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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  GX 460 review (already problems) - 2010 Lexus GX 460
  By Mr_Sylvester_79 - April 29 - 10:33 am

  I like this vehicle, but there are problems with the acceleration after stopping and accelerating quickly. This is a safety problem if trying to accelerate quickly through an intersection, one can get into an accident. Lexus is addressing the issue, but do not believe this is safety issue because no accidents reported yet (although this is new + expensive vehicle). If there was not this safety issue, I would say that the small area for 3rd row is an issue and leg room for drivers side. It is build on 4runner chassis. The exterior and style look very nice. Just some fundamental issue

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  Heaven in a Lexus - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By frank - April 28 - 4:56 pm

  the new 330 has getter pickup and drives like a charm.This is my 2nd Lexus and I wont own any other car.

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  Lexus Navigation system lousy - 2010 Lexus RX 350
  By PCD - April 28 - 2:53 am

  Overall the vehicle is fine. Its comfortable and has many features. Id recommend the car itself but not the purchase of the navigation system. When the car is in motion the navigation menu options are unavailable except for eDestinations which is a subscription service available for a fee. You can issue voice commands to the GPS while driving however the information returned is extremely limited. A query to the POI for example returns 3 choices. Effectively the navigation system is useless while driving. Technically you probably shouldnt use it while driving but theres no option to allow your passenger to use it either. You are better off buying a portable or aftermarket GPS system.

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  Beast - 2007 Lexus GX 470
  By link1235 - April 26 - 12:49 am

  This thing is a beast when comes to snow. The miltary should pick this vehicle up. When it snows I feel like I can go any where. I wish it was a little bigger, of course i have the same complaint on most foreign automobiles. Third row seating is poor but it is a easy fix to take them out. i havent figured out this cassette thing is on the sound system. feel like I can go

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  Lexus GS 300 Owner Review - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By s. townsend - April 25 - 8:53 pm

  This is my fifth Lexus and my third GS 300. I have owned several luxury cars (Mercedes, BMW, Volvo) and none compare to the quality and lack of problems and issues to the Lexus line. I prefer the rear wheel drive and thus continue to choose the GS 300. The 6 cylinder engine is more than sufficient to create power when needed. The 400 is simply a waste of money. The car is quiet, comfortable, sporty and a joy to drive.

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  LEXUS - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By VICTOR - April 24 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE THE AUTO

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  Sport Design - 2003 Lexus GS 300
  By auditors - April 24 - 10:00 am

  The Sport Edition GS 300 is a fun car to drive. It has all of the amenities and elegance of the GS 300 but it has a Euro tuned suspension and sportier accents. This car also has HID lights not found on the standard GS 300 (only in the GS 430 model. This is a smooth and quiet car that is a joy to drive. I especially like the fact that 3 car seats can fit in the rear.

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  first but not last Lexus! - 1997 Lexus LS 400
  By ReverendJohn - April 24 - 10:00 am

  I love the peace, quiet and serenity I feel every time I get in this car. The safety features are great. I feel like I could drive around the world in it and arrive feeling refreshed. Its six years old now, and as good as the day I got it. No problems at all.

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  the Best of the Best - 2000 Lexus LX 470
  By ja1105 - April 24 - 10:00 am

  Couldnt have picked a better vehicle! Just love my LX470!

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  My IS - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By ryan1984 - April 24 - 10:00 am

  I just got my IS300 5 months ago and love it. I am actually 18 and have 4 friends with one, and I have never heard a complaint. The E-shift almost makes it feel like you are actually shifting, and when your not it is so smooth. NICE!