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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  The Best Car I have ever owned - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By JEWELS - August 18 - 2:00 am

  I just love my car...I have enjoyed this car more than any vehicle I have ever owned... including BMW and Cadillacs. I have owned them all. This is the best! The Service is the BEST!!!! What can I say....buy a Lexus....you wil Not be sorry.

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  "A MUST BUY OR LEASE" - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By JAJ - August 18 - 2:00 am

  MY THIRD ES SINCE 2002...CANT BEAT THE LUXURY 2002,2003,2004...LOVE THEM!

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  AWESOME SUV,LOVE IT - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By LEX CHIC - August 18 - 2:00 am

  ITS OVERALL A GREAT SUV,WILL RECOMMEND TO ANYONE,JUST WISH THE TRANSMISSION WAS A LITTLE SMOOTHER.THE INSIDE IS VERY UP TO DATE AND THE LEATHER IS SO SMOOTH,THE OUTSIDE IS AWESOME THE CLEAR BACK LIGHTS,THE NEW HEADLIGHTS AND THE 18"WHEELS DO THE JOB..GOOD JOB LEXUS

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  Rough riding RX 350 - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By HUGH CRISSMAN - August 17 - 1:36 pm

  My leased R.X. 350 2 W.D. rides like a cement truck! I have been told to carry bags of rocks in the back to improve the ride. I have a lemon and Lexus people say it is not broken and rides as it was designed. Do yourself a favor and never own this Lexus model We hate to drive this car, never again!

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  A near perfect vehicle - 1999 Lexus LX 470
  By John - August 17 - 6:56 am

  In my 50 years of owning and driving vehicles, this one is my favorite. Its also been the most reliable and trouble free and the dealership has been a pleasure with the routine upkeep of the vehicle. This is truly a "turn-key" situation, just turn it on and go, in comfort and style. This is also the first vehicle Ive ever owned for 200,000 miles. And theyve been virtually trouble free.

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  my 3rd. Lexus - 2015 Lexus RX 450h
  By chuck lichter - August 17 - 6:23 am

  This is the second "h" we have purchased. I see much improvements over the last. Clearly the interior had a "womens touch". Engine much more "peppy" than the last. Still the better ride compared to the Cad 2013 Rx I now use for work.

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  Great vehicle - 2008 Lexus ES 350
  By Fred kilgore - August 17 - 2:56 am

  Very quite, reliable, great handling and peppy engine with good gas mileage.

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  Still turning heads... - 2001 Lexus IS 300
  By SeattleSheila - August 16 - 10:00 am

  18 months/15,000 miles; NO rattles or squeaks. Only problem: Drivers side door pin popped out a couple of times...the dealer replaced the hinge. No more trouble. The back seat is cramped, but since I rarely have passengers, it isnt an issue for me. I was looking for reliability and driving fun...within my budget. I found it. Even though the new car smell is gone, I am still taking the long way wherever I go. I just hate to stop driving it. It is a thirsty little beast, but its hard to muster up any concern about it. The mileage for stop and go driving has been 19.6 miles a gallon. Nothing prettier than my fresh-washed, blue IS300...she still turns heads.

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  Initial Impressions with Used LS430 - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By new2lexus2 - August 15 - 9:43 am

  Finally decided to treat ourselves to some luxury and research led us to the Lexus LS...test driving lead us to the 2004 LS430 we recently purchased. At 92,500 miles, and timing belt service just done, we felt this was a bargain luxury vehicle. Initial driving impression has been WoW! Car does have the often reported passenger side-view mirror problem, but that is easily worked around. We opted for the base model with some extras as opposed to the luxury model (we did test drive one). Since our desire was for a vacation and special occasion road car (instead of our 2001 RX300), we wanted the larger trunk. Still plenty of amenities to make it a true pleasure to drive and ride thus far.

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  Lexus cars rock - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Lorena - August 15 - 7:00 am

  Ive owned this car for 10 years. NEVER had an issue with anything. Would HIGHLY recommend purchasing a Lexus. They are reliable and provide comfort and a very smooth ride.