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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  Better relialility and looking than euro - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By Supra Boi - August 31 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is very nicely built. With innovative designs like the chrono dash and the clear tail lights that started an entire trend in the import scene. Although the performance is not head and shoulders above euro competitions, the price isnt either. And with BMW and Audis bad history of reliability and MBs outrageous pricing, the IS 300 is a clear choice for a smart buyer thats in the market for a luxury sport sedan.

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  Good SUV - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By Matthew - August 28 - 7:30 am

  SUV is great for taking snowboarding or any other outdoor activity. We have 15 month old, and this SUV fits his car seat and all of his paraphinalia easily.

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  If I knew then & Look Before You Leap - 2007 Lexus GX 470
  By NJC - August 21 - 12:30 pm

  Service, build quality, and drive could not be more impressive but this is the first car I have not connected with. It just seems to have no soul if you know what I mean. Its personality is vanilla - unless u frequently drive off road. I loathe the navigation system. You cant do anything with it while u drive (including read song and artist names of music u are playing). No rear heat controls nor rear heated seats. 3rd row is a joke. My 51" wife cannot put the rear seats up or down... Terribly difficult. Not enough cabin storage for this size vehicle. Spend time with this car before you own it. This is a real SUV - Not a fun car to own just to carpool around town in.

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  Nice, but could be better - 2003 Lexus GX 470
  By Mike B. - August 19 - 5:50 pm

  Traded a Honda Pilot for the GX. Looks bigger than the Pilot, but its not on the inside, especially the 3rd row seat. Build quality is great. More like a truck than the Pilot, which I like-better 4 wheel drive system. Overall, very nice vehicle and I will buy a Lexus again.

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  After 4 days, I am on my 3rd Jump Start! - 2010 Lexus HS 250H
  By Winning2000 - August 18 - 7:20 am

  This is unreal!! Purchase date Wednesday 8/25/10 car had 94 miles on it. On Sunday 8/29/10 at 9:00 am. I needed my first jump. Had to call road side assistance. At 4:00 pm while at the mall same day, I needed a second jump start. Then only to find that the dealership was not open on Sunday so the car could not be towed. On Monday 8/30/10, Again My brand new car would not start. I then needed a third jump. After complaining to the dealership, they stated they were going to bring me a new battery. They then called back as said no battery was in stock. I am now driving a loaner vehicle. This has been by far the worst car buying experience ever!

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  LOVE the RX........ - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By nahbm - August 17 - 2:43 pm

  The Rx 300 is an excellent SUV. It drives very well on the highway and in town. It still maintains its style, the older it gets.

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  Great Car - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By NY RN - August 14 - 10:00 am

  Second Lexus so far, went from the IS 300 to RX 330. Great car, love the interior makes me feel like I am at home. Disappointed in the stereo system. Also when the sun roof is open I hear a flicking in my ear with the pressure of the windows. Also have some trouble when I start the car, I have to restart it at times. Do not like that the Transmission can be funky at times but the IS was the same. But I do enjoy getting into it every morning. Would never buy another vehicle other than Lexus. Family memebers have the BMW X5, mercedes ML, land rover Discovery and Acura...all have a BOXEY RIDE. Looks like a Honda inside. Lexus=Luxury

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  Love/hate relationship - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By rggsims - August 13 - 7:53 pm

  The car came with defects that Lexus wont fix. Seats are very uncom- fortable. Thin people bottom on on the seats supporting wires. Inadequate foam was used in the seats. Who placed the wiper stalk- you cant see it while driving. Auto lights keep turning dash lights on and off at dusk. Handling is poor at highway speed. Stereo is only fair. Horrible center storage. Minimal storage. Interior plastics are poor quality. Voice activated bluetooth doesnt like zeros. The car has rattled since day one. Poor quality interior carpets.

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  Lexus RX330 - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By AGenuinebrat - August 11 - 11:03 am

  This SUV is great fun to drive. The only negative is a blind spot on the sides. If you are extremely short, like I am, this is alittle troublesome when changing lanes.

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  Luxury???? - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By TB07 - August 11 - 5:46 am

  If you noticed, the annual mileage portion of this review was left blank. I couldnt comment, as I have only had my RX for 6 months, 3 of which Ive been dealing with nothing but problems. 20 days post-warranty, my short block of the engine needed replacement, as it was burning excessive oil. Lexus stood behind the motor, but left me with the $2500-3000 labor bill. Dealership was horrible-- referring to me as a person looking to get an extra buck anyway I can; telling me I didnt appreciate any of the work they had done; and my list could go on! Will never deal with Lexus or Bergstrom ever again!