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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  ecs comments - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By chin - January 10 - 10:00 am

  The passanger seat needs a 6 way adjustment. The front part of the seat is too low which allows the passanger to keep sliding off the seat which is not comfortable. The turning circle is also too large. The smell of the leather is not too pleasing at times.

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  Happy - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By markle - January 9 - 1:10 am

  Very happy overall, but just a couple (minor) strange things about the car. 1.) The center console latch arrangement is a loser. I routinely open the compartment by accident. 2.) The garage door opener is not lighted - after a month still difficult to locate at night. Also difficult to navigate the 4 switches for trunk, shade, gas, in the dark. 3.) I also, very occasionally, feel unexpected acceleration. Fit and finish are great. Unlike other reviewers, I like the look of the car. Dont feel it is stodgy at all. Very smooth riding and quiet, which along with reliability were the main reasons for my purchase. Love the back up camera and parking assist.

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  outstanding - 2006 Lexus RX 330
  By carol - January 6 - 6:50 pm

  My husband bought me the beautiful new 2006 RX 330 2 weeks ago. After waiting for its arrival for 3 weeks, I must report I am thrilled with its style, comfort and performance. Especially when two days into driving the car, a deer ran out into the road and I hit it. This car never lost control. Although there was considerable damage to the front and side, I was very impressed with how well the car handle the impact.

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  Good but had to trade it - 2004 Lexus ES 330
  By Jay S - January 6 - 3:13 am

  We bought the ES a little over a year ago and traded it over a week ago for a sportier car. The ES is an excellent sedan built for comfort and rolling isolation. I just had a change of taste for something sportier and more fun to drive.

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  Outstanding Performance & Value - 2007 Lexus ES 350
  By Jon SF - January 6 - 1:03 am

  This car is everything you can ask of a comfortable luxury sedan: quiet, roomy, fast (0-60 in 6.8 sec), safe (12 airbags, traction control, stability control), comfortable w/luxury touches all over (smart key, real walnut wood trims, air cooled seats). All of this at a cost in the mid $30s with the gas mileage ratings unmatched by anything in its class. It is also the most reliable manufacturer as rated by Consumer Report Magazine. My wife and I had this car for over a month and we are very happy with it - it provided everything we expected and more.

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  2006 Lexus SUV RX400h - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Sandy Pringle - January 5 - 5:13 pm

  Probably the most powerful car Ive ever owned. The powerful feel of acceleration is just a bit scary at first as it is unexpected. This is a real luxury car with all the goodies. I wanted a hybrid, but declined the lightweight and somewhat flimsy feel of the other vehicles on the market.

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  The Best Brand New Used Car - 2000 Lexus RX 300
  By mzelenz - January 5 - 2:00 am

  After searching for months for a new vehicle to replace my aging 91 Previa, we finally decided on a CPO Lexus RX 300. Couldnt be happier and more satisfied as the qualities and amenities we desired have been found in this SUV. Wanted Fun and Functionality and this delivers. AWD, Luxury interior, Sun Roof, Stereo, Heated Seats, Trunk Space, Roof Rack. And the key, best financing available on pre- owned which includes 3 years or 100K. Love this vehicle.

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  Not worth the money - 1999 Lexus LX 470
  By cmorr - January 4 - 3:30 pm

  Purchased as 2nd owner with 50,000 miles, have had it since 2003 now has 110,000 miles on it the moulding on doors was replaced twice because of wind noise still noisy. Radio bad-cd quite working about 1 year ago went to cassette and now it dosent work and the antenna failed all with less than 110,000 easy miles on it. Our upkeep is around 3500 every 9-12 months the leather interior is cracking and is going to cost about 800 to replace. Worst car (for the money spent) that I have ever had. We have a 1992 honda accord with 300,000 miles that I drive.

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  My 2006 Lexus LS430 - 2006 Lexus LS 430
  By Pat & Mike - January 4 - 9:33 am

  Wonderful! Power when I need it. Very comfortable. Only wish 3 things; one, that the compass were visible on the rear view mirror and second, that the screen on the dash could be more protected from the sunlight and third, that it could use regular gas. Hoping the 2007 has this.

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  Dependable SUV - 2002 Lexus RX 300
  By Tim Farrell - January 4 - 9:24 am