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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  Best Car - 2001 Lexus GS 300
  By TJS - September 22 - 4:06 pm

  This is the best car Ive ever owned, not perfect but very good. Runs great - no problems, great road car. I have a problem with the straight six engine, I would like a V-6. Truthfully, I didnt know it was a straight six but its the Solara engine. It is fine but I prefer v-6s and V-8s as a personal thing.

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  Excellent Car-All Mistakes Are Minor - 2003 Lexus LS 430
  By The Yo - September 22 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car! It is a must-buy! There are a few minor details (mistakes) though. Its ability to turn isnt as good as the other Lexus models and they kind of screwed up the exterior design. Luckily, the controls arent nearly as confusing as the Mercedes-Benz controls. Also, I have to say that this car is the most addictive car ever created. Once you get in, you wont want to get out. It is a very silent car with a great engine and a really good fuel economy. Look for exterior and engine improvements in the 2004 model.

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  There is a reason not to choose GX470... - 2003 Lexus LX 470
  By DrJT - September 22 - 2:00 am

  Just got my LX470 two days ago. Its a bit surprising to myself, because I went to the dealership to buy GX470 that day. I Never liked the pre-2003 LX470 models because they look like Land Cruzer too much and is not too sporty in look. I test-drove both, and feel GX470 kind of squeezing and very unconfortable on the drivers side, too. The minor changes on the exterior makes the over-all look sporty and pretty.

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  I love this car! - 2003 Lexus IS 300
  By Nickel - September 22 - 2:00 am

  This car has satisfied every penny that I have spent on it, especially its style. The headlights and the tail lights just amaze me every time I see them. In fact, everyday I cant wait till it gets dark just to have a reason to turn them on. The interior maybe a bit small, but what do you expect from a luxury compact sport sedan? The orange dashboard lights against the black really looks good too. The car rides very smoothly and nimbly through the forest of cars on the highway at rush hour. Overall, I think this is a better buy than a BMW 3 or a Mercedes C.

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  Great Sports Car - 2003 Lexus SC 430
  By Blue Streak - September 22 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive, great acceleration, good gas mileage, great sound system, only minus not much trunk room.

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  Getting old and still working well - 2006 Lexus RX 400H
  By erik36 - September 21 - 4:42 am

  I am not much of a car buff, but after looking at the reviews thought I would check in about my car at 130,000 miles. No problems. Gets 27+ mpg on my 45 mi/hr commute which is flat and allows for coasting. As I read the reviews, I see that the biggest complaint is repair costs. I expect that that is the way it is with all Lexuses. However, I have not had any, except recalls which were free (in cost and hassle factor). Love this car.

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  My first Lexus - 2006 Lexus GS 300
  By CPS - September 20 - 3:46 pm

  This car is so superior to anything Ive ever owned-including several Mercedes, and two Infinitis - it is as though Lexus is in a different business from the rest of the auto makers. I refer to performance, comfort, quality of "build", and dependability - and low cost of maintenance. Lexus has it figured out!

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  Moving into the future - 2008 Lexus RX 400H
  By ad - September 18 - 3:50 pm

  Fun to drive, elegant, dont forget to brake, or at least put it in "b" if you want to get some help stopping.

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  Fantastic Car - 1997 Lexus ES 300
  By David Peecook - September 18 - 9:13 am

  I bought my ES300 in 2000 as a "Certified" Lexus with 45,000 miles on it. I just passed 200,000 miles and the car still run as it did when I first got it! I have diligently followed the maintenance schedule and have only had a few surprises - never a break down. This has been the best car that I have ever owned.

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  RX450h - 2010 Lexus RX 450h
  By W.Yao - September 17 - 3:43 pm

  Quiet and smooth is the obvious feeling when driving. The exterior shape is awesome. Interior has a lot of space and is very luxury and comfortable. However the gas pedal is sluggish. My first tank of gas only gives me 24.6 mpg which I drove about 240 miles highway (60~70 mph) and about 160 miles city (25~45 mph). I was expecting at least 29 mpg in this drive pattern. Hopefully next tank of gas would give me better performance.