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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  I GIVE IT A #9 - 2004 Lexus LS 430
  By DAVE S. - December 31 - 10:00 am

  FOR THE MOST PART, GREAT CAR! FOR OVER $70000 FOR THE ULTRA PACKAGE I FEEL LEXUS COULD SPEND A LITTLE MORE TIME AND MONEY ON THE BODY LINES OF THE CAR...COMPERABLE CARS FOR THAT MONEY SHOW MUCH BETTER.. PREFORMANCE AND HANDLING IS WONDERFUL, AND CONFORT IS SECOND TO NONE!

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  Lexus RX330 - 2004 Lexus RX 330
  By jhsfk - December 31 - 10:00 am

  Very Good and good price for mid size SUV because its Lexus. I love it so much......I drive everyday!

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  RX 330 - 2005 Lexus RX 330
  By Kirk - December 26 - 7:43 am

  Steering is what I would say is over responsive and can cause a swaying sensation when traveling on a straight road. I dont like the response of its acceleration at times. I notice this most when I am traveling at approximately 40 mph and I want to speed up fast, I feel a noticable loss of power, before acceleration begins.

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  Excellent! - 2007 Lexus RX 350
  By Jaymie - December 25 - 10:56 pm

  This car is very reliable. The power liftgate and navigation systems are great. They do need a 3rd row seat however, so that more people can ride.

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  I Love It - 2006 Lexus GX 470
  By Trent - December 25 - 4:10 pm

  I have loved this car from the moment I left the lot. I average 16/17 mpg in town and over 20 on the highway. It pulls my big boat easily.

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  Great SUV! - 2004 Lexus GX 470
  By jackwu - December 25 - 10:00 am

  Perfect! Even the fuel efficiency is not as bad as some other people claimed. I got over 20 mpg on my everyday commute (half local and half highway).

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  Underpowered!!!! - 2016 Lexus CT 200H
  By Robert - December 25 - 6:27 am

  This car struggles to merge and uphill. It turns out this is more like a Prius with some nicer interior and better design. I would not purchase this vehicle ever again. Good thing I leased and in 3 years or less I will be out of it. I would recommend the Golf GTI or the Mazda 3 S Hatchback over this expensive Lexus.

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  Value question - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By Carter - December 24 - 9:50 pm

  This is my third Lexus, but first SUV. Brought the vehicle primary for the advertised mileage of 31 mpg combined. Im getting currently after 11,000 miles about 19.4. Most driving off freeway. Very disappointing. In addition, unlike other models, it has not kept its value. MSRP has dropped over $2,000. since I purchased it in April of 05. Inquires to Lexus have not been responded to concerning the mileage problem. Hate to say it is not worth the price.

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  IS 300 Great for the price - 2005 Lexus IS 300
  By Richard - December 24 - 3:43 pm

  Fantasic beautifully crafted sedan. Has all options I wanted. Just plain great automobile

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  Best Used Car Ive Owned - 1996 Lexus ES 300
  By Rick Wolf - December 23 - 8:33 pm

  As a buyer who usually purchases new, riding down the road of trying to select a good used vehicle that was good looking, fun to drive and economical (regular unleaded) was challenging. However, to my delight I was fortunate enough to select a 1996 Lexus ES 300. It rides like new, has almost 100k miles and still is a real plaesure to drive. The only thing that needs repair are the two front leather seat bottoms. I will have that done for a few hundred bucks and drive this car untill the wheels fall off. The way the Lexus is built, it may outlast me! I can not be happier with the quality, looks and reliability of this car. This is my second Lexus, and I love it.