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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  Avoid at all Costs - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By lexuslemon - February 26 - 11:16 am

  I have always owned Lexus cars, but the newer models have gotten so unnecessarily complex that they are prone to VERY expensive failures. I could go on and on, but take for example the most recent failure of the Navigation unit. At only 28k pampered miles, the screen just up and dies. Now, not only does this screen control the GPs, but it also controls the climate control/defrost, rear view camera, Stereo including radio/CD changer. So this one gadget failing has rendered the car undriveable (no defrost.) To get it replaced is 6k....SIX thousand dollars (and not covered by warranty even though the car only has 30k miles!!) This is BAD engineering plain and simple.

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  BAD MPG - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Mark - February 25 - 8:06 am

  This SUV should not be called a Hybrid. It does not do well on MPG. Not even close to the Sticker info.

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  2007 SC430 Pebble beach Edition - 2007 Lexus SC 430
  By Kevin Flanagan - February 23 - 2:30 am

  Purchased this car used with only 7000 miles. This car has exceeded my expectations in all respects. The engineering, fit and finish are beyond reproach. The only concern is the run flat tires. I got the P.B. Edition and love it. I doesnt compare to Porsche, but wasnt designed to do so. A great car for me at 66 yrs.

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  Love The IS - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By mario navarrete - February 23 - 2:00 am

  Amazing to drive. There is only one thing that I would improve on this wonderful vehicle and that is its horsepower. Fortunatly the IS430 will be here soon enough. If everyone drove an IS I think the road would be a lot safer; sincerely. It feels like I have a less margin of human error when I drive my IS.

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  Great Ride, Mega Fun - 2004 Lexus SC 430
  By ClarkWC - February 23 - 2:00 am

  We went to the dealership looking for the suv and came away with this beauty. As soon as we test drove it we had to have it. The handling is great and the comfort level in the front 2 seats is wonderful. We have received a huge amount of compliments and an even larger amounts of looks will driving around in it and as it sits alone.

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  You were better before - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By MinnesotaGal - February 23 - 2:00 am

  Lexus should have left well enough alone. I have owned a 99 and a 01 RX300, and they were both much better than the 04 RX330. The transmission is sluggish, dismal power, gas mileage at about 18mi/gal even though 80% of my driving is highway. It rides like a big slug -- even though the engine is bigger, the increased body size and weight consumes the extra power. Plus, the engine is loud. Im disappointed!

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  Fantastic - 2006 Lexus LS 430
  By GK - February 21 - 6:40 pm

  This vehicle is amazing. The ride quality, performance characteristics, and creature comforts make this easily one of the finest automobiles ever made. Smooth acceleration, with the ability to change driving modes, and a stunning ride that is both ultra-quiet and heart-pounding when necessary. The faster the car goes on the highway the smoother the ride gets, until you seem to be literally floating over the road. One truly has to be behind the wheel of this car to believe it. I purchased a 2002 Infiniti QX4 in 2004 for the same price I paid for my LS 430 in 2009. That car was a refrigerator on wheels compared to the LS 430. Talk about affordable luxury.

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  Lexus hybrid is the BEST - 2007 Lexus RX 400H
  By Jess - February 21 - 4:26 pm

  Looking for a SUV that offers luxury was hard to find. Lexus certainly has the market cornered when it comes to combining luxury, sport and fuel economy! The best purchase I have made yet!

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  Smooth as butter - 1999 Lexus RX 300
  By HMS - February 21 - 10:00 am

  I am coming to the end of my lease on the vehicle. It has been a pleasure to drive. Ive owned Mercedes and a BMW, but the ride and quality of this SUV can compete with either of the marque names. I do which the turning radius was tigher as well as a larger fuel tank. I have the Nak system which sounds great, but I find it a hassle to open the glove box to and change cds.

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  2002 ES300 - 2002 Lexus ES 300
  By Dwayne - February 21 - 10:00 am

  Truely a wonderful car mid luxury car, but it needs more power. That is the only thing that detracts from its "fun to drive" score. Interior is very comfortable and the Nav system is great. Except for power it is a very major improvement over the previous model.