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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  Well, its a Lexus ! ! ! - 2003 Lexus ES 300
  By fyler - March 9 - 10:33 pm

  When a car is rated as the top selling Lexus for the past 15 years there gotta be some serious reasons for that.After owning SC300 I needed a 4 doors so best reviews went to the ES300 and its bigger sister ES330.GS had mixed reviews, I hate the IS, I cant afford an LS and I dont like an RX SUVs.Dont listen to those who say that the ES300 is a glorified Camry, they probably never drove a Lexus. You will see the build quality in every single piece of interior, the sound the hood, trunk and door latch locks. And NO, these interior wood are not fake, Lexus doesnt use fake woods in its interiors. I have some suggested improvements below (not a deal breaker though, guess I just got spoiled).

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  1st Hybrid, previous Lexus owner - 2010 Lexus RX 450h
  By Jim M. - March 9 - 1:30 pm

  Had my previous 03 RX in for an oil change and drove the 2010 RX350. I went ahead and placed the 1st order with money and got the exact car I wanted on the 1st delivery. What a technological marvel !!! I truly dont believe there is any competition in its price class with this much performance, luxury, safety, features, and economy. I plan on keeping this car till the batteries fail, probably about 10 years.

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  A Prius with a whole lot of style - 2011 Lexus CT 200H
  By mscottie - March 9 - 12:53 pm

  This car is not a rocket, but its got more than adequate pickup when you need it (especially from a stop). Handling is great for a non-AWD vehicle, even with the mediocre OEM tires. The seats are fantastic with large bolsters (dont know what the heck the Motorweek folks are talking about!). Absolutely no complaints about the layout of the controls, although the navigation system is unnecessarily awkward to use (I much prefer the Navigon & TomTom apps on my iPhone, but its not built into the car). About 2K miles in and were averaging over 45MPG of mostly city/suburban driving (but we still get about 45 on the highway, too).

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  love my lexus - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By drjulie - March 9 - 11:36 am

  I just got this 4 days ago, and I already love it. I traded a sedan that "REQUIRED" the highest octane fuel and love this gas effeciency - much better than my sedan, and loads better than my friends with SUVs, plus you dont have to give up luxury.

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  Perfection - 2010 Lexus LX 570
  By Betty - March 8 - 10:33 pm

  Very Happy with my purchase. Test drove Range Rover, LR4, and H2, none of with could come close in any category. Center Consul Cool Box is convenient.

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  2012 RX 350 - 2012 Lexus RX 350
  By desiree3 - March 7 - 5:42 pm

  I vowed to never buy another car brand new, I drive a lot and it just made since to trade in my car for a new one. I was so in love with my first 350 that I new I would stick with this car. The upgrade has been very accomodating, I still feel like im driving my other car, the upgrades are perfect but not overbearing. I would recommend this vehicle anytime

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  I Love This Vehicle - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By G Conti - March 7 - 10:00 am

  This SUV is the best! The NAV system is awesome. Interior and exterior are flawless. I am so happy with my purchase!

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  GS300 SportDesign GREAT VALUE! - 2003 Lexus GS 300
  By eckool - March 7 - 10:00 am

  This is my 3rd lexus. I have been in love with this car since year 2000 (Platinum Series), but I didnt have an opportunity to get it at that time. Now I have a chance to own it. All I can say is SWEET. 0-60 in 7.8 sec, graphite wheels, new tail designs, etc.

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  My Truck - 2003 Lexus LX 470
  By dickbarber - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Of course the Lux stuff -- clients/investors ride in style in LA and DC. Always smooth and cool. Best part tho is the utility. Does everything in style. Camped in it for a month in the Sierra (slept in the back). Serious off-road in summer/winter in desert/mountain. Water crossings to 20". Climbs and scambles like a Wrangler but with a Lex ride. Amazing in snow with the adjustable suspension and stock tires. Delivers Docs and nurses in snow emergencies. Handles triple digit speeds in emergencies. Tows fine, not fast, but secure. 7,000K trailer with brakes no prob.

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  2002 - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By Texas83 - March 7 - 10:00 am

  The transmission on this thing is a piece of junk. I cant believe that Lexus would put out something so poorly tested. Its so sad, because I like everything else about the car. It has many great features, but the reliability of the transmission is terrible, even dangerous. Lexus has promised over and over again that they will fix it, but so many promises have turned into so many lies.