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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  Great - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By Kingsly - July 19 - 10:00 am

  This car is da bomb. It drives and handles like an F1 and could still hold luxury. AMAZING

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  Leuxs kills the S class ! - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By Ramachandran Ramnath - July 19 - 10:00 am

  Bought this after my 2000 S 500 was totalle din a freak flood from heavy rains. Felt stupid within a week that I plunked 20k more for a less competent S 500. Double the fun, One third the price. Better everything than the Benz. Ok the Benz has 1 inch of extra leg room. I am any day willing to sacrifice 1 inch and putting 25000 in the bank and having a better riding, quieter and flawless car than showing th 3 pointed star and coughing up 25k more. rattle( yes the benz rattles far more than the LS 430) Lexus, u finally nailed Benz in their own game.

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  Great ride....Poor Instrumentation - 2017 Lexus RX 350
  By RPHBucks - July 18 - 8:09 am

  The ride is great and the interior is quite comfortable. Luggage/Cargo space is minimal. The instrumentation with its many switches are scattered about and some are difficult to read without their display lighting on. Some software features do not work and Ive been waiting over 2 weeks for their telephone support to fix the issue. I understand Im not the only one with software issues. Their support personal are not very technically savvy with different answers to the same question. Acceleration is not very quick with a noticeable hesitation. Would probably have purchased another Audi knowing what I know now. Lexus has tried offer a high tech car, but, cant get them all to work and then their support is inadequate.

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  Money Pit although very comfy - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By tj49er - July 17 - 12:59 pm

  I have owned this car brand new for almost 7 years. In the beginning I was flabbergasted at the wonderful level of support and service. I trusted the reviews of reliability and long lasting promises of this car, as it was our retirement car and more money than we have EVER spent for a vehicle. We have done every service recommended and not let anyone but the dealer touch the car. It was treated impeccably. It would take several pages to tell you what has gone wrong with this car! Things like shocks/struts leaking, AC compressor, seat belts, battery, interior malfunctions, trunk button/shock lifts, brakes, tire indicators malfunction, auto door closer, ETC! Lexus says, too bad, no warr

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  The Best Of 2007 - 2007 Lexus LS 460
  By Ron Dixon - July 17 - 11:53 am

  This is my second LS and it is by far the very best. The newly designed body is most striking and the interior is beautiful. The 19 speaker sound system is concert quality and the Park assist feature is truely unique. It is without a doubt the finest car I have ever driven. I cant imagine what the next generation of Lexus will bring, however, Im already looking forward to it. As usual, Lexus has outdone itself again!!

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  Feedback on LS460 - 2009 Lexus LS 460
  By Ranganatha Hemmige - July 16 - 10:40 am

  The LS460 is a superb automobile that cruises beautifully on the road. The ride is very smooth, quite, and the powerful V8 engine just cruises without any drag or hesitation. A feature that is worthy to mention are its safety attributes. We happen to live in Chicago whereby we get our driving challenges due to bad weather. Last week, we were driving in the evening during hazardous driving conditions caused by heavy down pours of rain in certain sections of the driving path, and freezing rain in other parts. The car leveraged the all wheel drive feature, and the handling was just superb.

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  Lazy Perfect - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By Hondo - July 15 - 8:16 am

  This car performs well, handles nicely, and brakes adequately. However, its more comfortable than any car I have ever been in. I own a few other specialty vehicles, but this is my daily driver, and it is exactly perfect at getting me to work and home. I find myself not being stressed out in traffic.

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  Bad Shifting - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Ron Stoeckel - July 15 - 6:46 am

  Car sounds like diesel when it is cold.Transmission slips between 2nd & 3rd gears when cold on uphill.

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  Thats All There Is...No Need For More! - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By JPHB - July 14 - 5:43 pm

  Every advertised benefit, attribute, and quality indicator was present. The LS 430 lives up to its reputation in every respect.

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  This car will not disappoint - 2011 Lexus CT 200H
  By lesha2 - July 14 - 2:45 am

  I love this car. It is a win win all the way. Had to get used to a smaller car as I previously owned an SUV. Got over it pretty fast. Feels very luxurious. Its quiet. It has enough power and is definitely cute.