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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  Absolutely Awesome - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By heather - May 2 - 5:23 pm

  I have owned 2 other Lexuses and never bought new but I saw this car about 3 wks prior to knowing I was going to need a new car and I just about fell over! The body style blew me away! After looking at the pre-owned, this car won hands down with all of the changes and upgrades that have been made and worth every extra dollar! They are pkg. the car different then the brochure and give you great features std. and in the upgraded. I upgraded plus nav... all of it a must. (Didnt do the Mark Levinson system - the std. sys. seems is great!) The power is excellent and the interior is very comfortable and quiet. An outstanding car for "entry level" luxury.

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  I am stumped - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By sam1941 - May 2 - 12:32 pm

  I love my Lexus RX 400h and I have already driven it 98,000 miles. But the number of service problems that have been coming up recently are very frustrating. The criuse control died, the battery died, the radiator was leaking and had to be replaced, (not a single drop of coolant on the garage door) and just yesterday the timing belt, the pullies and the water pump had to be replaced too per Lexus request. More than $2500 in less than a year. Is my beloved SUV falling apart or is this a conspiracy !!! I bought my SUV brand new in May 2005 and I feel that I am suffering through the deficiency of it being the first year model in this series.

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  very mice car - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Jorgea - May 2 - 10:00 am

  we look around the acura tl bmw 3 but we decided for the lexus the price for this car is a very good buy we are very happy with this car

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  Love My Lexus! - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By kent0150 - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Before I get to my review of my 2005 RX330 I want to mention that I have never been treated so well as I was at DCH Lexus of Oxnard, the dealership that I bought my Lexus at. From the first time I called them, to the time that I bought, and since then, they have treated me like a VIP. As to my 2005 Lexus RX330, this vehicle is awsome! It rides like a luxury sedan, handles great, has very comfortable seats, and is just a lot of fun to drive! The navigation system works great, it even tells you what lane to get into if youre in the wrong lane. I love the fact that I can give it voice commands while Im driving. This is my first Lexus, and from my experience so far, it wont be by last.

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  Great all around vehicle - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Mark - May 2 - 9:56 am

  Roomy, smooth, peppy, quiet, greatly improved styling - everything you could ask for except high performance. This car grows on me each time I drive it. Ive been surprised by the many compliments Ive received on the looks of the car. The exterior lines combined with dual exhausts finally make the ES a more masculine vehicle. Surprising amount of technology for the price. This car is a great overall value. Lexus finally got the ES right.

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  My favorite vehicle yet - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By janet - May 2 - 12:20 am

  It is quiet, like driving a big sofa, and quick-handling and powerful when you need it. Handles and corners well, with a very good turning radius. It is fun to drive and all of the controls and panel operations are intuitive and easy to use. The in-city mpg is more like 26 than the 31 advertised.

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  Second Lexus - 2007 Lexus LS 460
  By foolish - May 1 - 10:10 am

  I really enjoy and like the car overall. I feel foolish purchasing the executive package, as you have to be less than 5 ft tall to recline in the back seat recliner. When it is reclined, the front rider seat inhibits the window view out the right side of the car and no one can ride in the front right seat. It goes from a 4 seater to a 3 seater.

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  Great Summer Car, Watch out for snow - 2003 Lexus GS 300
  By rob-gs300 - April 30 - 2:00 am

  I love this car, but with the winter weve had in the northeast its bad side has come out. This is the worst bad weather car I have ever owned!!! The traction control system is a joke. Im done with rear wheel drive cars.

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  New Owner - hard to evaluate reliability - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By NewES300Owner - April 30 - 2:00 am

  I really like the car, but one option that should be added - stereo controls on the steering wheel. Have only driven about 100 miles so im sure theres more to check out.

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  Loving it! - 2007 Lexus RX 350
  By Pete - April 29 - 2:16 pm

  Were now on our 4th Lexus and this is our second RX, the first being the original 1999 version. Many, many improvements and available options. It is so easy to get into to drive, especially with my bad back. Im looking forward to many miles.