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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  Excellent Vehicle - 2003 Lexus RX 300
  By ArizonaDriver - December 3 - 2:00 am

  This SUV/car is very fun to drive. It feels like a car yet gives you the advantages of an SUV. I have always felt that Lexus is overpriced. After owning one for almost a year, I understand why people are willing to pay a premium for these vehicles.

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  Best Buy for the Money! - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By MickeyEngr - December 3 - 2:00 am

  After putting 176K on a 1991 Lexus LS400 that I purchased new, I was ready to move into another new Lexus. The LS430 surpasses everything else I test drove. No regrets! Lexus quality exceeds all other brands at any price.

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  my ls 430 - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By sam strause - December 3 - 2:00 am

  this is my fourth ls in the 400 series each one has been excellent--and each one has been better than the last. this 04ls 430 is the best. i think i wold only replace this one in a few years only with another lexus--prior to buying lexus i drove mercedes--

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  RX330 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By kekaile - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Beautiful to be in, fun to drive. Enjoy the sun roof and auto rear door. Stereo and fuel economy could be better. Gears like butter, want a quicker response. Nice turning radius. Careful switching lanes on freeway due to wind/ height/ weight.

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  My 330 Lexus was the best choice for me! - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By JacquieD - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Previously I drove an Infiniti Q4 and was happy with it but cant believe the difference in ride and the luxurious feel of my Lexus! Best of all, Germaine Lexus treats me like royalty. Now my Mother is driving a new 330 too! ( Shes a young 81 and can easily fit her golf clubs in the back. The automatic hatch is worth its weight i

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  EXCELLENT SUV - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By Charlene Brown - December 3 - 2:00 am

  IT A GREAT TRUCK AND I LOVE IT. ITS PERFORMANCE IS EXCELLENT. I ONLY HAD ONE PROBLEM AND THAT WAS THE ALARM SYSTEM. I BROUGHT IT BACK AND THEY FIX IT IMMEDIATELY. SERVICE IS EXCELLENT.

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  Incredible vehicle - 2008 Lexus RX 350
  By K. Denison - December 2 - 7:16 am

  Although I have only had this vehicle for a few weeks, I can say without a doubt that it is the most dynamic vehicle I have ever driven. The quality is outstanding. I love everything about it. Couldnt be happier with this purchase.

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  28 MPG combined on a recent road trip - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Truman - December 1 - 8:45 pm

  Unlike some critics of the hybrid RX, I am getting excellent mpg without driving like a grandma. A recent 300-mile road trip to the Antelope Valley Poppy Preserve averaged 28 mpg on the mountainous roads of the Angeles National Forest. My normal everyday driving has never seen below 26mpg combined, and during open highway cruising I average 31mpg -- thats amazing for a heavy crossover! The key is -- regular maintenance, tire pressure 34-36psi, keep to 60-65mph on the highway and 40-42 on the streets. A very comfortable road trip car! I like the RX because it sits higher than most crossovers and lower than SUVs, you still step *up* onto your seat like a SUV but its must more fuel-efficient. While it doesnt get the 50mpg of my old Prius, its much more comfortable and feels safer due to the higher seating position. Gas prices in CA are going up again so I am very happy with my purchase. Besides mpg, the electric hybrid motor makes car accelerate like a V8 and feels much faster than regular RX. The only con is lots of body roll in cornering due to the heavy battery, so tread gingerly in the twisties!

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  98 Lexus GS 300 - 1998 Lexus GS 300
  By BSSHusker - December 1 - 10:00 am

  This has been a great car. There has been only one problem - w/ the fuel gauge and that was fixed by the dealer. It is a very quiet smooth ride and feels sporty for a sedan. It feels solidly made and is comfortable on long or short trips. Lexus gives outstanding service to its customers - I love being able to make an appt for any type of service I may need - and they are on time.

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  Great Car - 2002 Lexus IS 300
  By DnA - November 30 - 10:16 pm

  Except for the lame gas mileage and soft paint, this car has been a pleasure. Super fun with the 5-speed and very comfortable on long trips.