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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  Incredible car - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By NightRider - February 2 - 10:00 am

  This is definately my favorite of all of the cars I have driven. It is loaded with too many features to list, has a very powerful engine, exceptional handling, and is very roomy. Notable gadgets include auto-latching trunk lid, gps navigation, Mark Levinson audio system (VERY nice), 6 disc indash CD changer, adjustable seatwarmers, pretty much powered everything, dark spots at night inside the car are lit up a little, and a myriad of other goodies to discover when you go to testdrive it. Very quiet, VERY smooth, sharp interior. Excellent automobile.

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  Excellent Car - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By RICHARD KEYS - February 1 - 4:56 pm

  I have had other luxury cars and I rate the ES330 better than all of them. The ride is smooth and quiet, power is very adequate for highway and city driving. The seats are very comfortable and sound system is excellent. I can drive five or six hundred miles and do not get overly tired. The only problem that I have had is the transmission hesitating a few times when accelerating. After 21000 miles the car still drives like new. I plan to purchase another one in the future.

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  Thrilled - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By happy - January 31 - 5:13 pm

  After driving an SUV for 9 years, I was ready for a car... tried out many. After just sitting in the Lexus, my mind was made up. Driving sold it. This is the smoothest car ever! I am absolutely thrilled with it.

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  Lexus RX 450 H - 2010 Lexus RX 450h
  By fyr1 - January 30 - 1:52 am

  Without a doubt the finest car I have ever owned. After 80,000 miles the car has only had oil changes tires and brakes 3000 miles ago. Car has averaged 25.5 mpg to date. Less than what is stated but not uncommon. I live in a very hilly area. The cost of the hybrid over the RX 350 has been met and I am now reaping the reward of buying this car rather than the non hybrid model which gets 30 % less mpg. I am kind of bummed at the residual value which is less than half of what the car cost. this car will cruise to 250,000 miles easy with the proper maintenance. While this is a great car I would like to see it a diesel RX suv

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  Should have bought one sooner - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By phroadrick - January 29 - 4:43 pm

  Bought this car for my wife when it was traded in at the dealership where I work (Buick GMC dealer, I dont sell Lexus). Have only owned it for a couple of days but boy am I impressed with this car. Fit and finish is amazing, no squeaks or rattles on a 5 yr old used car. Smooth, quiet, good performance and our 3 yr old says it beautiful. Only downside I see is never getting to drive it!

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  Wonderful car...minus audio experience. - 2009 Lexus ES 350
  By Dr. K - January 29 - 4:20 am

  Great car for the money and cradles you when you sit. I drive 70 miles a day and the drive to and from work is the best part of my day. Got 8000 miles on it already and I try not to fall asleep every day on the way home in the comfortable seats. Dealership service is second to none.

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  My IS300 - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By dfitzsim - January 26 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car. Especially when you consider that the direct competition (BMW 330i) is several thousand more for a comparably equipped model. Highly recommended. I purchased the vehicle at JM Lexus in Margate, FL and wouldnt hesitate to buy there again. Their professionalism was second to none.

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  sweet ride - 2001 Lexus IS 300
  By jimmyd - January 26 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle! Fun car in the mountains and an even better ride zipping through rush-hour traffic

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  Technology - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By Peter Doyle - January 23 - 11:24 pm

  Bluetooth accepts calls but initiation of calls is best done by smartphone. Initiation of calls is difficult with the automobile system. Once placed you talk over the car system. The Bluetooth will not stream your music but you can buy A thingamabob and have it installed and then you can stream from your phone. This isnt a complaint; it is just a statement about 12-year-old technology. The rest of everything about the car is terrific! Very, very advanced for 2004 This is an update after owning the car for one year. It is the best car I have ever owned; it has been 100% trouble free; and I paid the least for it of any car I have ever owned!

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  The Greatest Car I Have Ever Owned - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By drewlane84 - January 21 - 11:11 pm

  This is the greatest car I have ever owned. I bought the car certified pre-owned in 2005 and I am absolutely impressed with the quality. After observing my fathers current Toyota Prius, which has all of the trims, my Lexus feels luxurious and opulent compared to the hard leather in his car. Every time I turn the key, I do not have to worry about whether the car will start. (I still dont know what the check engine light looks like, and the car is 10 years old.) The only problem is the antenna. It just...stops working. Ive put three on the car, but Lexus paid for them all in full. This car is better than most new cars and can still outperform them. Its a great college-kid car, hands-down.