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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  Beware of Snow... - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By Looneytuna - March 17 - 2:00 am

  Do not attempt to drive this car with any snow or ice on the road. It has absolutely no traction even in the snow mode. I have owned Benzs with rear wheel drive and they at least held the road. Unfortunately this is a warm climate car only. The new run flat tires are horrible, living in NYC, they continue to lose air and get bubbles with the slightest bumps..

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  love it - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By kirsten - March 17 - 2:00 am

  beautiful car, loved the steering, efficient, not very expensive, great vehicle for a family to use!!

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  Riding in the Rx - 2003 Lexus RX 300
  By Bennett9 - March 17 - 2:00 am

  I really couldnt be happier! Every aspect of this purchase has been a pleasure for me. The Rx300 rides wonderfully, the interior is simply outstanding, and Chatham Parkway Lexus service pre-and-post sale is unassailably high quality.

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  Low cost luxury - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By Wayne - March 16 - 5:06 pm

  I purchased the car at 6 years old with 69000 miles so someone else took the depreciation hit. Very nice car for the price. Smooth and quiet ride, and lots of amenities. Its not a sports car, but was not designed as one. It has a lot of the features of the Lexus LS without the price tag. Very dependable car. Catalytic converters needed replacement but were covered under warranty. Lexus dealership was outstanding on the repair. One window switch issue, automatic function does not work right after the window needed replacement, but not sure if it is a switch problem or an installation problem. After 4 GM cars and one Dodge, wifes 2003 Avalon and this ES 300, I am sold on Toyota.

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  Best Car Ive Owned - 2010 Lexus HS 250H
  By Marty - March 13 - 11:36 pm

  Despite the reviews, the car handles well and the brakes were easy to get used to. I got the technology package and the navigation. Both are awesome and easy to use. I am getting over 40 mpg in combined city/highway driving. The seats are very comfortable. The acceleration is fine. I purchased the car for $2000 below the sticker price. I am thrilled with this car!

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  Good Performance - 2010 Lexus RX 450h
  By Apogeelam - March 13 - 8:46 pm

  I am leasing the RX450h for almost a year now. so far, I like it, but it would be good if Lexus have the service for unlock the door for you if you are the owner and you lock out. I went shopping once at 40 miles from my home, and my key dropped on the seat quietly. I called the dealer, and they told me the only thing they could offer is to come pick me up to get my spare key at home. (but I know even have my home key.) The media USB ports are not convenient to reach. Since the dealer is 38 miles away from my house, I am not sure if a local oil change service could do the oil change for me.

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  Everything and More - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By dpant00 - March 13 - 7:11 am

  I bought it new. It now has 110k hard driven miles. Never had an issue. The Eshift is awesome, I use it almost always. When its in normal automatic, the shifts are super quick and clean- great for getting off fast and even. Interior is sweet with chrome details and comfortable leather. If Im really nitpicking, the trunk is small, but it has a cool pass-through feature into the backseat that helps. Ive never had a car this long, but I just cant bring myself to sell it because I feel that the value for this car is unsurpassed. Very satisfied, I highly recommend this car even if its used with alot of miles. I wish the rest of my life was this consistent...

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  GREAT CAR - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By IVAN MARIO - March 12 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE THIS CAR.. I LOVE THE WAY IT HANDLES.. I LOVE THE PERFORMANCE.. AND I LOVE THE LOOK

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  2005 GX 470 review - 2005 Lexus GX 470
  By Hank - March 11 - 12:00 pm

  This vehicle is one of the best vehicles we have ever owned...maybe the best, but we have only owned it for 1 month, so we will need more time to evaluate it. The only better SUV will be the hybrid GX470H(?) to help fuel economy. The GX has every option we were looking for and more. The navigation is tremendous! It does everything for you. I am a car buff and do not really care for Japanese imports, but the GX470 is the benchmark in all catagories for the USA to strive for. Buy it...youll like it!

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  Wind noise - 2007 Lexus LS 460
  By todd - March 10 - 9:26 pm

  Have had the car 2 months and in the shop twice for very loud wind noise from both front windows. After last "fix" by dealer, noise still a bad problem. Called to complain and they said there is no other fix they can try. I find this unacceptable on an automobile at this price level. Knew I should have stuck with Mercedes.