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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  Truck in a Tuxedo - 2007 Lexus GX 470
  By KB - February 21 - 5:43 am

  Just traded my 04 GX for an 07. Very reliable vehicle. Love the new generation NAV and Bluetooth. After shopping most of the lux brands, I still think the Lexus Nav is by far the best. I ski and the old GX was a great performer in the white powder of Tahoe. The drive is very comfortable and balanced no matter what the outside road conditions are.

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  Lexus for life! - 2005 Lexus LS 430
  By L. Simmons - February 20 - 2:36 pm

  This is my 3rd lexus and I cant say enough good things about it. Everyone who rides with me is so impressed with the smoothness of the ride; even Mercedes and BMW owners! I cant wait to get my next Lexus.

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  2015 NX200t Owner Review - 2015 Lexus NX 200t
  By lexowner - February 19 - 8:21 am

  Wifes falling in love again after 15 yrs with the original RX300. Purchased new NX200t on 12/8/14 for wife with certain packages to exactly fit her needs and wants. Exterior style is quite polarizing (hate it or love it). I personally think its an acquired taste. White seems cute while black appears cool. Interior design is simple yet elegant (a minimalist approach). Averaging 24-25 mpg mix, driver can change the vehicle dynamic to fit his/her mood. The turbo really kicks in around 2000 rpm, and you can really feel it. Handling is sporty for an CUV, firm but not harsh. Steering response is quick but light. Sum it up. A tall sedan, good mileage, nimble, sporty luxury.

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  I miss my Lexus! - 1998 Lexus LS 400
  By drblptq - February 19 - 7:09 am

  I once told my close friends if I ever sell this car to please take me out and shoot me! I did sell it, and to my dismay, few cars could come close to the refinement, ride quality and overall durability of this fine automobile. I bought it used with 32,000 miles on the clock, it was a one owner car. I kept it for 4 years as a second car ( I also have a company car), and traded it when I thought I needed a larger (silly me). It would avage 29 mpg, in mixed drive from a 290hp 4 litre V8, simply amazing! The sound deadening is superb. If you ever have the opportunity to own one, do it, but hold on to it, they last forever.

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  GX470 - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By Legran - February 18 - 10:00 am

  Ive got 15,000 miles on mine now. It is a superb vehicle. Very smooth, quiet ride but not sprung too lightly. Not a hot rod, but very adaquately powered. Drives great. They could improve it by finding some other way to store the third row seats so it doesnt further compromise already somewhat limited storage space. Should offer halogen headlights. But overall, an outstanding vehicle.

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  Great car for the money! - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By CGino - February 18 - 10:00 am

  Third Lexus I have owned and they just keep getting better. Long list of standard features makes this car an awesome value. Dealership was great to work with and nothing can match the level of service you receive from Lexus.

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  rx330 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By UIS00SN - February 18 - 10:00 am

  I love everything about this car but the gas mileage. Maybe its because the car has only 1200 miles. Ive had rx300 before and rx330 even more comfortable, fast and fun to drive. Lexus fixed the turning circle and now this major problem in rx300 is gone. Highly recommend!

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  Good Car needs more power - 2004 Lexus IS 300
  By Rick Romano - February 17 - 2:00 am

  I love the car. The sterio system kicks ass. The driving experience is fun and comfortable. It handles like its on rails and its got some guts. The only lack luster part of the vehicle is the undersized engine.

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  Very Nice, would buy another one - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By sabonew - February 17 - 2:00 am

  Really enjoy driving. There are so many features, the car is quiet. Excellent gas milage. Roomy interior.

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  Lexus ES 300, 1999, UAE - 1999 Lexus ES 300
  By NShaan - February 17 - 12:30 am

  Poor front and rear struts, wind noise in average to high speeds, doors and boot lid feels and sounds very flimsy.