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 car is a beast. - 2000 Lexus LS 400
  By Northern VA yuppie - June 28 - 12:46 am

  This car is exactly what it was designed to be: a Cadillac killer. Its a rear-wheel drive highway luxo-cruiser, not a BMW M3. Those who complain about this car being unexciting obviously didnt do their homework and should stick to German sports coupes or Miatas. That said, this cars V8 has enough power to rocket from zero-60 in about 6.5 seconds, and the acceleration from 40-80 mph is even more heinous. I cant help but grin like a jackal when I pass people in this beast. And the other 99% of the time you cannot hear the engine! I cannot say enough about this car. The fit and finish is amazing. Even the smallest details are overengineered for wide margins of error and flawlessly done.

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  Good While It Lasted - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By Casey Bryson - June 27 - 2:40 pm

  I bought our 2004 GX470 in 2012. We owned it for 2 years and 7 months. It was a good vehicle for us and the engine/transmission are rock solid. Personally, looking back, I would buy one with LESS features. The dynamic suspension is expensive to replace, for example. I also had to replace the sensors for the rear air leveling as they both failed on separate occasions which was VERY problematic on a 500 mile road-trip. Also, others that note theres a "transmission CLUNK" should realize that its a slip yoke on the driveshaft that requires greasing. A 30 second fix.

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  It drives like a car. - 2015 Lexus NX 300h
  By debra buelow - June 27 - 4:52 am

  I dont want to feel every little bump in the road. It felt cramped. I had a couple of Prius and the interior felt larger. Sure looks sharp, tho.

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  Perfect except for a few minor items - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By Scott Michael - June 26 - 10:00 am

  i wish that the voice control system for the NAV and climate would learn my commands a little bit better. I also wish that there was a options package level between the custom and luxury setting that would sacrifice some of the backseat improvement and still leave some of the performance features. But, these are pretty picky items in an almost perfect car. If yourre having a mid-life crisis...get hair plugs and a Ferrari...If you want a wonderful ride in a car that is very comfortable, fun to drive and reasonably prices, buy a LS $#)

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  Best on the Market!!! - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By sds59 - June 24 - 10:00 am

  Theres a lot of sporty cars in this class, but this car is by far the best! Its the greatest combination of FAST, FUN sports car with complete LUXURY fully expected by a maker like Lexus. Youve GOT to get one of these!!!

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  Lexus RX300 - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By Jonathan3215473 - June 24 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned it rides great and it is verry nice.

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  2000 Lexus RX300 - 2000 Lexus RX 300
  By scott R - June 22 - 5:40 am

  Common problem with this model is transmission failure at 90k - 130k. Well, mine failed at 144,000k. This is a low end Lexus and would not recommend this vehicle to anyone.

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  like lexus - 2016 Lexus RX 350
  By richard jean - June 20 - 12:53 am

  economy

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  GREAT CAR!!! - 2004 Lexus GS 300
  By KevinTran - June 19 - 10:00 am

  Great car, reliable, smooth, and very sleek compared to rival German and Domestic Cars.

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  EXCELLENT - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By HZOUDA - June 19 - 10:00 am

  EXCLLENT CAR, WOULD PREFER MORE CARGO ROOM FOR 7 PASSENGER CAR. FUEL ECON, COULD BE BETTER. OR 6 CLIN MODLE