoothness of ride to my 2000 LS 400. Comfort and ergonomics are great. The DVD navigation system is an improvement over my wifes SC 430 and the voice recognition works perfectly. The brake hold feature is a wonderful touch; I use it all the time. Comfort of the seats is great and the back seats are simply exceptional. I am always surprised at the comparisons with big MBs/BMWs where the LS is denigrated for its handling. I dont buy a 4200 pound car for handling. I am interested in comfort, quiet, seamless power, good brakes, intuitive controls and DEPENDABILITY. The LS excels !

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  Love my hybrid - 2007 Lexus RX 400H
  By LilXMo - February 20 - 10:00 am

  I have enjoyed this 2007 RX400h since I purchased it. Ive gotten great wear out of my tires and brakes. In fact, I still have 7/10 on brakes and will replace my original tires this month after 66,500 miles of city and highway driving. I feel safe and this vehicle is reliable. When I wear this vehicle out, Ill definitely purchase another Lexus SUV hybrid!

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  Love my GX 460! - 2010 Lexus GX 460
  By Mattiefeb - February 20 - 10:00 am

  I couldnt be happier! Everything about the gx460 is luxury and its rated the most reliable in its class. Its perfect! My kids love it, I love it, and hubby always finds an excuse to drive it. Its first class.

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  I Hate The Expresso Woodgrain - 2010 Lexus ES 350
  By Trinigold - February 20 - 10:00 am

  This car drives like a dream. The exterior color, matador red mica is awesome. I get compliments all the time. However, the interior is another story. I chose black leather because I thought that the ivory interior would be too hard to maintain. The black leather only comes with the espresso wood grain and not the brown walnut, which is dark and along with the dark leather is visually unappealing. The espresso wood grain should not have included in the first place. What were they thinking? In addition, I dont understand why a remote start is not an option. I am satisfied with everything about this car other than the two concerns mentioned above. Pan to change wood grain. Cost: $3500.00

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  Yes I love this inanimate object - 2007 Lexus RX 350
  By Lisa - February 19 - 3:00 pm

  I have wanted a Lexus RX model for the longest time and I am happy to say I am not disappointed! This vehicle glides! Its sexy and at the same time a very practical vehicle! Comfort? Im in heaven. Im enjoying all the features too. Theres no going back to any other vehicle. My husband is getting one next.