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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  Pleasure to drive - 2001 Lexus ES 300
  By jasok - April 4 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Lexus (coach Ed.), and I have to say, definitely not the last. I have had the car over a year, and have not had one problem with it. Acceleration is superb, as well and the steering and ride. All interior controls are well thought out. Excellent car!

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  GREAT LUXURY SUV - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By J. Davenport - April 4 - 10:00 am

  This LEXUS RX300 is worth every penny...purchased used and is a pleasure to drive.

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  Luxury at a reasonable price - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By Ed Howard - April 2 - 7:43 pm

  This is the most quiet vehicle I have ever been in. Not good in snow because of the rear wheel drive. Other than snow the handling is excellent. The controls should be simplified. My wife hates the confusion which is OK with me as she prefers to drive the Ford Explorer! I just replaced the brakes, rotors and tires. This is the first money spent in the 2 years I owned the car.

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  AWESOME ES330 - 2005 Lexus ES 330
  By Judy - April 2 - 3:10 am

  The ES 330 is wonderful. I sold my SC 430 because I found the ES 330 to be a better car with more options and certainly more room. If its a Lexus its fun and reliable and oh so quiet

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  Beware of MPG Claims on the GS450h - 2013 Lexus GS 450h
  By gilnarro - April 1 - 3:34 am

  In most respects, the GS450h is an excellent car. It inspires confidence and drives fine. But, there are two features that are unacceptable to this buyer: 1) Unless you purchase the Luxury pkg., you cant get the LED headlamps w/AFS. The regular bi-Xenon headlamps provide minimal illumination and are worse than any weve ever had on our Lexus autos; 2) Lexus claims that this car gets 34MPG average. While brand new, it only got 30.4 MPG. With less than 9K miles on it, this winter, weve gotten 29.2 MPG!. Im on top of air pressure and I dont gun the car. So, its not me; its the car and Lexuss misleading claims.

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  the best ever - 2005 Lexus IS 300
  By emily - March 31 - 7:00 pm

  i got my car for my birthday and its awesome it is really fun to drive and soo sleek looking how can u not love it!!!!!!

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  loving my gx470 - 2007 Lexus GX 470
  By nithu - March 31 - 6:56 am

  Just bought my GX470. Its much roomier than my RX. Loving the car. The SUV hugs the road, drives great and Lexuss comfort is unmatchable to any other car.

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  Great Vehicle! - 2010 Lexus GX 460
  By Denny - March 31 - 3:10 am

  I traded in my Lexus GX 470 and couldnt be happier. Many small issues have been eliminated, by provision of bottle holders in the doors, folding mirrors for entering the garage, better console storage,better arm rests, fold down third row seats, supple leather, and vastly improved road noise reduction. The interior is luxurious. The 460 has lots of power and a very smooth ride, much softer than the 470. Exterior styling is more Toyota than Lexus but still looks sharp. Agree that body side moldings could dress it up a little. It definitely has a rugged but luxurious feel to it.

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  Lexus Review - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By Dalaxman - March 30 - 10:00 am

  I own this car and i love it. It is fun to drive and handles like a dream.

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  IS 300 - none better in its class - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By cvp7878 - March 29 - 11:16 pm

  Excellent handling and great acceleration. The dash gauges are like no other car. Built solid and lets face it its a Lexus. I have had for over a year and I love it. It can run with any car in its class.