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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  Power, Comfort, & Reliability. GX470 FTW! - 2007 Lexus GX 470
  By Lexus Believer - May 21 - 2:42 pm

  After we had our second child, we were looking to replace our 04 Jeep Grand Cherokee with something a bit larger, and higher end. With two kids, two large dogs, and the needed ability to tow and secure a motorcycle carrier to the tow hitch, the choices were limited. I researched several SUVs in this class, but all reviews and stats kept leading me back to the GX. I started looking for certified pre-owned GXs with low mileage, and there werent many. I took that as a sign that these vehicles were sought after and kept. I finally found an immaculate 07 with only 25K miles on it. After we drove it, we realized why everyone gushes over their Lexus cars and suvs. It drives much smaller than it is, and its really comfortable and very quiet. The power is awesome, especially off the line and charging uphill. It tows easily and has a tongue weight of 650+ lbs to handle my moto carrying needs. Interior storage space is more than ample. The 3rd row is handy when you need it, and easy to remove when you dont. Other than the 16mpg avg, I really have no complaints. We have taken our GX in the snow, mud, on icy roads, and everywhere in between, and it handles it all without flinching. I am thoroughly impressed, and would definitely recommend it. PROS: Powerful motor, smooth, quiet ride, car-like handling, comfortable seats, reliable, and go anywhere AWD CONS: Avg 16MPG, and the navigation is crap. (But, who uses the car nav with smartphones anyway?)

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  Flint Mica RX 330 - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By SPG - May 19 - 9:30 pm

  The vehicle is extremely reliable - no problems. Just follow the scheduled maintenance. Maintenance is pricey at 30K, 60K, but still less than Mercedes or Volvo. We really enjoy the vehicle. We will buy another Lexus.

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  My Lexus SC 430 - 2005 Lexus SC 430
  By e. sebra - May 19 - 12:56 pm

  Great looking, great driving, head turning car. Good speed and sports car feel with some luxury extras. Hard top convertible mechanism is seamless and fast and once its down its REALLY fun. Not as fast as my 02 Vette, but this I can drive for more than 2 hours without having to get a massage afterwards.

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  Best SUV Buy - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By KJ - May 18 - 10:36 pm

  This is my first Lexus. After two months of driving, I am extremely pleased with my decision to purchase this vehicle over BMW, Mercedes and Accura options that I test drove and considered carefully. Very solid feel with smooth and quite ride. Good performance, and gas mileage is even better than advertised. I have been in older versions of RX350 and the 2010 version looks better inside and out, and drives much better. I have read some of the negative comments that have been posted and I can not relate at all. My standards for excellence are high and the RX 350 is an excellent SUV. Go test drive a used 2009 RX 350, and the other options. 2010 RX is a real winner.

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  I love it - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Helen - May 18 - 2:43 pm

  I always wanted this SUV but I just got it this past December. I absolutely love it. I had a ML 320 but this car is just so much nicer. It is great in the snow and handles well. No complaints yet and I dont expect any.

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  Fantastic SUV - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By David - May 18 - 10:23 am

  This is the best all-around vehicle Ive ever owned, regardless of price. Great pick up, smooth, solid drive, and Im getting over 25 mpg on my first tank of gas. Perfect.

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  excellent - 2004 Lexus LX 470
  By Grayson - May 18 - 2:00 am

  i own a new lexus lx470 and i have fallen i love with it. this car is great! it can take me anywhere i want to go. it does not have as much horse power as i would have wanted but the rest of the vehicle makes up for that. lexus are very reliable and luxurious. i highly recommend this car.

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  nice whip - 2001 Lexus IS 300
  By gsxR - May 18 - 2:00 am

  very nice car factory wheels are awsome stylish looks good in black handles well

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  Lexus - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By dfuihuioj - May 18 - 2:00 am

  It is awsome and has the best handling in all of the world.

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  A great truck for our family. - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By West Coast Driver - May 18 - 2:00 am

  After driving large SUVs for many years, we wanted something smaller and more luxurious. This fit the bill very nicely. I wanted a truck-based design, not a car-based vehicle. Even so, this truck handles very smoothly. My wife loves driving it, and she hated driving the old Expedition. Weve had this truck up skiing (deep snow) and in tons of rain (Seattle) and it works very well. I wonder how it will do once the sun comes out and we can open up the moonroof...