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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  Very Happy with my RX330 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Christina A - August 12 - 2:00 am

  I just purchased my RX330 and I think it is Amazing. Style, Performance, Reliability, dependability, Very Smooth ride. I am so glad I choose to be a part of the LEXUS family! Excellent Choice. I am very satisfied!

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  Last Lexus: a Lemon? - 2008 Lexus RX 350
  By Last Lexus - August 11 - 5:10 pm

  Rather than detail all my Lexus woes, which the dealership has tried and sometimes succeeded in fixing, I can just say that this 2008 RX350 is the noisiest car I have had. There is a persistent rattle in the rear passenger window that looks like it is caused by a faulty window assembly. The bumper rattles when turning. The car has been through a bit -- as a car in NYC is wont to be -- but the quality problems have been very disappointing for a car with a stellar reputation.

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  A joy to drive - 2002 Lexus SC 430
  By watco - August 11 - 10:00 am

  Incredible style coupled with lots of power. The car is a heasd turner. the convertible hard top is excellent. It is a liitle slow to excellerate but once it goes look out.

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  RX 400h the super car - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Richter - August 11 - 9:30 am

  This is our 6th Lexus and the RX 400h is better than anyof the previous ones we have owned.; Wow, is the word on it. The designers have though of everything and it is the best driving machine we have ever encountered.

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  ES 330 Sport Design - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By michelle - August 11 - 3:30 am

  This is my second Lexus. I first had the IS 300 and was looking for a car that handled the snow better. So far my ES 330 has not been a disappointment. I feel safe in this car and I also feel that due to the superior braking ability that this car had saved my life. The fuel economy is great considering the weight of the car. The car is also very quiet and solid with no loose parts that rattle when driving. I also love my rear sun shade that keeps the sun glare out of my car when sunny it also keeps my car cool on hot days.

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  Excellent except..... - 2016 Lexus RX 350
  By Mike - August 10 - 6:58 am

  The exterior of the car is beautiful. Hip and aggressive. Interior is rich and beautiful. Attention to details is evident. Safety features are great and affordable. Fuel economy is so so. Great value compared to Benz and Audi. My only gripe is with the fake and loud exhaust noise in the cabin and uncomfortable front driver seat. I bought the car for its comfort and quietness reputation. Unfortunately the new RX350 does not deliver either well. Spend some more and get an Audi :(

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  Perfect SUV - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By Ayyubov - August 8 - 4:33 pm

  Excellent vehicle. Performance is great. Fuel economy is a factor, but its V8 4,7 so its not that bad. Interior is luxurious, ride is fun.

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  My last Toyota purchase - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By c krempley - August 8 - 7:00 am

  This car did not live up to my expectations. After owning many Toyota products, a Corrolla was my first car, I will no longer be purchasing their product. The hype that this car would run for 200 to 300 thousand miles is just hype. My transmission gave out on a major highway at 10:00 PM in a construction zone 30 miles from ANY gas station or other help. Two years ago the air conditioning unit needed replacement and now there are electrical problems. I have never had so many problems with a car.

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  Love My Lexus - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Steven Adler - August 7 - 1:46 pm

  This vehicle has what I would call "smooth power." It has the feel of luxury but with plenty of reserve power behind it. I love the new auto wipers. I never need to touch the windshield wiper control again. The individually controlled seat warmer/cooler was a pleasant surprise. Those are just a few little things that I like. Overall, I love the feeling of confidence I have in My Lexus.

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  LS430 - 2001 Lexus LS 430
  By DoubleT - August 7 - 10:00 am

  The LS430 has the best electronic wonder I have ever had. The voice activated, touch screen GPS is wonderful and the Mark Levinson stereo amazing. The car, however, is truely boring to drive and cannot corner worth a darn.