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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  Satisfied Customer - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By W.Scott - December 18 - 10:03 pm

  Ive had my ES 350 since 08/06. I picked the Ultra package with every available option, including the radar crash protection. It was worth the extra expense. The higher end leather is the plushest. The custom wheels add an extra dazzle. The ride is firm and compliant - not the best on corners. I couldnt be happier. My only complaints are: 1) I wanted the Sirius option and as of now my dealer says that it isnt available, but likely will be in the near future. 2) The touch button controls on the nav. system/phone system are mostly dimmed out (unworkable) when the car is in motion. Very annoying and inconvenient. 3) The bluetooth phone system has a tunnel sound.

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  Still loving it - 2002 Lexus GS 300
  By zeeshan - December 18 - 10:00 am

  It takes me 6 months to get bored of a new car. I have owned my GS (Sports Design) for over 2 years now and I am still enjoying it. That should say a lot about this car. No car is perfect. GS300 is very slow from 0 to 60 (over 8 seconds)by todays standards. I have the regular (not Mark Levinson) stereo which is so so, it has a small trunk size and the gas mileage is really bad. On the plus side, it has a very comfortable plush ride and build quality is great. Dealership (Stevens Creek Lexus) and after sales service is superb. For performance, BMW 530i might be a better choice. For reliability and comfort, GS is ahead.

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  Very impressed - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By dhenri - December 18 - 10:00 am

  I love the handling of this car and it does turn lots of heads. Its fun to drive and play with. It surprises alot of people it being a Lexus and Lexus not being really associated with sportscars. The hit the nail on the head with this one. Tons of aftermarket parts for it if you wish to personalize your ride. No regrets here whatsoever.

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  Dealership experience poor - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By Boston - December 18 - 10:00 am

  Service intake people are poorly trained. They blamed us for not contacting the sale person before we came in to have the snow tires installed. We made the appointment 2 weeks before, dropped- offed the car for 3 hours, then finally got a phone call to be told that the dealership didnt have the tires. The car also has a few loose pieces of plastics, one of them found under the seat. This reflects poor dealer preparation of the car before delivery. The dealership, just as like any others, pushed hard to sell add- ons. Paint already show minor chips on rear bumper.

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  2004 ls430 - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By gadge - December 18 - 10:00 am

  this is my ninth lexus there isnt a better car out there I currently have a 2004 is 300 2004 ls430 and 2004 gx470 I owned a mercedes in 2003 my first one and never again they dont even come close to lexus quality and lexus service

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  Excellent automobile - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By c pierce - December 17 - 1:13 pm

  This car has excellent lines, an exceptional interior design and is a joy to drive. I could not be happier with my purchase. It is an awesome automobile.

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  Lexus 430 Purchased March 2001 - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By H Hennigan - December 17 - 1:40 am

  I have owned/driven most of the luxury European cars. This is my second Lexus , the first 1995. The Lexus is much the superior to anything on the road.

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  Lexus Sports Wagon - 2005 Lexus IS 300
  By George - December 16 - 8:06 pm

  This car is a kick to drive. It is so smooth and manuevers very well. Easy on gas too. It is sporty yet can handle plants etc coming from Home Depot. I love this car.

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  It was love at first sight - 2005 Lexus IS 300
  By helen - December 16 - 11:56 am

  I was so in love with this car when I first saw it and took a look at all the features, but the only downside was the mpg. Not a big deal at the moment, I thought. So WRONG. The mpg is the only reason I dont want to own this car anymore. I feel safe driving in this car and everythings nice (although the inside could be bigger), my brakes squeak a lot too. Everytime I ask someone who works at the dealership whats up with it, they keep saying its brake dust, and I dont buy it.

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  Nice ride - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By Joe cernigliaro - December 16 - 8:46 am

  Great touring sedan. The 300 is slightly underpowered compaerd to the 2002 BMW 525i that I traded in, but is a lot more comfortable, with intuitive controls and actually has real cupholders.